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Upper blepharoplasty, also known as upper eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and, when necessary, adjusts excess fat from the upper eyelids. The aim is to create a more open, refreshed and youthful eye appearance while maintaining natural facial expression. In suitable patients, upper blepharoplasty can often be performed under local anaesthesia.
The eyes are one of the first areas of the face to show visible signs of ageing.
Over time, the skin of the upper eyelids can lose elasticity and begin to sag. For some people, excess upper eyelid skin can make the eyes appear tired, heavy or older even when they feel completely rested.
This leads many patients to consider upper blepharoplasty, also commonly searched for as upper eyelid surgery or an upper eyelid lift.
Upper blepharoplasty is designed to remove carefully measured excess skin from the upper eyelids and, where appropriate, address underlying fat to create a smoother and more refreshed appearance.
However, successful eyelid surgery is not about removing as much skin as possible.
The goal should be to preserve the natural shape and character of the eyes while achieving a subtle improvement that remains balanced with the rest of the face.
At AYT Clinic Antalya, upper blepharoplasty is individually planned according to each patient's eyelid anatomy, skin excess and aesthetic goals.
In this complete guide, we'll explain how upper blepharoplasty works, who may benefit from the procedure, anaesthesia options, scars, recovery and what results you can realistically expect.
Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the upper eyelids.
During surgery, the plastic surgeon carefully removes a predetermined amount of excess skin.
Depending on the patient's anatomy, the procedure may also involve conservative adjustment of underlying fatty tissue.
Upper blepharoplasty can help improve:
Drooping or sagging upper eyelid skin
Heavy-looking upper eyelids
Excess skin covering the natural eyelid crease
A persistently tired appearance
Age-related changes around the upper eyes
The procedure is personalised because every patient's eyelids and facial proportions are different.
Ageing is one of the most common causes of upper eyelid changes.
As we age:
Skin gradually loses elasticity
Collagen production decreases
Eyelid tissues become looser
Fat distribution around the eyes may change
The natural eyelid crease may become less defined
Genetics also play an important role.
Some patients develop hooded or heavy upper eyelids at a relatively young age even when there are few other signs of facial ageing.
For this reason, there is no single "correct age" for upper blepharoplasty.
Suitability depends more on your anatomy and concerns than your age alone.
You may be a suitable candidate if you have:
Excess upper eyelid skin
Hooded upper eyelids
Heavy-looking eyelids
Age-related eyelid sagging
Realistic expectations about surgery
Good general health
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your eyelids and the surrounding facial structures before recommending surgery.
This is particularly important because not every concern around the upper eye is caused by excess eyelid skin.
In some patients, the position of the eyebrows may also contribute to a heavy upper-eye appearance.
👉 Read our upcoming guide: Who Is a Good Candidate for Upper Blepharoplasty?
Before surgery, the surgeon carefully marks the amount of skin that should be removed.
The incision is usually positioned within the natural upper eyelid crease.
Through this incision, the surgeon can:
Remove carefully measured excess skin
Adjust excess fat when appropriate
Refine the upper eyelid contour
Close the incision precisely
Because the incision follows the natural eyelid crease, the resulting scar generally becomes increasingly discreet as healing progresses.
The amount of tissue removed must be carefully controlled.
Removing too much skin can create an unnatural appearance or interfere with normal eyelid function, which is why precise surgical planning is essential.
Yes.
In suitable patients, upper blepharoplasty can often be performed under local anaesthesia.
The treatment area is numbed so the patient does not feel surgical pain during the procedure.
This can make upper eyelid surgery particularly attractive to patients who would prefer to avoid general anaesthesia when it is medically appropriate.
Whether local anaesthesia is suitable depends on factors such as:
The planned extent of surgery
Whether other procedures are being performed simultaneously
The patient's medical history
The surgeon's assessment
👉 We will cover this in detail in: Upper Blepharoplasty Under Local Anaesthesia: What to Expect.
Upper blepharoplasty is generally a relatively short surgical procedure compared with more extensive facial operations.
The exact operating time varies depending on the patient's anatomy, the amount of correction required and whether another procedure is being performed at the same time.
Your surgeon will explain the expected surgical plan during your consultation.
The aim of a well-planned upper blepharoplasty is generally not to change your identity or completely alter the natural shape of your eyes.
Instead, the procedure is intended to create a more rested and refreshed appearance by addressing excess upper eyelid tissue.
A conservative, anatomy-based approach is particularly important around the eyes because even small surgical changes can significantly affect facial expression.
The aim of upper blepharoplasty is to create a fresher, more open and less tired appearance while preserving your natural facial expression.
After the initial swelling and bruising settle, patients may notice:
Results vary according to your anatomy, skin quality, ageing process and the amount of correction required.
Upper blepharoplasty should enhance your existing features rather than make your eyes look dramatically different.
Recovery is generally faster than with more extensive facial surgery.
During the first few days, it is normal to experience:
These symptoms usually improve progressively.
Many patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities relatively quickly, although visible bruising or swelling may take longer to settle.
👉 Read more in Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline: Day by Day & Week by Week.
Swelling is a normal part of recovery after upper eyelid surgery.
It is usually most noticeable during the first few days and then gradually decreases.
Many patients see a significant improvement within 1 to 2 weeks, although mild residual swelling may persist for longer.
Every patient heals at a different rate.
Factors such as individual healing response, the extent of surgery and adherence to post-operative instructions can influence how quickly swelling resolves.
👉 Learn more in How Long Does Swelling Last After Upper Blepharoplasty?
Yes. Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure and therefore leaves a scar.
However, the incision is normally positioned within the natural upper eyelid crease, helping the scar become less noticeable as it matures.
Initially, the incision may appear:
Over the following months, it generally becomes:
Scar maturation takes time, so the appearance during the first few weeks should not be considered the final result.
👉 Read our guide: Upper Blepharoplasty Scars: What Should You Expect?
The appropriate time to return to work depends partly on your occupation and how comfortable you feel with temporary swelling or bruising.
Patients with office-based or remote jobs may return sooner than patients whose work involves strenuous physical activity.
Some patients choose to take approximately 1 to 2 weeks away from work, particularly if they prefer most visible bruising and swelling to settle before returning.
Your surgeon will provide personalised advice according to your recovery.
👉 Read more in When Can I Return to Work After Upper Blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty can provide long-lasting improvement, but it cannot stop the natural ageing process.
Your skin and surrounding facial tissues will continue to age over time.
Factors that may influence the longevity of your result include:
Many patients enjoy their improvement for years.
Upper and lower blepharoplasty address different concerns.
Upper blepharoplasty primarily treats excess skin and heaviness of the upper eyelids.
Lower blepharoplasty is designed to address concerns beneath the eyes, such as under-eye bags, excess skin or changes in lower eyelid tissues.
Some patients may benefit from one procedure, while others may be suitable for both.
The correct approach depends on your individual anatomy rather than age alone.
👉 Read our comparison: Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: What's the Difference?
The cost of upper blepharoplasty in Turkey depends on several factors, including:
Patients comparing upper blepharoplasty prices in Turkey and the UK should consider more than the advertised surgical price.
The surgeon's experience, medical facilities, aftercare and exactly what is included in the treatment package should also be considered.
👉 For a detailed price guide, read How Much Does Upper Blepharoplasty Cost in Turkey?
Antalya has become a popular destination for international patients considering cosmetic surgery.
Patients may choose Antalya because of:
Price should never be the only factor when selecting a clinic or surgeon.
Safety, surgeon qualifications, realistic treatment planning and post-operative care should always be prioritised.
At AYT Clinic Antalya, upper blepharoplasty is individually planned according to the patient's anatomy and aesthetic expectations.
Our patient journey includes:
Our aim is to achieve a refreshed appearance while preserving the natural character of the eyes and face.
The procedure itself is performed with appropriate anaesthesia. Mild discomfort, tightness or sensitivity can occur during the early recovery period and is generally manageable with the medication recommended by your medical team.
Yes. In suitable patients, upper eyelid surgery can often be performed under local anaesthesia. Your surgeon will determine the most appropriate option for you.
Bruising varies between patients but generally improves considerably during the first 1 to 2 weeks.
The incision is usually positioned in the natural upper eyelid crease. The scar is more noticeable initially but generally fades and becomes increasingly discreet as it matures.
An improvement becomes visible as swelling subsides, but the eyelids continue to settle over the following weeks and months. Final healing should therefore not be judged during the early recovery period.
In suitable patients, upper and lower eyelid surgery may be performed during the same treatment plan. Your surgeon must assess whether this is appropriate for your individual anatomy and health.
Upper blepharoplasty can provide a significant yet natural-looking improvement for patients affected by excess upper eyelid skin, hooding or a persistently tired appearance.
Successful surgery is based on careful assessment and conservative removal of tissue rather than simply removing as much skin as possible.
The incision is normally concealed within the natural eyelid crease, and in suitable patients the procedure can often be performed under local anaesthesia.
At AYT Clinic Antalya, every upper blepharoplasty is individually planned with a focus on patient safety, natural facial proportions and long-term results.
Op. Dr. Hakan ÖlmeztürkPlastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon
AYT Clinic Antalya provides upper blepharoplasty and other facial aesthetic procedures for international patients. Treatment plans are individually prepared following medical assessment, with multilingual patient coordination and continued post-operative support throughout the recovery process.
AYT Clinic is one of the leading plastic surgery and medical tourism clinics in Antalya, Turkey, offering facelift, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, liposuction, tummy tuck, hair transplant, and weight loss surgery packages for international patients.
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