What is upper blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and/or fat from the upper eyelids to create a more open, refreshed, and youthful appearance. It can also improve vision when drooping skin narrows the visual field.
Upper eyelid sagging (dermatochalasis) progresses with age. In advanced cases, eyelid skin descends to the lashes and reduces the visual field; this is not just an aesthetic but a functional issue. Upper blepharoplasty improves both: it opens the gaze, eliminates the tired-looking appearance, and makes makeup application easier.
Who is a candidate?
Candidates include patients with excess upper eyelid skin causing tired appearance, eyelid skin descending to the lashes, narrowed visual field (functional indication), and upper eyelid fat herniation (puffiness).
Typical age range is 40-70; younger patients may also be candidates if hereditary. International patients undergo a video consultation prior to travel to confirm candidacy.
How is the surgery performed?
Often performed under local anesthesia. An incision following the natural eyelid crease allows removal of excess skin and fat as needed. The scar is concealed in the eyelid crease. Surgery takes 30-60 minutes.
The procedure is generally performed in a clinic or day-surgery setting under local anesthesia plus light sedation. Hospital admission is typically not required.
Preoperative preparation
Smoking should be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications are stopped 10 days before surgery. Eye conditions (dry eye, glaucoma) are reviewed during consultation.
Recovery timeline
First week: Mild swelling and bruising. Cold compresses for 48 hours. Sutures removed at days 5-7. Office workers return at 5-7 days.
Weeks 2-3: Swelling fully resolves. Light makeup can be used.
Months 3-6: Scar maturation. Scar in the natural eyelid crease is largely concealed.
Months 6-12: Scars become virtually invisible. Upper blepharoplasty results last many years (10-15+).
Risks and complications
A low-complication-profile surgery. Early-period: mild bleeding, transient sensory changes, dry eye sensation. Late-period: asymmetry, under/over-resection, lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure — rare with modern technique).
Upper blepharoplasty in Istanbul — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's practice
Dr. Erdal's private clinic is located in central Istanbul, in the Nisantasi district. Address: Teşvikiye Cad. No:9/12, Istanbul. The clinic is easily accessible from major Istanbul hotels and from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
Upper blepharoplasty is a short-procedure, high-satisfaction surgery often performed under local anesthesia in clinic settings. International patient coordination includes video consultation prior to travel, airport-hotel transfer, English-speaking medical team, accommodation at partner hotels, and full postoperative follow-up. Patients typically stay in Istanbul for 5-7 days following upper blepharoplasty. WhatsApp consultations are available at +90 544 850 72 32 for international inquiries.
Before & After Gallery
Real patient results. Photos shared with patient consent. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stitches are removed in 5-7 days. Mild bruising resolves in 7-10 days. Social activities resume within a week.
In mild cases, Botox can help by lifting the brow position. However, significant skin excess requires surgery.
Yes, removed skin and fat do not return. Results last many years, though gradual aging may eventually cause some mild laxity.
Under local anesthesia, only a brief sting from the injection is felt. Post-operative pain is minimal.
Yes, the standard approach is to treat both eyelids in the same session for symmetric results.
No. Blepharoplasty addresses eyelid skin; a brow lift raises the brow position. Sometimes drooping brows mimic excess eyelid skin, making proper evaluation important.
Temporary dry eyes can occur. Artificial tears are recommended. Pre-existing dry eye conditions should be evaluated before surgery.
Desk work in 5-7 days, physical work in 10-14 days. Bruising can be concealed with makeup.
Eye makeup can usually resume 2 weeks after suture removal, once the incision is fully healed.
There is no fixed age limit. Candidacy depends on the degree of skin excess and functional impact, not age alone. Some patients benefit in their 30s-40s.
Book a Consultation
For more information about Upper Blepharoplasty and to schedule a consultation, please get in touch.
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