What is upper blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at making the eyelid look more youthful and open by removing excess skin, and in some patients, excess muscle/tissue and, if necessary, fat tissue from the upper eyelid. Sagging and a "heavy eyelid" appearance can occur in the upper eyelid due to aging, genetic predisposition, and decreased tissue elasticity.

 

Who is it suitable for?
You may be a suitable candidate for evaluation if you have any of the following complaints:
- Excess skin/sagging in the upper eyelid

- A more tired, older, or heavy-looking gaze

- Difficulty applying makeup, loss of eyelid crease

- Situations where sagging affects the field of vision (especially the lateral/upper visual field)

Suitability is evaluated together with factors such as examination findings, eyelid anatomy, eyebrow level, and dry eye.
 

Does upper eyelid sagging always require "eyelid surgery"?
No. In some patients, the problem is primarily eyebrow drooping. In this case, upper eyelid surgery alone may not be sufficient; evaluating the eyebrow position is important. The most appropriate plan will be determined for you during the examination.

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How is the surgery performed?
The incision is usually placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid.

Excess skin is removed; if necessary, muscle and/or fat tissue is repositioned in a controlled manner.

The stitches are usually fine and aesthetically pleasing.

The procedure can be performed alone, or in suitable patients, it can be combined with forehead/brow procedures or lower eyelid procedures.

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What kind of anesthesia is used? How long does it take?
For most patients, local anesthesia + sedation or general anesthesia options are available. The duration varies depending on the technique and additional procedures, but is generally around 45–90 minutes (this may vary from person to person).
 

Where will the scar be? Will it be noticeable?
The scar is usually not noticeable in daily life because it remains in the natural crease of the eyelid. It may appear as a pink/thin line in the first few weeks; it usually fades further over time. The quality of the scar depends on individual wound healing.

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Pre-operative preparation
Frequently recommended topics:
- Planning regarding the use of blood thinners and certain supplements (e.g., vitamin E, fish oil, etc.)

- Assessment of conditions such as dry eyes, allergies, and contact lens use

- Plan to come without makeup and not drive on the day of surgery

- Recommendations for quitting/reducing smoking for recovery

- Recovery process and return to daily life
 

General timeline (may vary from person to person):
- First 48–72 hours: Swelling and bruising may be noticeable; cold compresses are beneficial.

- 3–7 days: Swelling and bruising subside; some patients may still have swelling around the eyes.

- 5–10 days: Stitches can be removed (varies depending on the technique used).

- 1–2 weeks: Return to social life is possible for most patients (need for makeup/concealment varies from person to person).

- 4–6 weeks: Tissue maturation progresses; the result looks more natural.

- 3 months: Scarring and tissue settlement become more pronounced.

In the post-operative period, a gradual return to activities that strain the eye area, strenuous exercise, and hot steam/baths is recommended.
 

Safety, Risks, and “Things to Know”
While upper blepharoplasty is generally a safe procedure, like any surgical procedure, it carries risks. The most frequently discussed topics are:
- Swelling, bruising, temporary asymmetry

- Bleeding, infection

- Wound healing problems, scarring

- Temporary dry eyes/burning, light sensitivity

- Temporary blurred vision (especially in the first few days; may be related to the use of drops/ointments)

- Temporary incomplete eyelid closure (related to edema)

- Rarely, the need for revision (additional correction)

 

Situations that may require urgent evaluation (rare):
Severe and increasing pain, sudden changes in vision, significant unilateral swelling/bleeding, high fever; rapid communication and evaluation are important in these situations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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1) Does upper blepharoplasty “change the look”?
The goal is to achieve a more vibrant and open eye area while preserving natural expression. Avoiding excessive tissue removal and creating a plan tailored to the individual is critical at this point.
 

2) Will my eye close completely after surgery?
In the first few days, eyelid movements may be temporarily affected due to swelling. This improves quickly in most patients.
 

3) Will there be a lot of pain?
Severe pain is generally not expected; there may be more tension, stinging/burning sensations. This can be controlled with medication.
 

4) When can I return to work?
For desk jobs, some patients can return within 5-7 days. The visibility of bruising/swelling varies from person to person.
 

5) When are the stitches removed?
Depending on the technique used, they are usually removed between 5-10 days.
 

6) When can I shower?
Generally, it is permissible the next day or within a few days; However, the method of wetting/drying the incision line and the care plan will be explained specifically to you.
 

7) When can I wear makeup?
After the stitches are removed and the incision line is deemed suitable, makeup is usually gradually allowed (this varies from person to person).
 

8) Can I wear contact lenses?
Since there may be sensitivity in the eyes in the first few days, it may be necessary to take a short break. The exact duration will be determined during examination and follow-up appointments.
 

9) I have dry eyes, is this a barrier to surgery?
Planning is done more carefully in patients with dry eyes. In some patients, dryness complaints may temporarily increase; if deemed necessary, an ophthalmologist's evaluation may be requested.
 

10) When will the result "fully settle"?
Due to swelling and tissue healing, the result becomes apparent within weeks; generally, a clearer appearance is achieved in 4-6 weeks, and a more settled appearance in 2-3 months.
 

11) Will there be a scar?
Since the incision is in the natural eyelid crease, it is not noticeable in daily life in most patients. Scar quality depends on individual healing.
 

12) Will it recur?

Aging is an ongoing process. While it may provide lasting benefits for many years, skin laxity can recur over time.
 

13) Is revision necessary?
In most patients, it is not necessary; however, due to healing dynamics and tissue characteristics, additional correction may rarely be needed.
 

14) Will it damage my vision?
With the appropriate technique and correct patient selection, damage to vision is not expected. However, in unusual situations such as sudden changes in vision, urgent evaluation is required.

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The content on this page is for general informational purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. The appropriate surgical plan is determined through face-to-face examination.