Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Northern Cyprus

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelid and, where necessary, addresses the underlying fat compartment. The incision is placed along the natural crease of the upper lid (the supratarsal sulcus); once healed, this line is concealed within the crease when the eye is open.

An important feature of upper blepharoplasty is this: the boundary between cosmetic and functional is not always clear. A drooping upper lid does more than create a tired look — in advanced cases it physically covers the outer upper visual field. In this situation, blepharoplasty carries functional indication — it is not merely an aesthetic choice but a medically indicated measure to preserve vision. Visual field testing (perimetry) is used to assess this at consultation; in cases where results are positive, some insurance systems may cover the procedure.

Upper blepharoplasty performed as a standalone procedure takes 30–45 minutes. Local anaesthesia is sufficient in most cases; some patients prefer the addition of light sedation. The scar sits within the upper lid crease and becomes imperceptible in daily life within a few months.

Lower blepharoplasty corrects under-eye fat herniation (under-eye puffiness) and, where necessary, tightens loose skin. Two main approaches are available:

• Transconjunctival (internal) approach: The incision is made from the inner surface of the lower lid (the conjunctiva). There is no external scar whatsoever. The fat compartments are accessed directly; excess fat is removed or, where there is volume loss beneath the eye, repositioned (fat repositioning). This approach is preferred when skin excess is not the primary concern and fat herniation dominates — typically in patients aged 30–50.
• Transcutaneous (external skin) approach: The incision is placed 2–3 mm below the lash line, following the lash margin. Both skin excess and the fat compartment can be addressed together. This approach is required when skin laxity is marked — typically in patients over 50. With correct technique and tension-free closure, the resulting scar fades to near-invisibility in daily life within months; however, unlike the transconjunctival approach, a fine skin line is present.

The advantage of the transconjunctival approach is this: the absence of an external scar, the fact that the lateral canthal support ligaments are not disturbed, and consequently that the risk of lower lid retraction (ectropion) is significantly lower. When patient selection is correct, transconjunctival blepharoplasty is the preferred option in modern lower eyelid surgery. However, it is not appropriate for every patient — if skin excess dominates, the transcutaneous approach is required. The decision is made together after pre-operative assessment, photographic analysis and skin elasticity testing.

In many patients both upper and lower eyelids have aged together; in these cases combined blepharoplasty is planned as a single session. The advantages of combining:

• Single anaesthetic, single recovery period: Rather than two separate trips and two separate recovery periods, one 7–10 day period is sufficient.
• Aesthetic coherence: If the upper lid is corrected but the lower lid remains tired-looking, the overall result appears inconsistent. Planning both together preserves the aesthetic integrity of the periorbital area.
• Cost advantage: Priced as a single procedure package rather than two separate operations.

Combined blepharoplasty takes 60–90 minutes; local anaesthesia with sedation is the most commonly chosen anaesthetic plan. Recovery follows a similar course to standalone upper or lower blepharoplasty — combining them does not lengthen healing time.

Non-surgical options around the eyes — laser skin resurfacing (CO₂, erbium), radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening, and plasma pen (Plexr) — are frequently marketed as "non-surgical blepharoplasty". An honest distinction needs to be drawn here:

• What laser and RF achieve: They stimulate the superficial skin layer, increase collagen production, soften fine lines and improve skin quality. The effect is mild, persists for 6–18 months, and requires repeat treatment.
• What laser and RF cannot achieve: They do not lift drooping skin or remove herniated fat. For marked upper lid ptosis, visual-field-affecting dermatochalasis, and lower lid fat herniation, they are insufficient on their own.
• Plasma pen (Plexr): Superficial ablation creates micro-wounds; mild contraction occurs during healing. It is a debated alternative in mild cases; even in experienced hands the effect is limited and highly operator-dependent.

In summary: laser/RF may be considered as supportive treatment for mild age-related skin changes around the eye; for structural problems such as drooping and fat herniation, surgery is the appropriate solution. At Nis Clinic we make this boundary clear from the outset and do not make misleading claims through "non-surgical blepharoplasty" marketing.

The primary cause of upper lid heaviness is not always the eyelid itself. In patients with brow ptosis (a descended brow), the true problem lies in the brow having dropped downwards rather than in the eyelid. If only upper blepharoplasty is performed in these patients, too much skin is drawn into the lid, the outer corner of the eye remains low, and the result falls short of expectations.

At consultation we perform careful measurements: the distance from the forehead crease to the brow line, the distance from the brow line to the lid crease, and brow symmetry. These measurements determine which procedure is required:

• Upper blepharoplasty alone: Brow position is normal; the issue lies in the lid skin.
• Brow lift + upper blepharoplasty: Both the brow is low and skin is excess. Both procedures are combined in one session.
• Brow lift alone: The brow is predominantly low; the lid skin is relatively normal.

Incorrect diagnosis leads to an incorrect outcome. This step of the consultation is never skipped.

Related page: Facelift — combined treatment of mid and lower facial laxity

We offer consultations online (Zoom or WhatsApp video call) or in person at our clinic. The majority of patients travelling from abroad prefer an online first consultation followed by an in-person assessment with measurements on the day before surgery.

At consultation we assess three areas separately:

1. Visual field: Is the upper lid droop affecting your field of vision? Does the patient habitually raise their brow to lift the lid while reading or driving? In significant cases, perimetry (visual field testing) is used to document outer upper quadrant loss. This shapes the functional indication decision.
2. Skin elasticity: How readily does the skin recoil when gently pinched? The pinch test helps plan the amount of skin to be removed surgically. Age, sun damage, smoking history and skin type (Fitzpatrick classification) are all considered together.
3. Fat compartment assessment: The three lower lid fat compartments (medial, central and lateral) are examined individually. Which ones are herniated (protruding forwards)? Is there also a tear-trough deformity (under-eye hollow)? Should fat be removed entirely or repositioned? This decision determines whether the outcome will be a "hollow and tired eye" or a "full and rested eye".

Additional topics covered: dry eye symptoms (a contraindication for certain procedures), thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy), previous eye surgery (LASIK, cataract, refractive surgery), contact lens use, current medications (including anticoagulants), and the patient's expectations.

At the end of the consultation, you receive a clear preliminary plan: are you a suitable candidate, which technique is appropriate (upper only, lower only, transconjunctival or transcutaneous, combined), the approximate cost range, and potential surgery dates.

During the in-person assessment we take high-resolution standardised photographs from multiple angles: frontal, 45° right and left, 90° right and left, eyes closed, eyes looking upward, and with a mild expression. These photographs:

• Serve as a reference throughout surgical planning
• Form your before-and-after record for post-operative comparison
• Provide objective documentation for visual field effect assessment

Surgical markings — the supratarsal sulcus position for the upper lid, the lash margin or transconjunctival boundary for the lower lid — are planned using the photographs. The amount of skin to be removed, the fat compartments to be addressed, and the need for lateral canthal support (canthopexy) where applicable are all included in the written plan.

The preliminary plan is provided to you in writing. The figure agreed at consultation does not change on the day of surgery.

Blepharoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation (monitored anaesthesia care, MAC) in most patients. This plan — protecting the airway, enabling rapid recovery, minimising discomfort and avoiding the risks of general anaesthesia — is the standard approach in modern eyelid surgery. For extensive combined cases (for example, blepharoplasty with facelift and neck lift), general anaesthesia may be preferred; this decision is made jointly with the anaesthetist.

Procedure durations:

• Upper blepharoplasty alone: 30–45 minutes
• Lower blepharoplasty alone (transconjunctival): 45–60 minutes
• Lower blepharoplasty alone (transcutaneous, including skin removal): 60–75 minutes
• Combined (upper + lower): 60–90 minutes

Typical schedule (combined blepharoplasty):

• 08:00 — Arrival at clinic, final checks, anaesthetist assessment
• 08:30 — Surgical marking, photography
• 09:00 — Transfer to theatre, sedation commenced
• 09:15 — Skin antisepsis, local anaesthesia administered
• 09:30 — Upper lid incision, planned skin ± fat removal, suturing
• 10:00 — Lower lid: transconjunctival access to fat compartments, repositioning where required
• 10:30 — Cold compress application, wound closure
• 11:00–12:00 — Observation in the recovery room
• 12:00 — Initial meeting with family or companion; patient's first look in the mirror (usually the same day or the following morning)

Same-day discharge is possible for most patients. Patients travelling from abroad are advised to spend the first night at a partner hotel or the clinic's guest facility under close monitoring.

Recovery after blepharoplasty progresses gradually. We explain this timeline clearly to every patient from the outset:

• First 24–48 hours: Noticeable swelling and mild bruising around the upper lid incision line and lower lid are normal. Cold compresses (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) are applied regularly for the first 48 hours. The head is kept elevated on a pillow. Pain is generally mild; prescribed analgesics are sufficient, and most patients no longer need pain relief after the second day.
• Days 3–4: Swelling and bruising are at their most pronounced. The purple colouring begins to turn yellowish. Cold compresses are gradually replaced by warm compresses.
• Days 5–7: Skin sutures are removed. Fine, non-absorbable monofilament sutures (typically 6/0 prolene or nylon) are removed at this stage — a painless process. Approximately half the swelling has settled. Where the transconjunctival approach was used on the lower lid, there are no visible sutures to remove.
• Days 7–10: The social recovery window. Swelling has reduced visibly; residual bruising can be covered with make-up. A return to work is achievable for most patients in this window — those in your immediate circle may notice something, those further away likely will not.
• Weeks 2–3: Significant swelling has largely resolved. The incision line appears pink to red — this is the expected scar maturation process.
• Month 1: Approximately 80% of swelling has resolved. The periorbital area looks recovered at a glance.
• Month 3: The upper lid scar line begins to fade. Where fat repositioning was performed on the lower lid, the result becomes clearer.
• Month 6: Final result. Scars have approached skin tone; tissue softness is fully established. Standardised before-and-after photographs are taken at this review.

We remain in contact throughout every stage via WhatsApp. Send us photographs and we respond to your questions within 24 hours. Reviews at day 7 and months 1, 3 and 6 are scheduled in person or via video call.

Related page: Medical tourism packages — transfers, accommodation and follow-up included

Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting — removed skin and fat do not return. The ageing process continues, however; skin will tend to relax again gradually over the years. Upper blepharoplasty performed with modern technique and appropriate patient selection statistically maintains a significant advantage for 10–15 years; lower blepharoplasty results tend to last even longer because re-expansion of the fat compartments is not a typical scenario.

Three factors are most important in preserving your result: sun protection (periorbital skin is among the most UV-sensitive areas), not smoking (which impairs skin elasticity and wound healing), and weight stability. With all three in place, results are maintained for well over a decade.

A small proportion of patients may require a minor revision after several years — for example, additional filler for a tear-trough deformity or a light laser resurfacing treatment. This does not mean the surgery has "failed" — it is a natural continuation of the ageing process.

• Generally aged 18 and over, and in practice most commonly 35 and above. Blepharoplasty in younger patients is usually indicated for lower lid fat herniation (genetic, familial); the typical range for upper lid surgery is 45 and over.
• Patients with marked upper lid ptosis that physically obstructs the outer upper visual field — functional indication is strong.
• Individuals with lower lid fat herniation who appear puffy under the eyes even when well-rested.
• Patients with a tear-trough deformity for whom fat repositioning is appropriate.
• Those with reasonable skin elasticity; significantly thinned or excessively lax skin may limit achievable results.
• Patients in good general health without uncontrolled chronic conditions.
• Patients with realistic expectations: the goal of moving from "tired eyes" to "rested eyes" is a sound one; a claim of "looking ten years younger" is not.

There is no upper age limit — reliable outcomes are achieved in patients well over 70–75 provided general health conditions are suitable; skin elasticity and healing time may differ, and we discuss this transparently at consultation.

• Dry eye syndrome: Blepharoplasty can temporarily — and rarely, permanently — worsen dry eye symptoms. In patients with a significant dry eye history, an ophthalmology consultation is arranged first, artificial tear therapy is initiated, and the procedure is planned with particular technical care. In some cases, blepharoplasty is postponed or not performed.
• Thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy): In active thyroid ophthalmopathy, the periorbital tissue is not in a stable state; unpredictable changes may occur after surgery. Surgery is not performed without endocrinological stabilisation and ophthalmological clearance.
• Previous eye surgery (LASIK, cataract, refractive surgery): At least 6 months must have elapsed since the last LASIK procedure. Assessment is carried out in conjunction with an ophthalmologist.
• Glaucoma: Controlled glaucoma is generally not a contraindication; ophthalmological approval is required. Active or uncontrolled glaucoma requires stabilisation first.
• Uncontrolled hypertension: Increases the risk of haematoma (collection of blood within the wound). Blood pressure values are stabilised before surgery.
• Anticoagulant use: Aspirin, warfarin, novel oral anticoagulants — an appropriate bridging plan is arranged following a cardiology consultation; cessation or substitution is made 7–10 days before surgery.
• Smoking: Must be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery; nicotine impairs tissue perfusion and wound healing.
• Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): At least 6 months must have elapsed since the last dose.
• Active periorbital infection (blepharitis, hordeolum): Dermatological or ophthalmological treatment is completed first.
• Under 18: Not performed for cosmetic indications.
• Unrealistic expectations or suspected body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): A psychological assessment may be required before surgery.

An honest word on risk

Blepharoplasty carries a low complication rate in experienced hands — but zero risk does not exist. Two specific risks merit discussion:

• Lagophthalmos (incomplete eye closure): occurs if too much skin is removed from the upper lid, or if excessive skin-muscle tension is applied to the lower lid, preventing full closure. Temporary lagophthalmos may be seen in the first few weeks and resolves as swelling settles. Permanent lagophthalmos is uncommon and is largely prevented by sound surgical planning; if it does occur, artificial tears or gel are used to protect the cornea, and revision is rarely required.
• Ectropion (outward turning of the lower lid): may occur with the transcutaneous lower lid approach if excessive tension is applied to the lateral canthal support ligaments or to the skin-muscle layer. This risk is significantly lower with the transconjunctival approach — because these structures are not touched. In at-risk patients, canthopexy/canthoplasty is added to reinforce lower lid support. Mild, temporary ectropion resolves with massage and exercises; significant or persistent ectropion requires revisional surgery.

These two risks should be neither overstated nor dismissed. With correct patient selection, correct technique and correct follow-up applied together, the incidence is low — but the patient reads and signs an informed consent form making these possibilities clear before surgery.

Eyelid surgery is one of the anatomically most demanding subspecialties within plastic surgery. The eyelid — thin skin, orbicularis oculi muscle, tarsal plate, retractor mechanism, orbital septum, fat compartments and lateral canthal support ligaments all interwoven in an area where work is measured not in centimetres but in millimetres. Op. Dr. İbrahim Meyzin is a Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (CTMA), Registration No. 969. His background in reconstructive surgery makes a material difference in fat repositioning, lateral canthal support and fine-tissue dissection. He is personally present in every procedure; the model of "technicians operate, doctor oversees" is not practised at Nis Clinic.

Full academic background, certifications and publications: Op. Dr. İbrahim Meyzin — Doctor Profile

There is a particular dimension to eyelid surgery: the change occurs on the face, at the very centre of daily interaction. Many patients therefore wish to have the procedure without announcing it to those around them, and prefer a gradual return to social life. Northern Cyprus offers a remarkable environment for exactly this:

• Physical distance: One hour fifteen minutes from Istanbul, four to four and a half hours from London. Accessible from home, yet far enough away.
• Social privacy: The likelihood of running into someone you know is very low. Spending the visible 7–10 day recovery period in a quiet setting genuinely affects the quality of healing — both psychologically and physically.
• No Schengen stamp: Simple entry for UK nationals. No Schengen record in your passport.
• Climate: Mild Mediterranean conditions; gentle walks in nature are possible during recovery, provided direct sun exposure to the periorbital area is strictly avoided. High-quality sunglasses are part of the recovery kit.
• Service framework: Private transfers, a quiet hotel room, optional nurse monitoring, and written daily follow-up.

Our three clinic locations:

• Nicosia — main clinic, operating theatre and consultation centre
• Kyrenia — on the coastline; an ideal setting for calm recovery after eyelid surgery
• Famagusta — for patients on the eastern side of the island

For our patients travelling from abroad, the extended recovery advantage is significant: a 7–10 day stay in a quiet hotel is far more comfortable than a restricted period at home. Our medical tourism packages are designed to resolve the logistics of this period.

Blepharoplasty pricing varies according to whether upper, lower or combined surgery is performed, any additional procedures (fat repositioning, canthopexy, laser resurfacing), length of stay and package scope.

Comparative ranges:

• United Kingdom: €4,500–€8,500+ (combined, upper tier)
• Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Italy): €4,000–€7,500
• Türkiye (quality clinics): €2,000–€5,000
• Nis Clinic — upper blepharoplasty only: €2,500–€4,500
• Nis Clinic — combined upper + lower blepharoplasty: €3,000–€5,500

This range is confirmed according to the approach chosen (transconjunctival vs transcutaneous), the need for fat repositioning, whether lateral canthal support (canthopexy) is added, and any concurrent procedures. Your exact figure is provided after consultation.

Package inclusions:

• Airport transfers (Ercan Airport — hotel — clinic)
• 5–7 nights' accommodation (partner 4★ hotel)
• Surgical and anaesthetic fees
• Medications, cold compress kit and protective sunglasses
• Suture removal and follow-up appointments
• WhatsApp support (24/7 written)
• Photographic follow-up reviews at months 1, 3 and 6

There are no hidden charges. The figure provided at consultation is fixed through to the date of surgery.

The combination advantage

Blepharoplasty planned alongside a facelift or brow lift in the same session offers a single anaesthetic, a single stay and a single recovery period. A combined plan — rather than three separate trips — is more practical in terms of both cost and time. See our facelift page for details.

Combining blepharoplasty with rhinoplasty and other facial procedures is not always advisable because the anatomical dissection planes differ; this is assessed at consultation. See our rhinoplasty page for details.

Seeking the "cheapest" clinic for blepharoplasty is particularly risky; revisional surgery following lagophthalmos or ectropion complications is far more difficult and costly than the original procedure. A well-executed first operation is, in the long run, the most economical choice.