Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon
Medical Review Date: August 19, 2026
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure used to address selected changes in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.
Depending on the patient, treatment may involve excess eyelid skin, prominent fat, lower-eye bags or other anatomical concerns around the eyes.
Blepharoplasty may be performed for cosmetic reasons, while some patients with significant upper-eyelid tissue may also have functional concerns.
However, not every heavy or hooded eye requires blepharoplasty. Brow position, eyelid function, eye health, previous surgery and individual anatomy should also be assessed before treatment.
Explore other Face Aesthetic treatments in Turkey.
Blepharoplasty Turkey Cost 2026
Current Clinic Care Center published estimates for 2026 are:
| Procedure | Current 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|
| Upper Blepharoplasty | $1,500–$2,200 |
| Lower Blepharoplasty | $1,800–$2,800 |
| Upper + Lower Blepharoplasty | $2,800–$4,000 |
These are estimated treatment prices rather than guaranteed prices for every patient.
The final cost may vary according to:
- Upper, lower or combined eyelid surgery
- Amount and type of correction required
- Previous eyelid surgery
- Surgical technique
- Type of anesthesia
- Operating facility fees
- Preoperative medical assessment
- Additional procedures
- Follow-up requirements
- Accommodation and transfers when included
Patients travelling internationally should receive a written treatment plan explaining the proposed procedure and exactly what is included in the quoted price.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is surgery performed on the eyelids.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, eyelid surgery can be performed on:
- The upper eyelids
- The lower eyelids
- Or both
Depending on the anatomy, surgery may address concerns such as:
- Loose or excess upper-eyelid skin
- Eyelid puffiness related to fat
- Bags beneath the eyes
- Selected lower-eyelid skin concerns
- Certain functional problems caused by upper-eyelid tissue
The operation should be customized rather than applying the same amount of skin or fat removal to every patient.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is performed on the upper eyelid.
A typical incision can be positioned within the natural eyelid crease.
Depending on the individual anatomy, surgery may involve:
- Removing a selected amount of excess skin
- Repositioning or removing selected fat
- Addressing other eyelid tissues when appropriate
This does not mean that every upper blepharoplasty requires removal of:
- The same amount of skin
- A strip of muscle
- The same fat compartments
Overcorrection can affect eyelid closure and comfort, so the surgical plan should be based on individual anatomy.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty is used to address selected concerns beneath the eyes.
These may include:
- Prominent lower-eyelid fat
- Under-eye bags
- Selected excess skin
- Certain contour irregularities
The surgical approach depends on whether the main concern involves:
- Fat
- Skin
- Eyelid support
- Or a combination
Lower blepharoplasty should not automatically be described as simply “removing eye bags.”
Modern surgical planning may involve removal, repositioning or preservation of tissues depending on the patient’s anatomy.
Transconjunctival vs External Lower Blepharoplasty
There are different approaches to lower-eyelid surgery.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
A transconjunctival incision is made inside the lower eyelid.
This means there is no external skin incision from that approach.
It can be used in selected patients to access and reposition or remove lower-eyelid fat.
However, the transconjunctival technique does not remove excess external eyelid skin by itself.
External Lower-Eyelid Approach
An incision may also be placed just below the lower eyelashes.
This approach can allow treatment of selected skin and deeper tissues when required.
Neither technique is automatically better for every patient.
The choice depends on:
- Skin excess
- Fat distribution
- Eyelid laxity
- Lower-eyelid position
- Previous surgery
- Surgical goals
An internal incision also does not guarantee that the natural eye shape can never change.
Cosmetic vs Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery
Most patients considering blepharoplasty are concerned about appearance.
However, significant upper-eyelid skin can sometimes interfere with the visual field.
This does not mean that every person with hooded eyelids has a vision problem.
When functional impairment is suspected, additional assessment may be appropriate to determine whether the problem relates to:
- Excess upper-eyelid skin
- Eyelid position
- Brow position
- Or another eye-related condition
The website should therefore not describe blepharoplasty as a guaranteed treatment for impaired vision in every patient.
Blepharoplasty vs Brow Lift
A heavy upper-eye appearance does not always originate from the eyelid itself.
A descended eyebrow can contribute to apparent eyelid hooding.
A Brow Lift primarily changes brow and forehead position.
Upper blepharoplasty primarily addresses selected upper-eyelid tissues.
Some patients may benefit from one procedure, while selected patients may have a separate indication for both.
The correct treatment should be based on the source of the concern rather than automatically removing more eyelid skin.
Blepharoplasty vs Cat Eye Surgery
Blepharoplasty and Cat Eye Surgery are different procedures.
Blepharoplasty addresses eyelid tissues.
Canthopexy or canthoplasty involves support or modification of structures around the outer corner of the eyelids.
Canthal surgery should therefore not be presented as simply an additional type of blepharoplasty.
If both procedures are proposed, there should be a separate anatomical reason for each.
Who May Be Suitable for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty may be discussed with adults who:
- Have concerns involving upper or lower eyelid tissues
- Are generally healthy enough for surgery
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand possible scars and complications
- Can follow postoperative instructions
- Do not smoke or can follow their surgeon’s recommendations regarding smoking
Suitability may also depend on eye health.
A patient should inform the medical team about:
- Dry-eye symptoms
- Previous eye or eyelid surgery
- Vision problems
- Glaucoma or other eye disease
- Thyroid-related eye problems
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Previous facial surgery
- Regular medication
Additional ophthalmic assessment may be appropriate in selected cases.
Dry Eye Before Blepharoplasty
Existing dry-eye symptoms are particularly important to discuss before eyelid surgery.
Symptoms can include:
- Burning
- Grittiness
- Irritation
- Excessive watering
- Fluctuating visual comfort
- Sensitivity to air or screens
Research on functional considerations in eyelid surgery has identified pre-existing dry eye and lower-eyelid laxity as factors that may be relevant when considering postoperative problems.
This does not mean that every patient with dry eye cannot undergo blepharoplasty.
It means the condition should be identified and considered during treatment planning.
Risks and Possible Complications
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure and has potential risks.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists possible complications including:
- Anesthesia-related risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling and bruising
- Changes in skin sensation
- Numbness around the eyelashes
- Dry eyes
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Lid lag
- Ectropion
- Persistent pain
- Light sensitivity
- Unfavorable scarring
- Need for revision surgery
- Temporary or permanent changes in vision
Serious vision-threatening complications are uncommon, but they are important enough that patients should know which postoperative symptoms require urgent assessment.
Dry Eye and Difficulty Closing the Eyes
Dryness and eye irritation can occur during recovery.
One important functional consideration in upper-eyelid surgery is maintaining adequate eyelid closure.
Removing excessive tissue can contribute to problems such as lagophthalmos, where the eyelids do not close fully.
Possible symptoms can include:
- Dryness
- Burning
- Irritation
- Exposure symptoms
- Difficulty sleeping comfortably with the eyes closed
Appropriate surgical planning aims to reduce these risks, but it is not appropriate to guarantee:
“We leave exactly enough skin, so dry eye or closure problems cannot occur.”
No surgical technique eliminates every possible complication.
Ectropion and Lower-Eyelid Malposition
Ectropion means that the lower eyelid turns outward or sits away from its normal position against the eye.
Other lower-eyelid position changes can include:
- Lid lag
- Scleral show
- Retraction
- Asymmetry
Lower-eyelid support and laxity should therefore be assessed before surgery.
The risk may be particularly relevant when:
- Significant skin is being treated
- There has been previous eyelid surgery
- Eyelid support is already weak
- Additional canthal surgery is being considered
Persistent eyelid malposition may require additional treatment.
Can Blepharoplasty Affect Vision?
Blepharoplasty is not intended to damage or negatively alter eyesight.
However, because the operation takes place around the eye, it is not appropriate to state that vision can never be affected.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons includes temporary or permanent changes in vision among potential complications and notes a very rare risk of blindness.
Patients should seek urgent medical assessment for symptoms such as:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Significant new reduction in vision
- Severe or rapidly worsening eye pain
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- Marked bleeding
- Severe pressure around the eye
- Other unexpected visual symptoms
These symptoms should not be treated as normal recovery.
Will Blepharoplasty Leave Scars?
Yes.
Surgical incisions can leave scars.
For upper blepharoplasty, the incision is commonly positioned within the natural upper-eyelid crease.
For lower surgery, an external incision may be placed near the lower lash line, or a transconjunctival incision may be used inside the eyelid.
Scars can become less noticeable as healing progresses, but it is not appropriate to promise that an external incision will become:
- Invisible
- Completely undetectable
- Impossible to see at close range
Scar appearance varies according to:
- Skin characteristics
- Healing
- Surgical technique
- Infection
- Sun exposure
- Individual scarring tendency
Does Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty Leave a Scar?
A transconjunctival incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid, so it does not create an external skin scar from that incision.
However, the phrase “scar-free blepharoplasty” can be misleading.
There is still a surgical incision internally, and the procedure still carries risks associated with lower-eyelid surgery.
In addition, patients who require external skin removal may need a different or additional approach.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?
The anesthesia plan depends on the specific procedure and patient.
Options may include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, with local anesthetic also forming part of perioperative care depending on the surgical plan.
The decision can depend on:
- Upper or lower surgery
- Combined procedures
- Surgical complexity
- Medical history
- Patient comfort
- Anesthesia assessment
The website should therefore not promise that all upper blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia or that every lower blepharoplasty requires general anesthesia.
Recovery After Blepharoplasty
Initial healing can involve:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Irritation
- Dry-eye symptoms
- Tenderness or discomfort
- Temporary visual blurring related to swelling or ointment
- Sensitivity around the incisions
Cold compresses, lubricating ointment or other postoperative measures may be recommended depending on the patient’s treatment plan.
The surgeon should provide specific instructions concerning:
- Eye care
- Medication
- Incision care
- Activity
- Follow-up
- Warning symptoms
There is no universal rule stating that swelling must peak on a specific postoperative day for every patient.
How Long Does Bruising Last?
Bruising and swelling vary significantly.
ASPS notes that many patients may feel socially presentable after roughly 10–14 days, but this should be treated as a general reference rather than a guaranteed recovery deadline.
Some patients recover more quickly, while others have visible swelling or discoloration for longer.
Complete healing and stabilization can take several months.
Artificial Tears and Eye Drops
Lubricating eye drops or ointments may be recommended during recovery.
However, not every patient needs the same product for the same length of time.
The current instruction:
“Artificial tears are essential for three months for every patient.”
should be removed.
The type and duration of drops should depend on:
- Symptoms
- Eye-surface condition
- Procedure
- Surgeon instructions
- Ophthalmic assessment when needed
Patients should not continue or discontinue medicated eye drops without appropriate medical advice.
Contact Lenses, Makeup and Glasses
The timing of contact-lens and eye-makeup use depends on healing.
Contact lenses require manipulation of the eyelids and direct interaction with the ocular surface.
Eye makeup can also come into contact with healing incisions.
Instead of using a fixed rule for every patient, the surgical team should advise when these activities can safely resume.
Glasses may be more practical during early recovery if contact lenses are temporarily avoided.
Sun Protection After Eyelid Surgery
Sun protection is important while eyelid incisions and surrounding tissues are healing.
ASPS recommends diligent sun protection and darkly tinted sunglasses during the healing process.
After incisions have healed appropriately, the treating team may also advise suitable skin protection around scars.
However, recommendations should take account of:
- Wound healing
- Skin sensitivity
- Products used around the eyes
- Individual surgeon instructions
When Can I Return to Work?
There is no single return-to-work date for every patient.
Timing depends on:
- Upper, lower or combined surgery
- Swelling and bruising
- Nature of the job
- Visual comfort
- Additional procedures
- Individual recovery
Many patients may appear socially presentable around the 10–14 day range described by ASPS, but being presentable is not the same as being fully healed.
A person working remotely may also return differently from someone working in a physically demanding or dusty environment.
When Can I Exercise?
Exercise should be resumed gradually according to postoperative instructions.
Strenuous activity can temporarily increase:
- Blood pressure
- Swelling
- Bleeding risk
- Discomfort
Return to:
- Walking
- Cardio
- Weight training
- High-intensity exercise
- Contact sports
may occur at different times.
The individual recovery plan should take priority over a fixed online schedule.
How Long Do Blepharoplasty Results Last?
Blepharoplasty results can be long-lasting.
However, natural aging continues.
Future appearance can change because of:
- Skin aging
- Brow descent
- Tissue changes
- Genetics
- Sun exposure
- Other facial changes
ASPS notes that the results can be long-lasting while also emphasizing that aging continues and that no surgical result is guaranteed.
Some patients may also require further treatment or revision.
When Will I See the Final Result?
The result becomes clearer as swelling and bruising decrease.
However, early postoperative appearance is not the final result.
Scar maturation, tissue settling and residual swelling can continue for several months.
For this reason, early asymmetry or swelling should not automatically be interpreted as a permanent result unless there are signs of a specific complication.
Combining Blepharoplasty With Other Procedures
Blepharoplasty may be combined with other facial procedures in selected patients.
Examples include:
However, these procedures treat different anatomical concerns.
Combining operations can increase:
- Surgical extent
- Anesthesia requirements
- Swelling
- Recovery demands
- Potential risks
Additional procedures should therefore be recommended because there is a separate indication, not simply to create a larger cosmetic package.
Travelling to Turkey for Blepharoplasty
International patients should understand more than the operation price before travelling.
The treatment plan should clarify:
- Upper, lower or combined blepharoplasty
- Surgical technique
- Whether an external or internal lower-eyelid incision is planned
- Whether additional brow or canthal surgery is proposed
- Type of anesthesia
- Where surgery will take place
- Follow-up schedule
- Whether sutures require removal
- Recommended stay in Turkey
- Warning symptoms
- Who to contact after returning home
Travel arrangements should allow appropriate early postoperative assessment.
When Can I Fly Home?
There is no rule that every blepharoplasty patient must stay exactly five to seven days.
The recommended travel date depends on:
- Surgical extent
- Anesthesia
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Eye comfort
- Wound healing
- Visual symptoms
- Follow-up requirements
- Additional operations
- Length of the flight
- General health
Patients should be medically assessed before return travel when appropriate.
Hotel package length alone should not determine fit-to-fly timing.
What May Be Included in a Blepharoplasty Treatment Plan?
Depending on the written quotation, arrangements may include some or all of:
- Surgeon and medical team fees
- The specified eyelid procedure
- Anesthesia
- Surgical facility fees
- Preoperative assessment
- Prescribed medication
- Postoperative eye care when included
- Follow-up appointments
- Accommodation
- Airport reception
- Local transfers
- Patient coordination
All inclusions should be confirmed in writing.
Patients should not assume that every quoted price automatically includes:
- General anesthesia
- Five to seven hotel nights
- A particular hotel category
- VIP transfers
- Three months of eye drops
- All medications
- Treatment of complications
- Free revision surgery
unless these are clearly stated in the treatment offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
How much does blepharoplasty cost in Turkey in 2026?
Clinic Care Center’s current published estimates are:
- Upper Blepharoplasty: $1,500–$2,200
- Lower Blepharoplasty: $1,800–$2,800
- Upper + Lower Blepharoplasty: $2,800–$4,000
The final cost depends on the individual treatment plan.
Is upper blepharoplasty the same as a brow lift?
No.
Upper blepharoplasty treats selected eyelid tissues, while a Brow Lift changes brow and forehead position.
Does blepharoplasty improve vision?
It may improve functional obstruction in selected patients when significant upper-eyelid tissue affects the visual field.
It is not a guaranteed vision-improving procedure for every patient.
Can lower blepharoplasty remove eye bags?
It can address selected under-eye fat and contour concerns, but the exact technique depends on the cause of the appearance.
Does transconjunctival blepharoplasty leave a visible scar?
The incision is inside the lower eyelid, so it does not create an external skin scar from that incision.
Does transconjunctival surgery guarantee that my eye shape will not change?
No.
Lower-eyelid position changes remain possible complications of periocular surgery.
Can blepharoplasty cause dry eyes?
Yes.
Dryness and irritation are recognized potential complications.
Existing dry-eye symptoms should be discussed before surgery.
Can I lose my vision from blepharoplasty?
Serious vision-threatening complications are rare, but ASPS lists temporary or permanent vision changes and a very rare risk of blindness among possible complications.
Unexpected vision loss or severe eye pain requires urgent medical assessment.
Will my scars disappear completely?
No scar should be guaranteed to disappear.
Upper eyelid incisions are commonly positioned within the natural crease, where they may become less noticeable as healing progresses.
Is general anesthesia required?
Not in every case.
The anesthesia plan depends on the operation, combined procedures, health history and clinical assessment.
How long does bruising last?
The duration varies.
Many patients may appear socially presentable at around 10–14 days, but visible swelling or bruising can persist longer.
Do I need artificial tears for three months?
Not necessarily.
Eye drops and ointments should be used according to the patient’s symptoms and postoperative instructions.
When can I wear contact lenses?
The timing should be determined by the treating team according to healing and eye comfort rather than a single rule for all patients.
Can blepharoplasty remove crow’s feet?
Blepharoplasty is not primarily a treatment for dynamic wrinkles caused by facial muscle movement.
Other treatment options may be discussed separately when appropriate.
Is Canthoplasty part of blepharoplasty?
No.
Canthoplasty is a separate procedure involving the outer eyelid structures.
Read more about Cat Eye Surgery in Turkey.
Are the results permanent?
Results can be long-lasting, but natural aging continues and revision or further treatment may occasionally be required.
Medical References
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Eyelid Surgery Procedure
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Eyelid Surgery Risks and Safety
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Eyelid Surgery Recovery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Eyelid Surgery Results
PubMed – Functional Considerations in Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery
PubMed – Dry Eye Symptoms and Chemosis Following Blepharoplasty
Request Information About Blepharoplasty
Contact the Clinic Care Center patient coordination team for information about upper or lower blepharoplasty, current treatment cost estimates, consultation availability and the next steps.
For international patients, photographs may help with an initial discussion, but they cannot replace an appropriate clinical examination when one is required.
Before travelling, patients should receive clear information about:
- Whether upper, lower or combined blepharoplasty is proposed
- The surgical technique
- Incision locations
- Dry-eye and eyelid-position considerations
- Type of anesthesia
- Possible risks
- Expected recovery
- Additional procedures if proposed
- Recommended stay in Turkey
- Return-travel planning
- Follow-up after returning home
- Services included in the quoted price
Patients with significant dry-eye symptoms, visual problems, previous complex eyelid surgery or other eye conditions may require additional ophthalmic or oculoplastic assessment before elective treatment.
The information on this page is intended for general education and does not replace diagnosis, medical advice or individualized assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
