Blepharoplasty in Turkey | Affordable costs & Expert surgeons

What is blepharoplasty and what does it treat?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat around the eyes. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both, and treats three main concerns:

• Drooping upper eyelids (ptosis/blepharoptosis): excess skin that creates a tired appearance and, in more advanced cases, can reduce your field of vision.
• Under-eye bags and dark circles: fat protrusion that creates shadows and a fatigued look.
• Fine lines and eye-area wrinkles.

You may be a good candidate if you're in good general health, don't smoke (or are willing to stop),and have realistic expectations about a refreshed, not radically different, appearance.

Blepharoplasty is generally not recommended if you have:

• Eye conditions: Conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, severe dry-eye syndrome, vision in only one eye.
• Systemic conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis),clotting disorders.
• Scarring history: Tendency to keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

A full pre-operative evaluation, including an ophthalmologic exam, determines whether you're a suitable candidate.

Blepharoplasty process (upper and lower)

Before undergoing blepharoplasty in Turkey, you will be offered a pre-operative consultation. This allows us to determine the patient's aesthetic needs and motivations.

A complete ophthalmologic examination is then performed to determine the type of incision to be used during blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty is performed in the operating room under local anesthesia and/or sedation-analgesia or, more rarely, under general anesthesia. The incisions, made with modern techniques (blade, laser, radiofrequency),are discreet and adapted to each case.

• Upper eyelid surgery: an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper lid to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscle. The scar is virtually invisible once healed.
• Lower eyelid surgery: performed via a transconjunctival incision, hidden inside the eyelid, to remove or reposition fat and tighten the skin, with no visible external scar.

The procedure is done under local anesthesia with sedation, or occasionally general anesthesia, and takes 1 to 3 hours depending on whether one or both eyelids are treated. Stitches, when used rather than dissolvable sutures, are typically removed 5 to 7 days after surgery.

Thanks to these advanced techniques, the scars are virtually invisible, and the results are natural and long-lasting.

Is blepharoplasty painful, and what are the risks?

Blepharoplasty is generally well tolerated. Most patients describe mild discomfort, not significant pain, in the first 24-48 hours, controlled with standard pain medication.

As with any surgery, known risks include:

• Bleeding and bruising.
• Temporary swelling.
• Delayed healing or infection.
• Scarring.
• Dry or irritated eyes.
• Temporary blurred vision.
• Eyelid asymmetry or, rarely, over/under-correction requiring a touch-up.
• Very rarely: retrobulbar hemorrhage, a serious complication that can threaten vision and requires immediate medical attention.

Choosing a board-certified oculoplastic or facial surgeon operating in an accredited hospital significantly reduces these risks. If you notice sudden vision changes, severe pain, or unusual swelling after surgery, contact your surgeon immediately.

How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?

The recovery timeframe for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) unfolds in distinct phases. Here is what to expect week-by-week during your healing journey:

If you are traveling abroad for your procedure (such as to Turkey),plan for a 5 to 7-day stay. This timeframe ensures you can attend your initial post-operative checkup and stitch removal before flying home, after which remote follow-up care continues with your surgical team.

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Blepharoplasty is frequently combined with:

• Forehead/brow lift: corrects forehead wrinkles and lifts the eyebrows for a more open look.
• Under-eye fat grafting: fills hollow dark circles using the patient's own fat.
• Canthoplasty/canthopexy: reshapes the outer corner of the eye for a more almond-shaped, lifted appearance.

Combining procedures in a single surgical session can reduce total anesthesia exposure and overall recovery downtime compared to two separate operations.

If your main concern is mild skin laxity rather than significant excess tissue, a non-surgical option like Plexr eyelid rejuvenation may be worth discussing with your surgeon during your free teleconsultation.

Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?

Coverage for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) depends entirely on the primary medical purpose of the procedure:

• Functional blepharoplasty: If severe skin sagging (ptosis or dermatochalasis) hangs over the eyelashes and measurably obstructs your upper field of vision, the procedure is considered medically necessary. Private health insurance or public healthcare systems may cover the costs, provided you submit a certified visual field test (perimetry) and photographic evidence demonstrating visual impairment.
• Cosmetic blepharoplasty: If the surgery is performed solely to refresh your appearance, remove under-eye bags, or smooth out tired-looking eyelids without affecting your sight, it is classified as an elective aesthetic procedure. Cosmetic blepharoplasty is not covered by health insurance anywhere.

The vast majority of medical travelers pursuing blepharoplasty abroad (such as in Turkey) do so for cosmetic reasons. In these cases, insurance coverage does not apply, making transparent, all-inclusive package pricing the primary cost consideration.