What is upper eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery addresses excess skin over the eyelid and, where necessary, associated tissue concerns. It is also known as upper blepharoplasty. The aim is to reduce hooding while taking the person's eye and brow anatomy into account.

A drooping eyelid may refer to excess skin, a low brow or a low eyelid margin. A similar appearance can have different causes, so I first examine anyone requesting an eyelid lift.

The brow is a curtain rail, the eyelid skin a curtain: why assess both?

I compare the brow to a curtain rail and upper eyelid skin to the curtain hanging from it. If the rail moves down, the curtain looks lower too. Simply shortening the curtain, or removing eyelid skin, may then fail to address the whole problem.

I assess brow position separately from true excess eyelid skin. If brow drooping is also present, I explain its effect on appearance and what upper eyelid surgery alone can change. Not every patient needs a brow lift.

Are excess eyelid skin and eyelid ptosis the same?

Skin folding over the lid is different from a low position of the eyelid margin carrying the eyelashes. In ptosis, the structures lifting the eyelid need separate assessment, and a different operation may be required.

Upper blepharoplasty does not correct every case of ptosis. Skin or eyelid drooping that obstructs the field of vision may require an ophthalmology assessment and visual field testing. Not every visual complaint is caused by the eyelid.

Calliper measurements and approximately 20 minutes of marking

Before surgery, I assess brow and eyelid position, the existing crease and differences between the two sides, using callipers for measurement. Measurement and marking alone take approximately 20 minutes.

I plan skin removal with eye closure and individual anatomy in mind. Measurement does not guarantee that both eyelids will be identical; pre-existing asymmetry and differences in healing can affect the result.

Upper eyelid surgery under local anaesthesia

I perform almost all of my upper eyelid operations under local anaesthesia. The area is numbed while the patient remains awake and able to communicate with me. The anaesthetic plan takes health and any combined procedures into account.

The anaesthetic injection may briefly sting or burn. Touch and pressure may be felt during surgery; tell the team immediately if you feel pain. Local anaesthesia also carries risks, including reactions to medicines.

Operating time and an optional short break

Upper eyelid surgery takes one hour on average. Approximately 20 minutes of measurement and marking are a separate preparation stage. The extent of surgery and individual characteristics can change the duration.

After completing one side, we can offer a break of approximately five minutes if the patient wishes. This depends on the progress of surgery and the patient's condition.

Where is the incision, and will there be a scar?

The incision is planned with the natural upper eyelid crease in mind. Excess skin and, where needed, related tissues are addressed individually; the same amount of skin or fat does not need to be removed in every patient.

Incisions leave permanent scars. Their position within a crease may reduce visibility, but scarless surgery cannot be promised. Redness, raised scarring or colour differences may develop; scar maturation takes time.

Examination and preparation

Tell the team about dry eyes, thyroid and eye conditions, previous eye or eyelid operations, contact lens use and visual symptoms. An ophthalmology opinion may be needed. Also report previous botulinum toxin, filler and brow procedures.

Regular medicines, blood thinners, supplements, allergies and other conditions are reviewed. Do not stop prescribed medication yourself. Discuss smoking, nicotine and factors affecting wound healing; preparation instructions are individualised.

Return to daily activities immediately after surgery

In my practice, patients whose postoperative assessment and general condition are suitable can resume light daily activities as soon as surgery is complete. This does not mean that swelling or bruising is absent, or that the tissues have fully healed.

Light activities at home are assessed separately from heavy work, exercise and lifting. Driving requires clear vision, comfortable eye movement and medicines that do not impair driving. Arrange for someone to take you home.

Return to desk work or screen use depends on vision, discomfort, job demands and how the person feels. Visible bruising does not automatically prevent light activities.

Aftercare and showering the next day

In my follow-up approach, showering is permitted the day after surgery. Avoid rubbing the eye area or incision and follow your wound and tape-care instructions.

Swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness, watering or dryness may occur, and the sides may heal at different rates. I remove the stitches one week after surgery. Reviews, wound care and any eye drops or ointment are planned individually. Do not remove stitches or tape yourself.

If healing is progressing well, I allow sunscreen and makeup two weeks after surgery. Do not apply products to an open incision. Contact lenses, pools, the sea, sauna and strenuous exercise are assessed separately according to the wound and eye surface. Avoid rubbing the eyes and follow your individual sun-protection instructions.

When can the result be assessed, and is it permanent?

Swelling and bruising affect the early appearance. Eyelid shape and scars change over weeks and months; the appearance on the day of surgery is not the final result.

The operation reduces excess skin, while ageing continues. Looseness may recur over time. Perfect symmetry, a particular appearance or the same lifelong result cannot be guaranteed. Upper eyelid surgery does not correct every wrinkle, crow's foot or low brow.

Planning with a face and neck lift

For patients having a face and neck lift, I usually perform upper eyelid surgery in the clinic the day before. My aim is to avoid extending the time under general anaesthesia in hospital. The need for treatment in each area and its timing are individualised.

Read about my face and neck lift approach →

Possible risks of upper eyelid surgery

Every medical intervention, procedure and operation carries risks. Death, disability, and temporary and/or permanent unwanted functional and/or aesthetic outcomes may occur.

No medical intervention, procedure or operation guarantees that the patient's desired result or results will be achieved.

Open the headings to read about the risks. They do not all have the same frequency or severity. Health, the eye surface and additional procedures affect individual risk; this list does not cover every possibility.

Bleeding, infection and wound healing

Bleeding and haematoma. Blood may collect, requiring emergency intervention or further surgery.
Infection and wound problems. Delayed healing or wound separation may require additional care and treatment.
Scars and colour changes. Conspicuous, raised or discoloured scars may develop.
Suture and material reactions. Sutures, tape or antiseptics may cause irritation or allergy.

Eye surface, eyelid movement and vision

Dryness and corneal problems. Dryness may worsen, with irritation, watering, light sensitivity or damage to the eye surface.
Incomplete eye closure. Temporary or permanent difficulty closing the eyes may require further treatment or surgery.
Eyelid position and muscles. Eyelid drooping or other malposition, muscle injury and double vision may occur.
Vision changes or loss. Temporary or permanent visual impairment, and very rarely blindness, may occur. Sudden visual changes are an emergency.

Sensation, asymmetry and unwanted appearance

Sensory changes and pain. Numbness, altered sensation or persistent pain may occur.
Asymmetry. Pre-existing differences may remain, or new differences may develop.
Insufficient or excessive correction. The eyelid crease and appearance may differ from expectations.
Need for additional surgery. Persistent symptoms, recurrent drooping or a complication may require further intervention. Results are not guaranteed.

Local anaesthesia, medicines and general risks

Reactions to medicines and anaesthetics. Serious reactions, including severe allergy, may require emergency treatment.
Serious systemic complications. Severe heart, circulation or breathing problems may cause permanent harm, disability or death.
Combined procedures. If additional operations or different anaesthetic techniques are planned, their specific risks are assessed separately.

Which symptoms should not wait?

For sudden loss or reduction of vision, severe eye pain, rapidly increasing swelling around the eye, shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, call 112 in Türkiye or seek emergency care. Inform the treatment team immediately too.

Do not wait for your review appointment if bleeding increases, fever develops, or redness spreads or discharge occurs.

This page does not replace a personal examination or the preoperative informed consent process. Reading it does not constitute consent to surgery.

Frequently asked questions about upper eyelid surgery

Do you perform upper eyelid surgery under local anaesthesia?

Yes, I perform almost all of these operations under local anaesthesia. Personal health and any combined procedures may affect the anaesthetic decision.

Will I be awake, and will I feel pain?

With local anaesthesia, you are awake and able to communicate. The injection may briefly sting; afterwards, you may feel touch or pressure. Tell the team immediately if you feel pain.

How long do measurement and marking take?

Measurement with callipers and marking take approximately 20 minutes. This is separate from operating time.

How long does upper eyelid surgery take?

The operation takes one hour on average. Preparation and measurement are separate, and individual characteristics may change the duration.

Can I have a break between the two sides?

Once one side is complete, we can offer a break of approximately five minutes if the patient wishes. The patient's condition and surgical progress are taken into account.

Can I return to daily life immediately?

If your postoperative assessment and general condition are suitable, you can resume light everyday activities as soon as surgery is complete. Swelling and bruising may be present; strenuous activity and sport need separate permission.

When can I return to work?

I assess return to light work according to vision, discomfort and the effort the job requires. Visible bruising and ability to work are different considerations; the same day is not promised for everyone.

When can I shower?

In my follow-up approach, showering is permitted the day after surgery. Avoid rubbing the eye area and follow your wound and tape-care instructions.

When are sutures removed?

I remove the stitches one week after surgery. Attend your scheduled review; do not remove stitches or tape yourself.

Will there be swelling or bruising?

There may be. The speed of improvement and healing can differ between sides. Do not assume that rapidly increasing swelling or severe eye pain is ordinary recovery.

Are eyelid hooding and ptosis the same?

Excess skin, a low brow and a low eyelid margin are different conditions. Removing skin alone may not be sufficient for ptosis; a different assessment and operation may be needed.

Will my low brows be corrected too?

Upper eyelid surgery is not the same as a brow lift. As in the curtain rail–curtain analogy, a low brow can affect hooding over the lid, so both are assessed in planning.

Will both eyelids be perfectly symmetrical?

Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed. Existing brow and eyelid differences may persist, and new asymmetry may develop.

Will upper eyelid surgery leave a scar?

Yes. Even when the incision is planned along the natural crease, a permanent scar forms. Visibility depends on individual healing and changes over time.

Can surgery help my field of vision?

Appropriate treatment of obstructing skin or eyelid drooping may provide a functional benefit. Examination and, when necessary, an eye assessment are needed to establish the cause.

At what age can upper eyelid surgery be considered?

Age alone does not determine the decision. Excess skin, brow and eyelid position, the eye surface, general health and expectations are assessed together.

Can men have upper blepharoplasty?

Yes. Planning for women and men considers the brow–eyelid relationship and each person's own anatomy.

Will every wrinkle and crow's foot disappear?

No. Upper eyelid surgery does not remove all expression lines or skin concerns around the eyes. Associated concerns require separate assessment.

When can I use sunscreen, makeup or contact lenses?

If healing is progressing well, I allow sunscreen and makeup two weeks after surgery. Return to contact lenses is assessed separately according to the eye surface and healing.

When can I exercise or drive?

Return to light daily activities does not mean strenuous exercise is permitted. Driving requires clear vision, comfortable eye movement and assessment of medicine effects. Arrange for someone to take you home.

Is the result permanent, or can drooping recur?

Excess skin has been reduced, but ageing continues and looseness may recur. The same lifelong result cannot be promised.

Can it be planned with a face and neck lift?

Yes. I generally assess these areas together. For patients having a face and neck lift, I usually operate on the upper eyelids in the clinic the day before, to avoid extending general anaesthesia time.

Can I have surgery if I have dry eyes?

The cause and severity of dryness are assessed, and an ophthalmology opinion may be needed. Tell the team beforehand because surgery can worsen dryness.

Is there a risk of vision loss?

Permanent vision loss is possible, although very rare. A sudden reduction in vision, severe eye pain or rapidly increasing swelling around the eye requires emergency assessment.

What affects upper eyelid surgery costs in 2026?

Costs depend on the scope, additional brow or eyelid procedures, anaesthesia, the healthcare facility and follow-up. Establish which procedures and services are planned when comparing fees. Your individual plan and fees are explained after examination.

References

Calliper measurements, preparation and operating times, the preference for local anaesthesia, breaks, return to daily activities, showering, stitch removal, sunscreen and makeup describe Dr. Onur Serin's practice and follow-up approach. The sources below support general medical information. Last updated: 27 October 2026.

Upper Eyelid Surgery