Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery which involves removing excess skin from the eyelids, removing or repositioning fat, and tightening the muscles.
It is performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids and can be both functional and cosmetic.
A lower eyelid surgery primarily addresses puffiness and loss of volume, for which fat may be injected.
The main focus of upper eyelid surgery is droopiness. It’s medically necessary when there is significant vision impairment.
The surgery does not address crow’s feet or laugh lines around the eyes, however. Additionally, it won’t eliminate wrinkles outside of the surgical areas.
Cost Of Blepharoplasty In Turkey
In Turkey, blepharoplasty costs around £2,500.
This price is inclusive of hotel, transfers, dedicated translators, consultation, surgery, anaesthesia, medication, and aftercare.
Compared to the UK alone, this surgery is almost 3-5 times cheaper in Turkey because of the low cost of living and exchange rates.
Here’s a comparison of blepharoplasty costs in different countries to give you an idea of how affordable it is in Turkey:
| Cost Comparison By Country | Blepharoplasty Cost |
| Blepharoplasty Cost In Turkey | £2,500 |
| Blepharoplasty Cost In The UK | £4,000 |
| Blepharoplasty Cost In The US | $4,000 |
| Blepharoplasty Cost In Australia | A$3,500 |
| Blepharoplasty Cost In Canada | CA$6,200 |
When done for cosmetic reasons, this surgery won’t be covered by the NHS or insurance.
There is usually only one exception to this rule: when the patient’s upper eyelids significantly block their field of vision, a condition known as ptosis. Otherwise, you’ll have to get it privately.
Benefits Of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty offers several benefits, including:
- Making the eyes look rested and youthful
- Improving vision with ptosis repair
- Minimising the appearance of puffy eyes
- Reducing asymmetry from skin laxity
- Reshaping the eyes
- Getting rid of loose skin
As people age, they feel their faces don’t reflect their inner feelings. They look tired and sad all the time.
This expression is largely influenced by their eyes. Fortunately, blepharoplasty can permanently fix these problems.
Contraindications For Blepharoplasty
There are some instances in which plastic surgeons recommend against eyelid lift surgery. This is when you have:
- High blood pressure
- Glaucoma (damaged optic nerve)
- Blepharitis (inflamed eyelids)
- Bulging eyes from thyroid disease (Graves disease)
- Dry eye syndrome
Am I Suitable For Blepharoplasty?
What To Think About Before You Have Blepharoplasty In Turkey
If you are looking for a clinic that offers blepharoplasty, you should make sure that it is registered with a healthcare authority. It’s best if you get the surgery in internationally accredited hospitals.
In addition, you should about the specialisation of the plastic surgeon performing your procedure. Ask them how many lower/upper blepharoplasty surgeries they have performed and for how long.
To see the results of blepharoplasty, you should also check out the before and after photos. You can reference images of patients to the surgeon as well.
Other than that, you need to find out the risks and complications of this surgical procedure. Make sure to discuss all your needs and expectations with the surgeon. They may suggest surgery for lower and upper eyelids in addition to others to meet your aesthetic goals.
Lastly, make sure to find out if the surgeon is registered and has insurance against malpractice.
Pre-Operative Do’s and Dont’s for Blepharoplasty
Procedure Of Blepharoplasty Surgery
An eye-lift surgery can take place under general or local anaesthesia with sedation. It takes around 1-2 hours and is an outpatient procedure.
Incisions are made on the upper and lower eyelids depending on the type of surgery you’re undergoing.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
There are 4 different types of eyelid surgeries. You can get one or more of them to achieve your desired results.
Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty
If you have sagging upper eyelids, the surgeon will make an incision along the natural crease to remove fat and excess skin. In addition, they may tighten the muscles underneath. It will help you get rid of droopy eyelids.
In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon can make incisions in two different areas:
- Subciliary Incision: this is made along the lower lash line, which doesn’t leave a visible scar. This surgery will fill the hollow areas in the lower eyelids by adjusting the fat pads (or injecting them). It’s best to get rid of puffiness.
- Transconjunctival Incision: Inside the eye along the lash line. This is done when the patient doesn’t have excess skin. Also, this surgical technique may not require any suturing.
Double Eyelid Surgery/Asian Blepharoplasty
As the name indicates, this is more common among Asians. This surgery changes a “monolid” into a “double lid” by creating a crease in the upper eyelid.
The surgeon does so by removing a strip of skin slightly above the area from where the crease will form. This surgery can make the eyes look bigger and rounder.
Canthoplasty/Foxy Eye Surgery
Also known as cat-eye surgery, it gives the eyes the shape of an almond. This cosmetic surgery has two techniques.
- Lateral Canthoplasty – the surgeon makes an incision on the outer corner of the eye – the lateral canthus – where the lids meet. Its angle is adjusted to make the eyes look elongated.
- Epicanthoplasty – the surgeon makes incisions on the inner corners of the eyes. Mainly, this surgery aims to increase the size of the eyes.
Keep in mind that canthoplasty is not the same as canthopexy surgery, which mainly tones the muscles in the eyes by tightening them.
| Upper and/or Lower Eyelid Surgery | Double Eyelid Surgery | Canthoplasty | |
| Incisions | Along the crease for upper eyelid. Inside or outside the lash line for lower eyelid. | Slightly above the crease (which is to be made). | The area where the upper and lower eyelids meet on the inner and/or the outer corner. |
| Surgical Time | 2 hours | 1-1.5 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Surgical Goal | Gets rid of droopiness and creases. | Creates a crease in the upper lid. | Makes the eyes bigger and in the shape of an almond. |
| Recovery Time | 2-3 months | 1-3 months | 2-4 weeks |
| Results | Immediate & permanent | Immediate & permanent | Immediate & permanent |
You can also have an eyebrow lift with blepharoplasty for even better results. Other than that, you can combine it with breast surgery (implants, reduction or lift), neck and facelift, and liposuction.
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Recovery Process After Blepharoplasty
Typically, blepharoplasty recovery takes around 1-2 weeks.
During this time, you can experience temporary blurry vision, teariness dryness, itchiness, swelling, redness tightness, bruising, scarring (tiny white bumps), and light sensitivity.
You can use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Also, you can wear tinted sunglasses to hide bruising while protecting your eyes.
Some things that you need to avoid during recovery include:
- Reading, using a phone or watching TV for 2-3 days
- Vigorous physical activity for 2-3 weeks
- Wearing makeup and/or contact lenses for 2 weeks
- Smoking as it can irritate your eyes and make you want to rub them
After 2-3 months, the final results of your blepharoplasty will be visible.
Side Effects And Complications Associated With Blepharoplasty
Like other surgical procedures, blepharoplasty also carries certain side effects and risks. These include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Bleeding
- Outward turning of eyelids (ectropion)
- Sunken eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Loss of vision
- Scarring
Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon may reduce the risk of complications.
Still, if you experience a post-op complication after upper and/or lower blepharoplasty, immediately get in touch with our Aftercare team.
FAQ
Can I get both upper and lower blepharoplasty at the same time?
Yes, you can have this surgery on both eyelids on the same day.
Is a blepharoplasty painful?
Blepharoplasty is done under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You can experience pain afterwards but you’ll be prescribed painkillers to manage it.
What is the best age to have blepharoplasty?
Typically, people get blepharoplasty in their 40s. However, there’s no best age to get this surgery. It depends on your aesthetic and/or functional needs.
Will I meet the surgeon before the surgery takes place?
Yes, you will only proceed with the surgery once you’ve communicated your expectations of the plastic surgery and agreed to the treatment plan.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey for blepharoplasty?
You’ll have to stay in Turkey for 8-9 days when getting a blepharoplasty. After the surgery, a check-up appointment takes place 6-7 days after. During this, your surgeon will remove your stitches.
How long does a blepharoplasty last?
Blepharoplasty results are permanent. However, this surgery won’t stop or prevent the process of skin ageing. Therefore, the quality of the skin around your eyes will change with time.
Reviewed and Approved by Prof Fuat Yuksel
