Eyelid Aesthetics

Our face is a reflection of our identity and emotions. However, time, gravity and the stress brought by life can sometimes change this reflection in ways we don’t want. Especially the eye area, since it is the area where the skin is the thinnest and most sensitive, is where the first signs of aging appear. Sagging in the upper eyelid, bagging in the lower eyelid and fine lines that form can unintentionally give a person a tired, sad or older appearance than they actually are.

What is Eyelid Surgery and Why is it Preferred?

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is basically the surgical removal or repositioning of excess skin, muscle and fat tissue in the lower and upper eyelids. The purpose of this procedure is to give the eye area a tighter, smoother and younger appearance.

People prefer this operation for two main reasons: aesthetic and functional. Aesthetically, sagging upper lids and baggy under-eyes make a person look tired even when they are rested. This situation can leave a wrong impression in social life and business life. The vigorous and lively appearance obtained after the operation increases the person’s self-confidence. Functionally, when the skin sagging in the upper eyelid reaches advanced levels, it can pile up over the eye and narrow the person’s field of vision. In this case, blepharoplasty ceases to be just a beauty operation and becomes a medical necessity that improves the person’s quality of life.

Effects of Aging on the Eye Area

The eye area is one of the most sensitive areas of our face and we see the first signs of aging here. The reason for this is that the skin in this area is quite thin and is constantly in motion. With age, collagen and elastin production decreases, so the skin loses its elasticity. At the same time, with the effect of gravity, tissues tend to sag downwards.

Genetic factors significantly affect the rate of aging. While eyelid problems are seen at an early age in some people, these problems appear later in others. On the other hand, factors such as exposure to sunlight, smoking, stress and insufficient sleep also accelerate the aging process. In addition, the repetition of blinking movements thousands of times a day causes the muscles around the eyes to tire and eventually loosen.

The changes that occur in this process are:

• Excess skin and sagging in the upper eyelid
• Bagging and depressions in the lower eyelid
• Crow’s feet lines at the corners of the eyes
• Color change and bruising under the eyes
• Generally tired and aged facial expression

These symptoms not only create aesthetic concerns, but also negatively affect the person’s self-confidence. Moreover, excessive sagging in the upper eyelid can restrict the field of vision and reduce the quality of daily life.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Whether you are a suitable candidate for eyelid surgery depends on several factors. Generally, people over the age of 35 who have started to have significant sagging and bagging in their eyelids constitute the most common group. However, individuals who experience these problems at earlier ages due to genetic predisposition can also be ideal candidates.

The most important feature sought in candidates is that their general health condition is good. Those with chronic ailments such as uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure need to get these conditions under control first. In addition, this operation may be risky for those with active eye diseases such as glaucoma (eye pressure) and chronic dry eyes. For this reason, a detailed eye examination before the operation is essential. Most importantly, the candidate should have realistic expectations. Although this surgery reverses time, it does not completely stop aging. An open dialogue with your surgeon will give you a clear idea of what the results might be.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgeries: What are the Techniques?

Blepharoplasty can be applied only to the upper eyelids, only to the lower eyelids, or to both at the same time, depending on the need. The techniques applied for both regions differ.

Upper Eyelid Surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon makes the incision on the natural fold line of the eyelid. Thanks to this strategic positioning, the scar is almost completely hidden when healing is complete. Through the incision, excess skin, a thin muscle strip underneath and herniated fat tissue if necessary are removed. The skin is then closed with aesthetic sutures. The procedure creates a more open and energetic eye expression by removing the weight from the eyes.

Lower Eyelid Surgery: Lower lid surgery can be a bit more complex. The incision is usually made just below the eyelashes. From here, the fat pads that cause under-eye bags are removed or reshaped to fill the under-eye hollows. In some cases, especially in young patients without excess skin, the incision is made from the inner (pink) part of the eyelid (transconjunctival), leaving no scar on the outside. With this technique, only fat bags are intervened.

Surgery Process: Preparation, Operation

The eyelid surgery journey begins with the first meeting you will have with your surgeon. At this stage, your health history is evaluated, your expectations are listened to and the operation plan is created specifically for the person. At least two weeks before surgery, blood thinning medications (such as aspirin), vitamins (such as vitamin E) and herbal supplements should be discontinued. Since smoking seriously impairs wound healing, quitting at least 3-4 weeks before the operation is of critical importance.

When the operation day arrives, the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation. In this way, the patient is awake but goes through a completely relaxed and painless process. Depending on the scope of the operation, the procedure takes between 1 and 2.5 hours. When the surgery is finished, thin bands are attached to the eyelids and the patient is usually discharged on the same day after being observed in the recovery room for a while.

Recovery Period

The most important complement to a successful operation is the management of a correct healing process. The first 48 hours is a critical period to minimize swelling and bruising. During this time, applying cold compresses regularly (15 minutes per hour) and keeping the head elevated with several pillows while lying down is very helpful.

• First Week: A slight burning, stinging and watering sensation may be felt in the eyes. Regular use of drops and ointments given by your doctor prevents the risk of infection. Stitches are usually removed after 5 to 7 days. At the end of this period, most people feel good enough to return to social life.
• Second and Fourth Weeks: Most of the swelling and bruising subsides. The eye area gradually returns to its normal appearance. During this period, it is important to avoid heavy exercises and activities that will tire the eyes. Wearing sunglasses when going out provides protection from both UV rays and external factors such as wind.
• After One Month: The results are largely revealed. However, it should not be forgotten that the final shape and the complete fading of the scars may take several months.

Eyelid Surgery Prices 2025

Giving a clear figure about eyelid surgery prices is not possible and correct due to many variable factors. The cost is shaped according to the patient’s needs and the details of the operation, just like a tailor making a custom suit for a person. The main factors affecting prices are:

• Surgeon’s Experience and Clinic Location: The fee of a surgeon who is recognized and experienced in his field may be higher than a physician at the beginning of his career. Similarly, the city and clinic location where the operation is performed also affects costs.
• Scope of Surgery: Whether only the upper lid, only the lower lid, or both (combined) is done directly changes the price. Combined surgeries are usually more advantageous than doing them individually.
• Type of Anesthesia: There is a cost difference between local anesthesia only and general anesthesia.
• Hospital Selection: The facilities offered by the hospital where the surgery is performed, its technological infrastructure and service quality also play a decisive role on the price.
• Additional Procedures: Performing additional procedures such as eyebrow lifting, mid-face lifting or fat injection along with eyelid surgery will increase the total cost.

Is eyelid surgery a painful procedure?

No. Since the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, no pain or ache is felt during the procedure. The slight aching and tightness sensation that may occur in the first few days after surgery can be easily controlled with simple painkillers that your doctor will recommend.

Will there be a noticeable scar after surgery?

When performed by a professional surgeon, scars are minimal. Incisions are hidden in the natural fold of the upper eyelid and at the base of the eyelashes in the lower lid. Although these scars are initially pink in color, they turn to skin color over the months and become almost unnoticeable.

When can I return to normal life after surgery?

Although the healing process varies from person to person, most patients can return to their daily routines and work life after the stitches are removed after 5-7 days. Complete healing of swelling and bruising and the eye area taking its final form may take several weeks.

Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent?

Eyelid surgery does not stop the aging process but significantly turns back the clock. The results of the operation maintain their permanence for many years, usually 7 to 10 years. It is possible to extend this period even further with a healthy lifestyle and good skin care.