Blepharoplasty in Turkey: Eyelid surgery cost, techniques & care

What is blepharoplasty?

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

• Drooping upper eyelids (dermatochalasis): excess skin that creates a tired appearance and, in more advanced cases, can reduce your field of vision. True ptosis, where the eyelid margin sits too low because of a problem with the muscle or tendon that lifts it, needs a separate ptosis repair, which can sometimes be done in the same operation.
• Under-eye bags: fat protrusion that creates shadows and a tired look. Surgery may reduce shadow-related dark circles in some cases, but not those caused by pigmentation.

According to the ISAPS 2024 Global Survey, eyelid surgery was the most performed cosmetic surgical procedure worldwide, with about 2.1 million procedures.

Candidate selection criteria for blepharoplasty

You may be a good candidate if you are in good general health, do not smoke (or are willing to stop),and have realistic expectations: a refreshed look, not a radically different one.

Surgery may need to be postponed or avoided if you have:

• Eye conditions: active conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, severe dry-eye syndrome, or vision in only one eye (to be assessed case by case).
• Medical conditions: uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, autoimmune disease (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis),or clotting disorders.
• Scarring or medication factors: a tendency toward keloid or hypertrophic scars, or use of blood thinners (to be discussed with your surgeon).

A full pre-operative evaluation, including an eye examination, confirms whether you are a suitable candidate.

How is blepharoplasty performed?

Before blepharoplasty in Turkey, you will have a pre-operative consultation so the surgeon can understand your goals and concerns. A full eye examination follows to plan the type of incision.

The procedure takes place in an operating room, usually under local anesthesia with sedation, or more rarely under general anesthesia. It generally takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether one or both eyelids are treated. Incisions can be made with a scalpel, laser, or radiofrequency, depending on the surgeon's technique.

• Upper eyelid: an incision in the natural crease removes excess skin and, if needed, a small amount of muscle or fat. The scar is usually discreet once fully healed.
• Lower eyelid: a transconjunctival incision, made inside the lid, treats fat bags without a visible scar. If there is excess skin, an additional incision just below the lashes or a skin-tightening treatment may be needed.

If non-dissolvable stitches are used, they are usually removed after about 5 to 7 days. Results are long-lasting but not permanent, since the eyelids continue to age.

Is blepharoplasty painful, and what are the associated surgical risks?

Post-operative recovery following blepharoplasty is generally associated with mild discomfort rather than severe pain. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, patients typically experience tightness, mild soreness, or a sensation of heaviness around the eyes, which is managed with standard oral analgesics and cold compresses.

Surgical risks & potential complications

Eyelid surgery is commonly performed, but like any surgery it carries risks, whose frequency depends on the technique, your health and the surgeon's experience:

Common & transient side effects:

• Post-operative ecchymosis (bruising) and localized edema (swelling).
• Temporary eye irritation, dryness, or excessive tearing.
• Transient blurred or double vision (diplopia) due to post-operative ointment use or mild tissue swelling.

Surgical & anatomical complications:

• Delayed wound healing or localized surgical site infection.
• Visible scarring or asymmetry between the eyelids.
• Over-correction or under-correction of skin/fat removal, which may require a secondary touch-up procedure.
• Temporary or persistent difficulty in closing the eyes fully (lagophthalmos),or lower eyelid eversion/pull-down (ectropion).

Rare but serious complication:

• Retrobulbar hemorrhage: bleeding behind the eye that raises pressure inside the eye. It can threaten vision and needs emergency treatment, which may include urgent surgery to relieve the pressure.

Risk reduction & emergency signs

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon or an oculoplastic surgeon with documented experience in eyelid surgery, operating in an accredited facility.

Red flag symptoms: Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience sudden or severe vision changes, acute deep eye pain, or rapid, asymmetrical swelling in the immediate post-operative phase.

How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?

The recovery after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) unfolds in distinct phases. Here is what to expect week by week:

If you are traveling abroad for your procedure (such as to Turkey),plan for a 5 to 7-day stay. This timeframe allows you to attend your initial post-operative checkup and stitch removal before flying home, after which remote follow-up 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 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 may be 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 and is generally not covered by health insurance.

Most medical travelers pursuing blepharoplasty abroad (such as in Turkey) do so for cosmetic reasons. In these cases, insurance coverage usually does not apply, making the detailed package price the main cost consideration.