With age, the skin of the eyelids loses elasticity and the fat that cushions the eye can bulge forward. The result may be hooded upper lids, puffy lower lids or a tired look that does not match how you feel. In more advanced cases, heavy upper lid skin can even rest on the lashes and narrow the field of vision. Blepharoplasty – eyelid surgery – addresses these changes. Here, Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Korkmaz, a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Antalya, explains what the operation involves and what recovery realistically looks like.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is surgery on the upper and/or lower eyelids that removes or repositions excess skin, a strip of muscle and bulging fat. The aim is a fresher, more rested appearance around the eyes while keeping their natural shape.
It can be performed:
- on the upper lids only – the most common form, mainly for hooding and excess skin
- on the lower lids only – mainly for under-eye bags and puffiness
- on both in one session (sometimes called a four-lid blepharoplasty)
Where the eyebrows have also dropped, eyelid surgery may be combined with a brow-lifting procedure such as a browpexy, because lifting a low brow with eyelid surgery alone is not possible.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Good candidates are healthy adults bothered by excess eyelid skin, hooding or under-eye bags, who have realistic expectations and no untreated eye conditions. There is no fixed age, but eyelid ageing commonly starts to show from the mid-30s onwards. Suitability is always decided at a medical examination.
Before surgery is planned, the eyes are assessed carefully, including:
- vision and any history of eye disease or surgery (including laser eye surgery)
- tear production and symptoms of dry eye
- the position of the lid margin, to detect ptosis
- lower lid tone and support
- brow position and symmetry
Extra caution is needed with severe dry eye, thyroid eye disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication. Smokers are asked to stop for several weeks before and after surgery, as smoking slows healing.
Upper vs lower blepharoplasty: what is the difference?
Upper and lower eyelid surgery treat different problems and differ in technique, anaesthesia and recovery. Many people need only one; others benefit from both.
| Upper blepharoplasty | Lower blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Main concern | Hooding, excess skin, heaviness | Bags, puffiness, a hollow or tired lower lid |
| Incision | In the natural crease of the upper lid | Just below the lash line, or inside the lid (transconjunctival) |
| Anaesthesia | Usually local anaesthesia | Usually general anaesthesia |
| Typical duration | About 30–60 minutes | About 1–2 hours |
| Stitches | Removed after about 5–7 days | Removed after about 5–7 days if external; dissolvable if internal |
In the lower lid, fat can either be removed or repositioned to soften the groove between lid and cheek. If there is little excess skin, the transconjunctival approach avoids an external scar altogether. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits your anatomy.
How is the operation performed?
Upper lid surgery usually takes about 30–60 minutes under local anaesthesia, while lower lid or combined surgery is generally done under general anaesthesia and takes about 1–2 hours.
The main steps are:
- Marking: the amount of skin to remove is measured precisely while you are sitting upright, so that the eyes can still close fully afterwards.
- Surgery: skin and, where needed, a thin strip of muscle are removed; bulging fat is trimmed or repositioned.
- Closure: fine stitches are placed along the incision.
- Afterwards: you rest with cold compresses. After local anaesthesia you can usually leave the same day; after general anaesthesia an overnight stay may be advised.
Will there be visible scars after eyelid surgery?
Eyelid scars are usually discreet, because the incisions are placed where they are naturally hidden. They are, however, never completely invisible, and how they heal varies from person to person.
On the upper lid, the scar lies in the natural crease and is mostly concealed when the eyes are open. It may extend slightly beyond the outer corner, where it can follow a smile line. On the lower lid, an incision just below the lashes generally becomes a fine line, while the transconjunctival approach leaves no scar on the skin surface at all.
In the first weeks, scars can look pink and slightly raised. Over the following months they normally flatten and fade. Protecting them from the sun, not smoking and avoiding rubbing the eyes all support healing. People with a tendency to form thickened scars should mention this at their consultation.
Can upper eyelid surgery improve vision?
When heavy upper lid skin hangs over the lashes, removing it can widen the upper field of vision and reduce the effort of keeping the eyes open. Some people notice that their forehead feels less tense, because they no longer raise their brows all day to compensate.
Blepharoplasty does not change the eye itself, however. It will not correct short- or long-sightedness, and if vision problems have another cause – such as cataract or a true ptosis – these need separate assessment.
How long should you stay in Antalya after blepharoplasty?
Most patients from abroad are advised to stay in Antalya for about 5–7 days, until the stitches have been removed and the wounds checked. This is usually also the point at which flying is reasonable.
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Swelling and bruising increase; cold compresses and sleeping with the head raised help |
| Days 3–4 | Swelling begins to ease; eyes may feel dry, watery or sensitive to light |
| Days 5–7 | Stitches removed; final check in Antalya before you fly |
| Weeks 2–3 | Most bruising has faded; many return to work and social life |
| Months 2–3 | Most residual swelling has settled |
| Up to 12 months | Scars gradually fade and soften |
Dry cabin air can make the eyes feel gritty during the flight. Lubricating eye drops, if prescribed, and sunglasses can make the journey more comfortable.
What should you know about aftercare when back in the UK?
Recovery after eyelid surgery is usually shorter than after many other operations, but the eyes need protection and rest for the first couple of weeks.
- Screens and reading: possible within a few days, but take regular breaks as the eyes tire easily.
- Work: desk-based work is often possible after about 7–10 days.
- Exercise: walking straight away; strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually avoided for 2–3 weeks.
- Sun: wear sunglasses and protect scars from direct sun for several months.
- Eye drops: use lubricating drops and ointments as instructed.
Contact the clinic promptly if you notice increasing pain, swelling on one side, reduced vision or bleeding. It is also sensible to tell your GP about your operation so you have local support if needed.
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed operation, but like any surgery it carries risks that you should understand before you decide.
Possible risks include:
- bleeding and bruising; very rarely, bleeding behind the eye that requires urgent treatment and can threaten vision
- infection
- dry, gritty or watery eyes, usually temporary
- difficulty closing the eyes fully for a period after surgery
- a pulled-down or outward-turning lower lid (ectropion), mainly after lower lid surgery
- asymmetry between the two sides
- visible, thickened or uneven scars
- swelling of the white of the eye (chemosis)
- temporary blurred vision
- risks related to anaesthesia
- dissatisfaction with the result, occasionally leading to further surgery
Your individual risks are discussed at the medical examination, and you will receive clear written aftercare instructions.
How do I arrange a consultation?
Before your consultation, note what bothers you most about your eyes, any vision problems or eye treatments you have had, and the medicines you take. If you have recent results from an eye examination, bring them with you.
Photographs can help with an initial impression, but whether surgery is appropriate – and which type – is decided only after an in-person examination. To book an appointment or ask a question, please use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Will eyelid surgery remove dark circles and crow's feet?
Blepharoplasty addresses excess skin, muscle and fat. Shadows caused by puffy lower-lid fat can improve, but dark circles caused by skin pigmentation or thin skin usually do not change much. Crow's feet at the outer corners are caused by muscle movement and are not removed by eyelid surgery. Other treatments may be discussed for these concerns at your consultation.
When can I wear contact lenses and make-up again?
Contact lenses are generally avoided for about 2 weeks, or until the eyes no longer feel dry or irritated, because inserting them pulls on the lids. Eye make-up is usually postponed until the stitches are out and the wounds have closed, typically around 10–14 days. Use new products to reduce the risk of infection, and follow your surgeon's specific instructions.
Can blepharoplasty correct a drooping upper eyelid margin?
Not always. If the lid edge itself sits too low because the lifting muscle is weak – a condition called ptosis – removing skin will not raise it, and a different procedure on the muscle is needed. Excess skin and true ptosis can occur together, which is why the position and strength of the lids are measured carefully during the medical examination before surgery is planned.
Is blepharoplasty painful?
Under local anaesthesia you may feel the initial injections, but the operation itself should not be painful. Afterwards, most people describe tightness, soreness and a gritty feeling rather than strong pain, and simple painkillers are usually enough. Cold compresses in the first 48 hours help with both comfort and swelling. Severe or increasing pain is not normal and should be reported straight away.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
Removed fat does not usually return, and many people are pleased with their result for many years. However, blepharoplasty does not stop the natural ageing process: skin continues to lose elasticity and the brows may descend over time. Sun protection, not smoking and a healthy lifestyle help. Some people consider a further procedure years later, but this varies greatly between individuals.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · Medical Director, AYT Clinic
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and expected results are assessed individually during an examination.