Best Eyelid & Eye Surgeons in Turkey

What is eyelid and eye surgery?

Eyelid and eye surgery covers operations that change the shape of the eyelids or the corners of the eyes. The most common is eyelid surgery, known medically as blepharoplasty. With age, upper eyelid skin loosens and can fold over the lashes. In the lower lid, fat can push forward and create bags. Blepharoplasty removes the excess or repositions the fat.

Blepharoplasty is not always cosmetic. When excess upper lid skin is severe, it can narrow the upper part of your field of vision. A lid that sits low because of weak muscle is called ptosis. Ptosis is not corrected by blepharoplasty but by a separate eyelid lifting operation. The surgeon makes this distinction during the consultation.

How is eyelid surgery done?

Eyelid surgery removes excess tissue through incisions hidden in natural skin folds. In the upper lid, the incision sits in the natural crease. In the lower lid, it is made just below the lashes or on the inside of the lid (transconjunctival approach). The inside approach leaves no visible scar and may be chosen when there is no extra skin.

1. The lids, tear production and vision are assessed.
2. Incision lines are marked on the skin before surgery.
3. The operation is usually done under local anaesthetic with sedation. General anaesthesia is used in some cases.
4. Excess skin and, if needed, muscle and fat are removed, or fat is repositioned.
5. The incisions are closed with fine stitches.

Upper or lower lid surgery alone usually takes one to two hours. Treating all four lids takes longer.

What should you do before eye surgery?

Tell your surgeon about every medicine you take. Blood thinners, some painkillers and herbal supplements can increase bleeding, and only your surgeon should decide whether to stop them. If you smoke, stopping a few weeks before surgery is advised. No eye make-up is worn on the day. Even with local anaesthetic, sedation means you should not drive, so arrange for someone to take you home.

Who is eyelid and eye surgery suitable for, and who should avoid it?

Eyelid and eye surgery is considered for healthy adults with excess eyelid skin or under-eye bags. The surgeon decides suitability after an examination. The following may need extra assessment or a delay:

• Dry eye symptoms
• Thyroid eye disease
• Glaucoma or another eye condition
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes
• Use of blood thinners
• Previous eyelid or eye surgery

An ophthalmologist may be asked to check your vision and tear film first. If you wear contact lenses, mention this as well.

How long is recovery after eyelid surgery?

Visible bruising and swelling usually settle within one to two weeks. Stitches are usually removed within a week. Most people return to social life in about ten days to two weeks. Cold compresses and sleeping with the head raised help reduce swelling in the first days. Watery eyes, dryness or light sensitivity can occur for a while. Long periods in front of screens can make dryness worse early on. Your surgeon may suggest lubricating drops or ointment.

Contact lenses, eye make-up and heavy exercise are usually postponed for a few days to a few weeks. Scars take months to fade. These timings vary, so follow your surgeon's advice.

Is eyelid surgery permanent?

Removed tissue does not come back, and results usually last many years. Ageing continues, so the upper lid may loosen again over time. Lower lid bags return less often. Sagging in the lower face and neck is treated separately under face and neck aesthetics.

What are the risks of eyelid and eye surgery?

The risks include dry eye, difficulty closing the eye fully, the lower lid pulling down and asymmetry. The main risks are:

• Bleeding or a collection of blood under the skin
• Infection
• Dry eye or increased tearing
• Incomplete eye closure (lagophthalmos), usually temporary
• The lower lid pulling down or turning outwards (ectropion)
• Asymmetry between the eyes
• Visible scarring
• Temporary blurred vision
• Very rarely, vision loss from bleeding behind the eye

Severe pain, increasing pressure in the eye or reduced vision after surgery need urgent assessment. Contact your surgeon straight away.

What affects the cost of eyelid and eye surgery?

The cost depends on how many lids are treated and the technique used. Price ranges are shown in a separate section of this page. The main factors are:

• Upper lids only, lower lids only, or all four lids together
• Whether fat is removed or repositioned
• Added procedures such as eye corner reshaping
• Type of anaesthesia
• The facility and follow-up visits
• The city where the facility is located

What should you look for when choosing an eyelid surgeon?

Look for a surgeon whose specialty includes regular eyelid surgery. You can compare eyelid surgeons in the doctor list by city. In Turkey these operations are performed by plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, and by ophthalmologists who work in oculoplastic surgery. At the consultation you can ask:

• How often the surgeon performs eyelid operations
• How your risk of dry eye has been assessed
• Where the incisions, and so the scars, will be
• Whether you have been checked for ptosis
• Which licensed healthcare facility will be used
• Who will see you for check-ups in the first weeks

What is the difference between eyelid, under-eye and almond eye surgery?

Eyelid, under-eye and almond eye surgery target different parts of the eye area. Eyelid surgery usually deals with excess skin on the upper lid. Under-eye surgery focuses on bags and hollowing in the lower lid. Almond eye surgery changes the position of the outer eye corner to give a more upswept look. This is known medically as canthoplasty or canthopexy. Risks include the corner slipping back to its old position or tightness in the lid.