Heavy upper lids and bags under the eyes can make you look tired even when you are not. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the shortest facial operations and has a comparatively quick recovery. In this guide New City Clinic explains the upper and lower lid procedures.
Upper and lower eyelid surgery
In an upper blepharoplasty, excess skin and sometimes a little fat are removed through an incision hidden in the natural crease of the lid. In a lower blepharoplasty, the fat that causes bags is removed or repositioned, either from inside the lid with no visible scar or through an incision just beneath the lashes when skin also needs tightening. The two can be done together or separately.
Who is it for?
Candidates have excess skin weighing on the upper lid, sometimes narrowing the field of vision, or persistent bags under the eyes. If the brow itself has dropped, a brow lift may be needed as well, since removing lid skin alone will not correct it. Dry eye, thyroid eye disease and previous eye surgery must be mentioned, and an eye examination may be requested beforehand.
Anaesthesia, scars and risks
Upper lids alone are often done under local anaesthesia with sedation in under an hour; lower lids or combined surgery may be done under general anaesthesia. Eyelid skin heals very well and scars become faint. Temporary dryness, swelling and bruising are common. Removing too much skin is avoided because it affects how the eye closes, which is why conservative planning matters.
Eyelid surgery: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
Eyelid surgery with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about eyelid surgery, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
First 2–3 days
Swelling and bruising; cold compresses and sleeping with the head raised help.
Days 5–7
Stitches are removed; most patients fly home after this check-up.
Weeks 2–3
Bruising has faded; make-up and contact lenses are allowed with approval.
Month 3
The scars soften and the final result is visible.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Most people describe tightness and mild soreness rather than pain, managed with simple painkillers.
How long do the results last?
Upper lid results typically last many years; lower lid bags rarely return. Ageing of the surrounding tissue continues.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes, commonly with a brow lift, facelift or fat transfer. Your surgeon will advise what is sensible in one session.
Deciding on eyelid surgery is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
