Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Youthful, Vibrant Eyes
The eyes are the most expressive part of our face; they are the first place to reveal our mood, energy, and age. However, over time, due to genetic factors and the effects of gravity, unwanted changes occur in our eyelids. Excess skin accumulates on the upper eyelids, hooding the eyes, while fat pads under the lower eyelids become prominent, known as "under-eye bags," and wrinkles form on the skin. This situation reflects a tired, sleepless, sad, and older appearance, regardless of how rested and energetic the person actually feels.
At this juncture, one of the most refined and effective solutions offered by modern aesthetic surgery comes into play: Eyelid Surgery (medically known as Blepharoplasty). This operation rejuvenates your gaze by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat tissue from the eye area, restoring vitality, youthfulness, and dynamism. At his clinic in Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram applies the most advanced blepharoplasty techniques to give you a brighter appearance by elegantly erasing the tired marks of time, without altering your natural expression.
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What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Eyelid surgery is a procedure that can be applied to the upper and/or lower eyelids to remove sagging excess skin and herniated fat pads, and to tighten and reshape the tissues in this area. The purpose of this procedure is not solely aesthetic; it also provides functional improvement. Particularly severe sagging of the upper eyelid skin can restrict a person's field of vision, impacting daily quality of life. Blepharoplasty permanently solves this problem as well.
Eyelid surgery can also be performed in conjunction with almond eye surgery (lateral canthoplasty). Eyelid operations are frequently combined with other aesthetic procedures such as facelifts.
The Scope of Eyelid Surgery: Upper and Lower Lids
Blepharoplasty can be performed exclusively on the upper lids, solely on the lower lids, or on both simultaneously (combined blepharoplasty), depending on the individual's needs.
Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)
This procedure targets the issues primarily responsible for the "heavy" and tired appearance of the upper eyelid area.
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Problems Solved: Excess skin folds on the upper eyelid, a "hooded" appearance, difficulty applying eye makeup, and, in advanced cases, obstruction of the upper field of vision.
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Technique: The surgical incision is precisely placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This ensures that when the eye is open after healing, the scar is virtually invisible. Through this incision, the surgeon removes the pre-planned amount of excess skin, often a small strip of muscle, and, if necessary, protruding fat pads. The incision is then closed with very fine aesthetic sutures.
Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)
This procedure targets "under-eye bags" and skin laxity, which are among the most prominent causes of a tired and aged expression.
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Problems Solved: Bags under the eyes, fine wrinkles on the skin, sometimes associated colour changes, and a hollowed appearance.
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Technique: There are two primary approaches:
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Subciliary Incision (Below the Lash Line): The incision is made just 1-2 mm below the lower eyelashes. Through this incision, herniated fat pads are removed or repositioned (spread over the cheekbone) to create a smooth transition. Then, the loosened excess skin is removed. Because the scar is hidden just beneath the lashes, it is very difficult to detect.
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Transconjunctival Incision (Inside the Eyelid): Preferred especially for younger patients who primarily have puffiness (fat bags) without significant excess skin. The incision is made on the inside (pink surface) of the lower eyelid. There are no external incisions or stitches. The fat pads are removed or repositioned through this internal incision.
The Eyelid Surgery Process
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Consultation and Planning: The process begins with a detailed eye and facial analysis during your consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram. Your skin elasticity, the condition of your fat pads, muscle tone, and the position of your eyebrows are evaluated. Sometimes, the cause of upper lid heaviness might be brow ptosis (drooping eyebrows); in such cases, a brow lift surgery might be recommended either in addition to or instead of blepharoplasty.
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Anesthesia and Surgery: Eyelid surgery is typically a very comfortable procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation (light sleepiness). General anesthesia may be preferred if both upper and lower lids are being operated on together or if combined with other procedures. The duration of the operation varies from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery Process
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First 2-3 Days: This is the period when swelling and bruising are most noticeable. Keeping your head elevated and regularly applying cold compresses (ice packs) is crucial to minimize these effects.
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1st Week: Sutures are usually removed between days 4 and 7. By the end of this week, a significant portion of the swelling and bruising will have subsided. Patients can typically return to normal activities like reading and watching television.
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2nd Week: Most patients can comfortably return to their social lives and desk jobs, possibly with the help of light concealer makeup and/or sunglasses.
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1 Month: Life mostly returns to normal, excluding strenuous exercises and heavy sports activities. The results become quite apparent during this period.
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3-6 Months: As all tissues fully soften, residual swelling completely resolves, and incision lines mature and fade, your final, rested, and rejuvenated expression fully emerges.
Eyelid Surgery Costs 2025
Eyelid surgery costs vary depending on the scope of the operation (upper only, lower only, or combined blepharoplasty), the type of anesthesia used, the surgeon's experience, and the standards of the hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed. A precise, personalized cost estimate can only be determined after a personal consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Will eyelid surgery scars be noticeable?
No. Blepharoplasty is one of the aesthetic surgeries where scars are best concealed. The upper lid scar hides within the natural crease, and the lower lid scar hides just below the lash line. These scars fade over several months, eventually becoming almost completely unnoticeable.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
Eyelid surgery is one of the longest-lasting facial rejuvenation procedures, effectively turning back the clock. The results typically last for 10-15 years or even longer. The operation doesn't stop the aging process, but you will always look significantly younger and more rested compared to how you would have looked without the surgery.
Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be done at the same time?
Yes, very often both procedures are combined in the same surgical session, allowing for a single recovery period. This provides comprehensive rejuvenation around the eyes.
Will the shape of my eyes change undesirably after surgery?
This is where the choice of an experienced surgeon is paramount. The goal of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram is not to change your expression or eye shape, but simply to remove the excess tissues, giving you a younger, more rested, and natural version of your own face. Over-removal of skin is avoided to prevent a "startled" or "pulled" appearance. Temporary difficulty closing the eyes completely while sleeping might occur in the first few days after upper eyelid surgery, but this resolves. Ectropion (pulling down of the lower eyelid) is a possible complication after lower eyelid surgery, but it typically improves within a few months with recommended massage.
Is non-surgical eyelid tightening (Plexr, etc.) an alternative to surgery?
Methods like plasma energy (Plexr) can provide a minimal amount of tightening only on the very superficial layer of the skin. They are completely ineffective in cases with significant excess skin, sagging, or fat bags. The only real and lasting solution for these conditions is surgical blepharoplasty.
Is surgery the only solution for under-eye bags?
If the cause of under-eye bags is herniated fat pads, the only way to permanently eliminate them is by surgically removing or repositioning this fat. Methods like under-eye filler ("tear trough filler") can provide some camouflage by filling the hollow beneath the bags, but they do not remove the bags themselves.
