Blepharoplasty: Everything You Need to Know About Eyelid Surgery

An increasing number of British patients are considering having this procedure performed abroad, particularly in Turkey, where the medical tourism sector offers competitive options in terms of cost whilst maintaining high standards of care.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure to alter the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure can be performed for cosmetic or functional reasons, typically to address the effects of ageing or hereditary characteristics (Patel & Malhotra, 2023).

What are the goals of blepharoplasty?

• Cosmetic correction: Blepharoplasty can help rejuvenate facial appearance by removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids, reducing the tired or aged look around the eyes (Rohrich et al., 2018).
• Functional improvement: In some cases, excess skin on the upper eyelids can obstruct the field of vision. Blepharoplasty can improve peripheral vision in these instances (Hollander et al., 2019).
• Correction of under-eye bags: The procedure can also eliminate or reduce unsightly bags under the eyes, giving a more rested and youthful appearance.

What are the types of blepharoplasty?

• Upper blepharoplasty: This procedure focuses on the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and fat to open up the eyes.
• Lower blepharoplasty: This procedure targets the lower eyelids, typically to eliminate under-eye bags or correct wrinkles.
• Total blepharoplasty: A combination of both upper and lower procedures, treating both eyelids simultaneously.
• Asian blepharoplasty: Also known as “creating the eyelid crease,” this procedure is specifically designed to create or accentuate the upper eyelid crease (Goold et al., 2009).

What age for blepharoplasty?

The ideal age for blepharoplasty varies considerably from person to person. Most patients who opt for this procedure are between 35 and 65 years old (Huijing et al., 2014). It’s generally from one’s forties that the signs of ageing around the eyes become more pronounced.

Some individuals may require blepharoplasty earlier due to genetic factors. For those whose vision is affected by drooping eyelids, the procedure may be necessary at any age, even in young adults in certain cases (Neimkin & Holds, 2016).

How is a blepharoplasty performed?

Blepharoplasty is a meticulous surgical procedure that occurs in several stages. It begins with a thorough preoperative consultation, during which the surgeon assesses the patient’s health, discusses expectations, and takes photographs for planning (Patel & Malhotra, 2023). Preoperative counselling is also provided to prepare the patient for the procedure.

On the day of surgery, anaesthesia is administered, usually local with sedation for straightforward procedures, or general for more complex cases (Rohrich et al., 2018).

The procedure itself varies depending on whether it is an upper or lower blepharoplasty. For the upper eyelid, the surgeon makes an incision in the natural crease, removes excess skin and fat, and then closes the wound with fine sutures. For the lower eyelid, the incision is made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid, allowing excess fat to be removed or redistributed (Kashkouli et al., 2017).

The total duration of the procedure typically ranges from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the work required. After the operation, the patient spends a few hours in the recovery room, where cold compresses are applied to the eyes to reduce swelling.

What are the post-operative effects of blepharoplasty?

The post-operative effects of blepharoplasty require special attention to ensure optimal healing. Immediately after surgery, patients can expect swelling and bruising around the eyes, which typically peak 2-3 days after surgery (Black et al., 2002). A feeling of tightness in the eyelids, temporary blurred vision, and watery or dry eyes are also common.

After 1 week

The first week usually sees the removal of sutures and a significant decrease in swelling. Most patients can resume light activities at this point. Over the following weeks, bruising gradually resolves and scars begin to fade, although they may remain pink for several months.

Long term

In the long term, final results become visible after 3-6 months (Mack, 2010). Scars continue to fade, usually becoming quite inconspicuous. It’s important to follow recommended precautions, such as avoiding strenuous exercise for at least two weeks, ensuring adequate sun protection, and maintaining good eye hydration.

What are the results of blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty generally offers rather satisfactory results, both aesthetically and functionally. Patients often experience a significant rejuvenation of the eye area, with a more rested and alert appearance (Young et al., 2019).

Cosmetically, key outcomes include:

• A reduction in excess upper eyelid skin, opening the eye area
• A reduction in under-eye bags, diminishing the tired appearance
• A reduction in fine wrinkles around the eyes
• A more defined eye contour, giving the face a more youthful appearance

Is blepharoplasty covered by the NHS?

NHS coverage for blepharoplasty depends mainly on the nature of the procedure. A functional blepharoplasty, deemed medically necessary, may be partially or fully covered. This is the case, for example, when drooping eyelids significantly obstruct the field of vision.

To be eligible for NHS funding, an ophthalmologist must certify that vision is impaired, and visual field tests are generally required to prove obstruction above a certain threshold, often set at 30%. Purely cosmetic blepharoplasty, on the other hand, is not covered by the NHS and would need to be undertaken privately.

How much does blepharoplasty cost?

The cost of blepharoplasty can vary greatly depending on several factors. The type of blepharoplasty (upper, lower, or both) and the complexity of the procedure play a major role in determining the price. The surgeon’s experience, the geographic location of the clinic, and the type of medical facility are also influential factors.

In the UK, indicative price ranges vary depending on the type of procedure. An upper blepharoplasty can cost between £1,800 and £3,200, while a lower blepharoplasty is generally between £2,300 and £3,700. For a combined procedure (upper and lower), the cost can range from £3,700 to £6,500.

Why have your blepharoplasty in Turkey?

Turkey has established itself in recent years as a destination of choice for medical tourism, particularly for cosmetic surgery procedures such as blepharoplasty. This phenomenon is explained by several factors that attract an increasing number of British patients.

A reduced cost

One of the main attractions of Turkey for blepharoplasty is the significantly lower cost of the procedure compared to the UK. Prices can be up to 50-70% lower than in Britain, without compromising the quality of care. This price difference is explained by a lower cost of living and operating costs in Turkey, allowing clinics to offer competitive rates while maintaining high standards.

An excellent quality of care

The quality of medical care in Turkey is another determining factor. The country has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, with many ultra-modern clinics and hospitals, equipped with the latest technologies. In addition, many Turkish surgeons specialising in cosmetic surgery are trained abroad and have internationally recognised expertise.

A Tailor-Made Experience

Another major advantage is the overall experience offered. Many Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive packages that include not only the surgery but also airport transfers, accommodation, and even sightseeing activities. This approach allows patients to combine their medical procedure with a holiday, transforming a potentially stressful experience into an enjoyable and rewarding stay.

Reduced Waiting Times

An additional benefit is the reduced waiting times. While in the UK, patients may wait several months for blepharoplasty, in Turkey, it’s often possible to secure an appointment and have the procedure performed in a much shorter timeframe.

If you’re considering blepharoplasty and would like to explore the option of having it performed in Turkey, Body Expert is here to guide you. As an agency specialising in medical tourism in Turkey, Body Expert can help you plan your procedure under the best possible conditions.

Do not hesitate to contact Body Expert today for personalised information, detailed quotes and bespoke support for your blepharoplasty project in Turkey. Their team of experts will be pleased to answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision to regain a fresh and rejuvenated look.

Sources

1. Rebowe & Runyan (2023) – “Blepharoplasty” – StatPearls Publishing. Premier article cité sur la définition et les principes généraux.
2. Patel & Malhotra (2023) – “Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty” – StatPearls Publishing. Source principale pour les aspects techniques et chirurgicaux.
3. Rohrich et al. (2018) – “Refinements in Upper Blepharoplasty: The Five-Step Technique” – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 141(5), 1144-1146.
4. Hollander et al. (2019) – “Functional outcomes of upper eyelid blepharoplasty: A systematic review” – Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 72(2), 294-309.
5. Kashkouli et al. (2017) – “Periorbital facial rejuvenation; applied anatomy and pre-operative assessment” – Journal of Current Ophthalmology, 29(3), 154-168.
6. Goold et al. (2009) – “Tarsal height” – Ophthalmology, 116(9), 1831-1831.
7. Huijing et al. (2014) – “The effect of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on eyebrow position” – Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 67(9), 1242-1247.
8. Neimkin & Holds (2016) – “Evaluation of Eyelid Function and Aesthetics” – Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 24(2), 97-106.
9. Black et al. (2002) – “Eyelid sensation after supratarsal lid crease incision” – Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 18(1), 45-49.
10. Mack (2010) – “Complications in periocular rejuvenation” – Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 18(3), 435-456.
11. Young et al. (2019) – “Lowering of the High Eyelid Crease in Revision Upper Eyelid Surgery” – Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 43(1), 139-146.