Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to reduce signs of ageing around the eyes and to correct a saggy, baggy appearance. This operation can both improve the field of vision and aims to give the person a younger, more rested and livelier look.
At her private practice on Bağdat Avenue in Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ serves her patients in the field of eyelid surgery with surgical techniques aimed at natural and balanced results.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Over time, the skin loses its elasticity, muscle tissue slackens and fat pads shift. This process shows itself both as sagging of the upper eyelids and as bags under the lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty removes this excess skin and fat tissue to reshape the structure of the eyelid, creating a youthful, bright expression on the face.
The operation can be performed for both cosmetic purposes and functional reasons. If sagging of the upper eyelid narrows the field of vision, the operation is also beneficial for health.
Who Is Suitable for Eyelid Surgery?
- People with sagging or excess skin on the upper eyelids
- Those with bags, puffiness or a tired appearance under the eyes
- People whose field of vision is restricted
- Those who want a younger, rested and natural look
The surgical plan for each patient is prepared on a personalised basis by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ.
How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Upper eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia; in some cases general anaesthesia may be preferred. The operation takes an average of 45 minutes and most patients return to daily life the same day.
If performed together with lower eyelid surgery as well, it is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. The operation takes approximately 1-2 hours on average.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
- The incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid.
- Excess skin and fat are removed.
- The stitch line is hidden within the natural fold.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
- The incision is made below the lash line or on the inner side of the eyelid.
- Fat tissue is removed or repositioned.
- Where necessary, excess skin is removed and the muscle tissue is supported.
After surgery, the area is protected with thin suture strips. These strips are removed within about a week.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
In the post-operative period, mild bruising, swelling and a feeling of tightness around the eyes are normal. These symptoms usually subside within 10–14 days. Most people can return to work after 1 week.
During recovery:
- Rest with the head elevated.
- Use eye drops and ointments regularly.
- Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun.
- Applying cold compresses is recommended in the first few days.
Things to Avoid
- Activities such as strenuous exercise, swimming or sauna should be avoided in the first few days.
- Smoking and alcohol can delay healing.
- Rubbing the eyes or wearing contact lenses should be temporarily postponed.
- If the eyes stay open during sleep, a night-time eye patch should be used.
Possible Side Effects After Eyelid Surgery
Temporary post-operative complaints may include:
- Mild bruising and swelling
- Watering or a feeling of dryness in the eyes
- Tightness along the stitch line
- Scars that fade over time
These symptoms usually disappear completely within a few weeks.
Risks of Eyelid Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries some rare risks. These may include infection, temporary blurred vision, scarring or outward turning of the lower eyelid (ectropion).
These risks and the precautions to be taken are discussed in detail at the examination.
Eyelid Surgery Prices
Eyelid surgery prices may vary according to the scope of the treatment, whether the procedure is performed on the upper or lower eyelids, the type of anaesthesia used and the patient's needs.
In some cases, the upper and lower eyelids are treated together in the same session; this increases the operation time and surgical scope.
Factors taken into account when determining the price include:
- Whether the operation is performed on one side or both sides
- The patient's skin structure and the degree of sagging around the eyes
- Additional procedures (for example, brow lift, reshaping of under-eye bags)
- The surgical technique and type of anaesthesia used
- The clinic or hospital conditions where the operation will be performed
After examining each patient in detail, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ creates a personalised treatment plan and shares clear price information in line with this plan.
It should be remembered that eyelid surgery is not only an aesthetic procedure but also a functional intervention. Correcting sagging that narrows the field of vision improves quality of life. For this reason, it is important that the operation is performed by a surgeon specialised in the field.
For detailed information on fees or to book an examination appointment:
Online appointment
Planning and Follow-Up in Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is a delicate operation that can completely change facial expression.
When planned correctly, the eye area is rejuvenated, the gaze is revitalised and the person gains a more energetic appearance. However, whether these results can be natural, symmetrical and lasting depends on the surgeon's experience and meticulousness.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ analyses each patient's facial structure in detail and carries out assessments such as pre-operative photography and skin elasticity measurement. This approach allows a personalised surgical plan to be prepared for each patient.
In addition to the surgical process, postoperative care and recovery are at least as important as the operation itself. Dr. Karadağ follows her patients closely in the postoperative period and supports recovery with the right medication, dressings and eye-area care protocols.
For patients who want eyelid surgery, Dr. Karadağ’s approach is based on the philosophy of “rejuvenation while preserving naturalness”.
The aim is balanced, aesthetic results that simply erase the signs of tiredness without changing facial expression.
