Face & Neck Surgery
Eyelid Surgery
Facial Balance
Upper Blepharoplasty in Istanbul
Upper blepharoplasty is the definitive solution for heavy, hooded upper eyelids — opening up the eye, restoring natural crease definition and delivering a permanently refreshed appearance. At Dr. Havva Duru İpek's Nişantaşı clinic, each case is assessed individually, with surgical or awake (local anaesthesia) options tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Contents
Understanding Your Upper Eyelid Surgery Options
Choosing the right approach requires understanding what is actually causing your eyelid concern. At our Istanbul clinic, we assess your eyelid anatomy, brow position, and visual function during your personal consultation before making any recommendation.
Upper Blepharoplasty (Surgical — Permanent)
The definitive solution for excess upper eyelid skin. A precise ellipse of skin — and in some cases, a small amount of orbital fat — is removed through an incision placed in the natural eyelid crease. The crease acts as a perfect hiding place for the incision, making the scar virtually undetectable once healed. Results are permanent and immediate. Recovery is faster than most patients expect — with the majority of visible bruising resolving within 7–10 days.
Botox Brow Lift vs. Upper Blepharoplasty
Botox can subtly elevate the tail of the brow for a few months, creating a mild opening effect on the upper eyelid. This is a useful temporary option for patients with mild lid heaviness primarily caused by brow descent. However, botox cannot physically remove excess skin — if true skin laxity is present, surgery is the only effective solution. During your consultation, Dr. İpek will identify whether your concern is predominantly brow-related or eyelid skin-related, and advise accordingly.
Non-Surgical Upper Eyelid Treatments
Devices such as plasma pens or radiofrequency tools offer very mild, temporary skin tightening on the upper eyelid. These are only suitable for patients with minimal excess skin and carry their own risks if performed incorrectly. They are not a substitute for surgery when meaningful hooding is present.
Asian Upper Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid Surgery)
A specialist procedure tailored to create or define a natural upper eyelid crease in patients with a single eyelid or indistinct fold. At Dr. Havva Duru İpek's Nişantaşı clinic, Asian double eyelid surgery is performed with deep respect for the patient's ethnic features — the goal is always a natural-looking crease that brightens the eye while preserving cultural identity, never a westernised result.
- Eliminates Eyelid Hooding & Heavy Skin
- Incision Hidden in the Natural Crease
- "Awake" Surgery Option Available
- Can Restore Peripheral Vision
- Quick Procedure — 45–75 Minutes
- Permanent, Natural Rejuvenation
Upper Blepharoplasty Cost & Insurance in Istanbul
Transparent Pricing and Financial Planning
Functional vs. Cosmetic Upper Blepharoplasty: Understanding this distinction is important for financial planning. Upper blepharoplasty is performed either for functional reasons — where excess eyelid skin physically obstructs the upper visual field — or for cosmetic reasons — to improve the appearance of the eyes without any functional impairment. In many cases, both motivations are present simultaneously.
Insurance Coverage in Turkey: For patients with Turkish private health insurance or SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) coverage, functional upper blepharoplasty — where hooding causes measurable peripheral vision loss — may be partially covered. This requires documentation of visual field impairment, typically assessed via formal visual field testing. Purely cosmetic upper blepharoplasty is an out-of-pocket investment in all cases. Our team can advise on the documentation process during your consultation.
For International Patients: International patients should check with their own insurer regarding any coverage for functional eyelid surgery performed abroad. In most cases, cosmetic upper blepharoplasty is self-funded regardless of country.
Upper Blepharoplasty Cost in Istanbul: Upper blepharoplasty in Istanbul is significantly more affordable than equivalent procedures in the US, UK, or Western Europe — typically 40–65% less — while maintaining the same surgical standards and post-operative care. It is one of the most cost-accessible surgical procedures we offer at our Nişantaşı clinic.
All costs — including pre-operative assessment, anaesthesia, the procedure, and follow-up — are provided in writing during your consultation.
Visible Transformations — Before & After Upper Blepharoplasty
Reviewing before and after results is the most effective way to visualise what upper blepharoplasty can achieve. At Dr. Havva Duru İpek's Istanbul clinic, our upper eyelid gallery includes:
Hooded Eyes Upper Blepharoplasty Before & After
Dramatic results showing how removing the tissue "hood" opens and brightens the eye, revealing the natural eyelid crease beneath.
Male Upper Blepharoplasty Before & After
Results showing natural-looking rejuvenation that preserves a strong, masculine brow line and avoids any feminine appearance.
Asian Double Eyelid Surgery Before & After
Natural crease creation results respecting ethnic aesthetics.
Functional Blepharoplasty Before & After
Cases showing improved peripheral vision field alongside aesthetic improvement.
Planning Your Journey
Why Quality and Expertise Matter
- Specialist Facial Surgery Focus
- Awake (Local Anaesthesia) Option
- Asian Double Eyelid Expertise
- Invisible Incision Placement
- Functional & Cosmetic Cases Accepted
- Transparent Pricing — Written Quote
- International Patients Welcome
- Remote Consultation Available
Book Your Free Consultation in Nişantaşı
Find out whether upper blepharoplasty is right for you with a personal assessment at Dr. Havva Duru İpek Kliniği, Istanbul.
Request ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Questions we often asked
Can upper blepharoplasty fix my drooping eyebrows?
No — upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin from the eyelid itself. If your eyebrows have descended and are contributing to the heaviness, you may benefit from combining upper blepharoplasty with a temporal lift or brow lift for the optimal result. Dr. İpek assesses brow position carefully during your Istanbul consultation to determine whether this combination is appropriate for you.
Will upper blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?
A correctly performed upper blepharoplasty should not alter the fundamental shape of your eyes. It removes the excess skin that is concealing your natural eye shape — making the eyes look more open and rested, not different. The natural character and expression of your eyes is preserved.
Are the sutures dissolvable?
We typically use very fine, non-dissolvable sutures for the most precise and neat incision closure. These are removed comfortably and painlessly at our clinic 5–7 days after surgery — a quick and easy appointment.
How painful is upper blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid surgery is generally not considered a painful procedure. Most patients describe a feeling of tightness and mild soreness — similar to a strained eye muscle — in the first few days, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief or prescribed medication. Significant pain is not typical.
Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
No — regardless of whether local or general anaesthesia is used. Your eyes will be swollen, sensitive to light, and ointment will be applied to the incision area. You must arrange for a companion to drive you home safely. International patients staying nearby in Istanbul should arrange their transport and accommodation in advance.