What blepharoplasty is
Blepharoplasty is surgery of the eyelids. In the upper lid it removes excess skin – and, if needed, a little fat – that folds over the crease and makes the eye look hooded. In the lower lid it treats bags caused by fat pushing forward, either by removing it or by repositioning it to smooth the transition between eyelid and cheek. Incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the upper lid, inside the lower lid or just below the lashes, so scars fade well over time.
It is one of the most frequently requested facial procedures because a small change around the eyes has a large effect on how rested you look. The overview on the eyelid surgery page of New City Clinic also notes the functional side: where a drooping upper lid narrows the field of vision, surgery can bring a practical benefit as well as a cosmetic one.
Who is it for?
Eyelid surgery suits healthy adults with:
- excess upper-lid skin that makes the eyes look heavy or tired, or that rests on the lashes;
- a hooded lid that makes applying eye make-up difficult;
- bags under the eyes that persist regardless of sleep;
- a field of vision narrowed by drooping skin.
If you have dry eyes, glaucoma, thyroid eye disease or have had laser eye surgery, mention it: the surgeon may request an eye examination first. It also helps to know what blepharoplasty does not treat. Dark circles caused by pigmentation and fine crow's feet respond to skin treatments and injectables. If the eyebrow itself has dropped, an eyelid operation alone cannot lift it – a brow lift may be needed, often combined. And if you would like a lifted, almond-shaped outer corner, read about cat eye surgery.
Upper, lower or both
| Procedure | What is done | Where the scar is |
|---|---|---|
| Upper blepharoplasty | Excess skin (and sometimes a little fat) removed | In the natural crease of the upper lid |
| Lower blepharoplasty – transconjunctival | Fat bags treated from inside the lid | Inside the eyelid, not visible |
| Lower blepharoplasty – subciliary | Fat treated and excess skin removed | Just below the lashes |
| Combined upper and lower | Both lids in one session | As above |
| With a brow lift | Lids and a dropped brow treated together | Lid crease plus small incisions in the scalp |
Eyelid surgery is also frequently combined with a facelift or fat transfer to the under-eye hollow. Combining means one recovery period, but a longer operation, so the surgeon recommends what makes sense after examining you.
Your eyelid surgery in Istanbul, step by step
- Free assessment. Send close-up photos of your eyes with eyes open and closed, looking straight ahead, plus front and side views of your face and your health history. A doctor reviews them and New City Clinic sends a written plan and quote, usually within 24 hours.
- Arrival. You are met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
- Examination. Surgeon's consultation, tests and, where needed, an eye examination. The amount of skin to be removed is measured and marked.
- Procedure. About 1–2 hours, usually under local anaesthesia, at a licensed partner hospital. You normally go back to your hotel the same day.
- Stitch removal. Stitches are removed around day 5–7 and the surgeon checks healing.
- Home. Total stay of about 5–7 days in Türkiye; follow-up continues by photo and video call.
Sunglasses help with light sensitivity and hide bruising on the journey; eye drops are useful on the plane because cabin air is dry. More travel tips are in our trip planning guide.
Preparing for eyelid surgery
A few simple steps help. If you smoke, stop well before surgery and stay off nicotine afterwards. Tell the team about every medicine, eye drop and supplement you use; blood thinners and some supplements may need to be paused on medical advice. If you wear contact lenses, bring your glasses – you will need them for about two weeks. Pack good sunglasses, a soft eye mask, preservative-free lubricating drops if your surgeon recommends them, and audiobooks or podcasts, because long reading and screen time are best avoided in the first days. Arrange for someone to travel with you if possible: you will be able to see, but it is more comfortable not to navigate an airport alone with swollen eyelids.
Recovery after blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery is generally well tolerated. The eyes feel tight, a little gritty and watery for the first days; swelling and bruising peak around day two or three.
- Days 1–3: cool compresses, sleep with your head raised, avoid long periods on screens and reading.
- Days 5–7: stitches removed; bruising begins to fade.
- About 7–10 days: most people return to work.
- About 2 weeks: contact lenses and eye make-up are usually allowed again once the surgeon has checked the healing.
- Three weeks: sport resumed.
- Around three months: the scar has softened and the final result is visible.
Protect the eyes from wind and strong sun with sunglasses for the first weeks.
Risks
Common, temporary effects are swelling, bruising, tenderness, watery or dry eyes and blurred vision from ointment. Less common complications include infection, bleeding, visible scarring, asymmetry, difficulty closing the eyes completely for a time, and a pulling down of the lower lid after lower blepharoplasty. Serious complications affecting vision are rare but are explained before surgery. Your surgeon discusses the risks specific to you at the examination.
Taking off too much skin is a real concern with eyelid surgery, which is why the amount removed is measured carefully and planned conservatively. Results vary with anatomy and healing and cannot be guaranteed. Our guide to safe surgery in Turkey lists the checks worth making.
Eyelid surgery price in Turkey
The illustrative package price for eyelid surgery with New City Clinic is €3,300; the final figure is confirmed after the free medical assessment and depends on whether upper, lower or both lids are treated. Flights are not included.
The package includes surgery at an authorised partner hospital, hotel accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers, pre-operative tests where specified, a coordinator and interpreter, and complication insurance. Privately in the UK and Ireland, upper and lower blepharoplasty together is often quoted at approximately £4,000 to £7,000 or more – an approximate range only. See our full price list, the prices of New City Clinic and our explanation of an all-inclusive package.
Why we recommend New City Clinic as the best clinic in Turkey for eyelid surgery
Many people begin by searching for the best clinic in Turkey for blepharoplasty. Our honest answer is that "best" should be measured by things you can check – and on those measures we recommend New City Clinic as one of the best clinics in Istanbul for eyelid surgery. It holds the Ministry of Health health-tourism authorisation and HealthTürkiye registration, a TÜRSAB Group A licence (no. 17659) and ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2022, ISO 10002:2018 and ISO 31000:2018 certificates, all published on the New City Clinic licences page. Add licensed partner hospitals, a named specialist surgeon, complication insurance, transparent written prices, one coordinator from start to finish and a quote within 24 hours, and you have the reasons we point readers to New City Clinic.
New City Clinic is a health-tourism agency in Bakırköy, Istanbul, authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health (HealthTürkiye) and licensed by TÜRSAB (no. 17659). It works with licensed partner hospitals such as Acıbadem, Medicana, Medipol, Medical Park and Biruni, and specialist surgeons such as Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç, plastic, reconstructive and oncological surgeon.
Because eyelid surgery has a short stay, it pairs well with other procedures or simply with a few quiet days in the city. You receive your hospital and surgeon in writing, an itemised quote and a coordinator throughout. Licences are listed on our licences and certificates page.
Get your free eyelid surgery quote
Send New City Clinic close-up photos of your eyes – open, closed and looking straight ahead – plus front and side photos of your face, and mention any eye conditions. A doctor reviews them free of charge and you usually receive a written plan and quote within 24 hours. Use the form or message us on WhatsApp; there is no obligation.
Choosing the best plastic surgeon in Istanbul and the best clinic in Turkey is a personal decision – take your time, ask questions and compare written plans. When you are ready, the Eyelid surgery page of New City Clinic and the New City Clinic team on WhatsApp are one message away.
Frequently asked questions
How much does eyelid surgery cost in Turkey?
With New City Clinic the illustrative package price for blepharoplasty in Istanbul is €3,300, including surgery, hotel, transfers, coordinator and complication insurance. Flights are not included; the final price is confirmed after a free assessment.
Is blepharoplasty done under local anaesthetic?
Upper eyelid surgery is often performed under local anaesthesia and you usually go home the same day. The type of anaesthesia for combined or lower-lid surgery is decided by the surgeon.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul for eyelid surgery?
About 5 to 7 days, so that the stitches can be removed before you fly home.
Will the scar show after eyelid surgery?
The upper scar sits in the natural crease and is usually very hard to see once healed. Lower eyelid incisions are made inside the lid or just below the lashes.
Can blepharoplasty remove dark circles or wrinkles?
It treats excess skin and fat bags. Pigmentation, dark circles and fine lines are addressed with other treatments, such as skin care or injectables.
When can I wear contact lenses and make-up again?
Usually after about two weeks, once the surgeon has checked the healing.
When can I return to work after eyelid surgery?
Most people return to work in about 7 to 10 days, when bruising and swelling have largely settled. Sport is resumed after about three weeks.
Do I need a brow lift as well?
If the brow itself has dropped, eyelid surgery alone cannot lift it. The surgeon assesses which you need, and the two are often combined.
