Short answer
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes or repositions excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It usually takes 1-3 hours under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, and most patients go home the same day. Patients typically stay in Istanbul for 5-7 days and return to work after 7-10 days.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is surgery on the eyelids to remove excess skin and treat puffiness. Upper blepharoplasty removes hooding skin that can make the eyes look heavy and, in some cases, limit the upper field of vision. Lower blepharoplasty treats bags and hollows under the eyes.
Many patients have both lids treated in one session. Eyelid surgery is often combined with a brow lift when the brow has also dropped.
Who is it for?
Eyelid surgery suits adults who are bothered by heavy upper lids or under-eye bags that make them look tired. You should have healthy eyes and no untreated dry eye or eye disease.
- Hooded or heavy upper eyelids
- Puffy bags under the eyes
- Fine crepey skin on the lids
- Upper eyelid skin touching the lashes
How the procedure is done
For the upper lids, the surgeon makes an incision in the natural eyelid crease, removes a measured amount of skin and, if needed, a little muscle and fat. The scar sits in the fold and is usually hard to see once healed.
For the lower lids, the incision is placed just below the lash line or on the inside of the lid (transconjunctival), with no visible scar. Fat can be removed or moved to smooth a hollow tear trough.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Upper, lower or combined eyelid surgery
Upper eyelid surgery is the shorter procedure and is often done under local anaesthesia with sedation in about 1 hour. Lower eyelid surgery is more delicate because it affects the support of the lower lid, and usually takes 1.5-2 hours.
When both are done together, many patients choose sedation or general anaesthesia for comfort. Lower lid surgery can also include fat repositioning to blend the bag into the cheek, which avoids a hollow look. Your surgeon checks your lid tone before deciding on the technique.
Recovery and results
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are normal for 1-2 weeks. Cold compresses, eye drops and sleeping with your head raised help. Stitches are usually removed after 5-7 days.
Most people are comfortable going out after 10-14 days, and makeup can be used once the wounds have healed. The final, natural look is usually seen after 3-6 months, and results from upper eyelid surgery commonly last many years.
Risks and safety
Risks include bleeding, infection, temporary dry or watery eyes, difficulty fully closing the eyes for a short time, asymmetry and visible scarring. Lower lid surgery carries a small risk of the lid pulling down (ectropion). Serious vision problems are very rare.
A doctor assesses your eyes and eyelids in person, asks about dry eye and vision, and decides whether upper, lower or both lids should be treated.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Go home or to hotel with cold compresses and drops.
- Week 1Stitches removed around day 5-7.
- Week 2Most bruising fades, return to work and screens.
- Month 1Swelling largely settled, normal exercise.
- Month 3-6Scars soften and the final result is visible.
Frequently asked questions
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Most patients describe discomfort rather than pain. The area is numbed during surgery and simple painkillers usually control any soreness afterwards.
Will I have visible scars after blepharoplasty?
Upper lid scars sit in the natural crease and are usually hard to see. Lower lid surgery can often be done from inside the eyelid, leaving no visible scar.
When can I wear contact lenses after eyelid surgery?
Usually after about 2 weeks. Wear glasses until your surgeon confirms the lids have healed.
Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?
If heavy upper lid skin is blocking your upper field of vision, removing it can improve it. A doctor checks this during your consultation.
