Most patients experience minimal pain during and after eyelid surgery. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during surgery. Post-operatively, any discomfort is typically mild and easily managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients describe the sensation as tightness rather than pain. Cold compresses help reduce swelling and discomfort in the first few days.

The duration varies based on the complexity of your procedure. Upper blepharoplasty typically takes 45-90 minutes, lower blepharoplasty takes 1-2 hours, and combined upper and lower procedures usually take 2-3 hours. These are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day after a brief recovery period in our facility.

Recovery varies by individual, but most patients follow this timeline: Days 1-3: Rest at home with cold compresses, swelling and bruising peak. Days 5-7: Sutures removed, significant improvement in appearance. Days 10-14: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work with makeup. Weeks 2-4: Swelling continues to decrease, resume most activities. Weeks 6-12: Final results emerge as tissues fully heal and scars fade. Full recovery with final results visible at 3 months.

Scarring is minimal and well-concealed. For upper blepharoplasty, incisions are placed in the natural crease of the eyelid, making scars virtually invisible when your eyes are open. For lower blepharoplasty, incisions can be made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), leaving no visible external scar. Within 3-6 months, scars fade to thin, barely noticeable lines that blend with your natural skin texture.

You may be an ideal candidate if you: are at least 18 years old (preferably over 35), have drooping upper eyelids affecting vision or appearance, have puffy bags or dark circles under eyes, have realistic expectations about outcomes, are in good general health, don’t smoke or are willing to quit temporarily, and have no serious eye conditions. During your consultation, our surgeon will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach for your needs.

Eyelid surgery provides long-lasting results, typically 7-10 years or more. For many patients, the results are permanent, especially for upper blepharoplasty where excess skin is removed. However, the natural aging process continues, and factors like sun exposure, smoking, and genetics can affect longevity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using sun protection, and following a good skincare routine can help extend your results. Some patients may choose a touch-up procedure after 10-15 years.

While eyelid surgery is generally very safe when performed by qualified surgeons, potential risks include: temporary blurred or double vision, dry eyes (usually temporary), infection (rare with proper care), bleeding or hematoma, asymmetry requiring revision, and difficulty closing eyes completely (very rare). At Sehaj Mal, we minimize risks through meticulous surgical technique, comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, and thorough post-operative care. Serious complications are extremely rare.

Yes! Eyelid surgery is often combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for comprehensive results. Popular combinations include: Facelift – for overall facial rejuvenation, Brow lift – to address forehead wrinkles and lift drooping brows, Botox/fillers – to address wrinkles and volume loss, and Laser resurfacing – to improve skin texture. Combining procedures can be cost-effective and allows for a single recovery period. Discuss your aesthetic goals during consultation to determine the best combination for you.

The lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality! Turkey offers exceptional value due to: Lower operational costs (rent, labor, overhead), favorable exchange rates, government support for medical tourism, high competition leading to competitive pricing, and surgeons who are equally or better trained than Western counterparts. At Sehaj Mal, you receive the same or higher quality care as you would in the US or UK, but at 60-70% less cost. Our surgeons are board-certified, internationally trained, and our facilities are equipped with the latest technology.

Pre-operative preparation includes: Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning medications, arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, fill prescriptions for post-operative medications, prepare cold compresses and supplies for home recovery, arrange time off work (10-14 days recommended), and follow specific instructions provided by your surgeon regarding eating and drinking before surgery. We provide a comprehensive pre-operative checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared.

You can typically resume wearing makeup around 7-10 days after surgery, once sutures are removed and incisions are healing well. Start with mineral-based, gentle formulas and avoid pulling or tugging on the delicate eyelid skin. Many patients find that makeup helps conceal any remaining bruising or redness during the later stages of recovery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your healing progress.

We recommend staying in Istanbul for at least 7-10 days after your surgery for optimal monitoring and suture removal. However, if you need to travel sooner, air travel is generally safe after 3-5 days with your surgeon’s approval. Plan to: Keep your head elevated during flight, use lubricating eye drops regularly, avoid rubbing your eyes, wear sunglasses for comfort and protection, and arrange follow-up care with a local surgeon if needed. Many patients combine their procedure with a relaxing Istanbul vacation!