Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in Turkey: recovery and how long to stay
Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery is usually done under local anaesthetic, often as a day case, in 1–2 hours. Plan 5–7 days in Istanbul until stitches are removed; bruising fades within about 2 weeks.
Updated 30/10/2026 · general information, not medical advice
Key facts
Typical ranges for a healthy adult (sources at the bottom of the page). Your surgeon or dentist sets your own plan after examining you.
What it is
Upper blepharoplasty removes overhanging skin through an incision hidden in the eyelid crease. Lower blepharoplasty treats bags, either through an incision just below the lashes or from inside the eyelid (transconjunctival), sometimes repositioning fat.
Techniques
Upper blepharoplasty
Excess skin in the upper lid; scar hidden in the crease.
Lower blepharoplasty – transconjunctival
Incision inside the lid; no visible scar.
Lower blepharoplasty – subciliary
Incision under the lashes, when skin is also removed.
Combined with brow lift or facelift
When the brows or mid-face also sag.
Who it suits
Usually a good candidate
- Hooded upper lids or under-eye bags
- Healthy eyes
- Realistic expectations
Think twice / discuss first
- Dry eyes or eye disease – needs an eye check first
- Expecting to remove dark circles caused by pigmentation
Your stay in Istanbul, step by step
- Day 1Consultation.
- Day 2Surgery (1–2 hours), usually day case.
- Days 3–5Cold compresses, head raised.
- Days 5–7Stitches removed; check; clearance to fly.
Recovery timeline
- Weeks 1–2Bruising and swelling fade; avoid contact lenses.
- Week 2Most return to work.
- Months 3–6Final result; scars soften.
Risks and complications
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Difficulty closing the eyes fully (usually temporary)
- Asymmetry
- Lower lid malposition after lower blepharoplasty
- Very rarely, bleeding behind the eye – urgent
This list is not exhaustive. Your surgeon should explain the risks that apply to you, in writing, before you consent.
Cost: what drives the price
Upper, lower or both lids, the anaesthesia, combined procedures and the package determine the price.
Few Istanbul facilities publish prices for this treatment on their own website, and we only show prices that facilities publish themselves. Ask for a written, itemised quote.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Upper, lower or both – and which technique?
- Do I need an eye examination first?
- Local anaesthetic or sedation?
- When are stitches removed?
Clinics in Istanbul for this treatment
These 6 Istanbul facilities from our cosmetic surgery list are among the most searched from the UK. Check with each one that it performs this exact procedure, who the surgeon is, and where it takes place.
Smile Hair Clinic
Hair transplant
Medicana
Multi-specialty hospital · Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant · Dental treatment
Esteworld
Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant
Liv Hospital
Multi-specialty hospital · Cosmetic surgery
Istanbul Aesthetic Center
Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant
Estetik International
Cosmetic surgery · Hair transplant · Dental treatment
All cosmetic surgery clinics →
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions
How long should I stay in Turkey after eyelid surgery?
Usually 5–7 days, until stitches are removed.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Discomfort is usually mild and controlled with simple painkillers.
When can I wear contact lenses again?
Usually after about 2 weeks; follow your surgeon’s advice.
Sources: BAAPS – Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty); NHS – Cosmetic surgery abroad (accessed 30/10/2026).