Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, refreshes the area around the eyes by adjusting excess skin, sagging of the upper lid and the puffy bags of the lower lid. Because the eyes are the most expressive part of the face, even small changes in the eyelids noticeably affect how rested a person looks. Performed in Istanbul (Suadiye / Kadıköy) by Op. Dr. Caner Kaçmaz, a board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon with 17 years of experience, blepharoplasty is planned individually around each patient's facial proportions and eye shape. This page is written for international patients considering blepharoplasty in Turkey, for information only.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the eyelid contour by adjusting the skin, muscle and fat around the eyes. With ageing, genetics and reduced skin elasticity, the upper lid can develop excess skin (hooding) and the lower lid can show persistent under-eye bags. For some people this is purely cosmetic; with significant upper-lid skin excess it can also begin to narrow the upper field of vision.
It can be performed on the upper lid, the lower lid, or both together. The aim is not to enlarge the eye or alter the expression, but to reduce a tired appearance while preserving the patient's natural gaze. Only excess tissue is refined; the eye's own anatomy and identity are kept intact.
Techniques and Approach
There is no single method for eyelid surgery. The chosen technique depends on the skin, how prominent the fat pads are, and the structure of the lid. The main approaches are:
- Upper eyelid blepharoplasty: Excess skin, and a fine strip of fat when needed, is removed through the natural crease of the lid, so the scar can settle within that fold.
- Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: The fat that creates under-eye bags is repositioned or reduced, and loose skin is refined if required.
- Transconjunctival (internal) approach: In the lower lid, the incision is made on the inner surface of the eyelid. This can be suitable for patients with little excess skin whose main concern is fat bags, as it leaves no external scar.
Blepharoplasty is often planned together with a Brow Lift, because a low brow can worsen upper-lid heaviness. Patients who want to redefine the shape of the gaze may consider Almond Eye Surgery, while the mid-face and temple region can be supported with a Temporal Lift in the same plan. Which procedures are combined only becomes clear after an examination.
| Approach | Primary target | Incision site |
|---|---|---|
| Upper lid | Excess skin, hooding | Natural lid crease |
| Lower lid (classic) | Skin + fat bags | Just below lashes |
| Transconjunctival | Mainly fat bags | Inner lid surface |
Who Is a Candidate, and Who Is Not?
Blepharoplasty can be a suitable option for adults who are bothered by changes around the eyes and hold realistic expectations. A typical candidate profile includes:
- Visible upper-lid skin excess and a tired-looking gaze
- Persistent under-eye bags on the lower lid
- Good general health, and being a non-smoker or willing to stop
- Understanding that the surgery provides a natural refresh, not a complete change of the eye
In some situations the procedure may be postponed or need further assessment first, such as uncontrolled dry eye, certain eye conditions, uncontrolled systemic disease (for example thyroid eye disease or conditions requiring blood thinners) or unrealistic expectations. Suitability can only be confirmed through an in-person examination of the eye and lid structure.
The Process: From Consultation to Surgery
The journey follows a principle of individualised planning. For patients living abroad, the first step is usually a virtual pre-consultation: a photo-based preliminary review and medical history, discussion of expectations, and an outline of the likely approach. This does not replace an examination; the decision to operate is always confirmed in person.
- Examination and planning: Lid structure, skin elasticity, brow position and eye health are evaluated, and the appropriate technique is chosen.
- Preparation: Necessary tests are arranged, current medications are reviewed, and guidance is given on smoking and blood thinners.
- Surgery: When operating on the upper eyelids alone, it is generally performed under local anaesthesia. Lower eyelid surgery is carried out under local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia when appropriate, as a day case or with a short stay.
- International patient support: Travel dates to and from Istanbul are scheduled around the recovery stages.
- Post-operative follow-up: For patients returning home, remote follow-up continues through photographs.
Recovery
Blepharoplasty is one of the facial procedures with a relatively quick return to social life, though recovery still varies from person to person. The stages below are a general roadmap, not fixed timings:
- First days: Swelling and bruising around the eyes are expected. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated are advised; limiting screen time in the early days helps comfort.
- First week: Sutures are usually removed during this period. Bruising and swelling begin to settle, and many patients return to social settings around this stage with the help of glasses and make-up.
- First few weeks: Most of the visible swelling subsides. Strenuous exercise and prolonged sun exposure are limited for a while.
- Several months: Scars mature and the result settles fully; the final appearance becomes clear within these months.
For international patients, the stay in Istanbul is planned to cover suture removal and the first check-up. Its length and flight timing are personalised to the technique used and the pace of healing.
Risks and Safety
With appropriate patient selection, sound technical planning, sterile operating conditions and an experienced surgical team, blepharoplasty can be carried out safely. However, as with any surgery, risks cannot be entirely eliminated. Possible risks include bleeding, haematoma, infection, temporary dry eye and irritation, temporary blurred vision, variability in scar healing, mild asymmetry in lid contour and, rarely, a change in lid position. Most are temporary, but it is important that they are understood in advance and monitored.
Risk is reduced through an honest examination, realistic expectations, adherence to your surgeon's advice and regular follow-up. Results vary from person to person; an in-person examination is essential for an accurate assessment. Please consult your physician before making any medical decision.
Is this procedure safe?
Like any surgery, it carries risk. Appropriate patient selection, correct technique and an experienced surgical team are important in managing that risk. Results vary from person to person.
Why Istanbul and Dr. Kaçmaz's Approach
Istanbul is an accessible centre for facial aesthetics, with advanced surgical infrastructure and a healthcare ecosystem experienced in caring for international patients. Dr. Caner Kaçmaz's practice is located in Suadiye / Kadıköy, and the process is planned end to end for patients travelling from abroad.
At the heart of his approach are individualised planning and a commitment to preserving cultural identity: the aim is a refreshed yet recognisable result that keeps the patient's own gaze and facial harmony, not a standardised look. Seventeen years of experience and board-certified specialisation underpin the process in terms of safety and realistic expectation management, and post-operative follow-up continues after the patient has returned home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Incisions are usually placed in the natural crease of the upper lid, just below the lashes on the lower lid, or on the inner surface of the eyelid. Scars tend to fade over time, but healing varies between individuals and a completely scar-free result cannot be guaranteed.
Anaesthesia is used during surgery, so no pain is felt at the time. Afterwards there is usually mild tightness and discomfort, which can be managed with the recommended medication.
The length of stay is personalised around the technique, suture removal and the first check-up. A suitable schedule is proposed during the virtual pre-consultation and confirmed after the examination.
In some patients a low brow mimics upper-lid hooding. In such cases, planning blepharoplasty alongside a Brow Lift can give a more balanced result. Suitability is assessed at examination.
No. The internal approach is well suited to patients with little excess skin whose main issue is fat bags. Those with significant skin laxity may need a different technique.
Removed tissue does not return, but the ageing process continues, so the appearance may change somewhat over time depending on skin quality and lifestyle. Individual guidance on longevity is given at the examination.
Many patients return to social settings within the first week as bruising subsides, though this varies from person to person. Strenuous activity is postponed for a while.
After you return home, healing is monitored through shared photographs and consultations; contact your surgeon in case of any concern.