Blepharoplasty removes or repositions excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or both. Upper lid surgery treats hooded or heavy lids. Lower lid surgery treats bags and loose skin. Some patients have a functional reason as well, such as lids that interfere with vision.

The operation is usually shorter than other facial surgery and the stay in Istanbul is correspondingly short. Your surgeon decides, after reviewing your photographs, whether you need upper lids, lower lids or both, and whether a brow lift would suit better when the brow is low.

UK private clinics publish about £4,995 for both upper lids, about £5,995 for both lower lids and about £9,395 for upper and lower together. Your Istanbul quote names which lids are priced.

Who it is for

Adults with excess upper lid skin, hooded lids or lower lid bags
Good general health and healthy eyes. Tell your surgeon about dry eyes, glaucoma or thyroid eye disease
Realistic expectations: surgery refreshes the eyes but does not change their shape or colour
Non-smokers, or patients prepared to stop before and after surgery as advised

Included in every package

Airport transfers in Istanbul
Hotel accommodation near the hospital
A professional interpreter at your appointments
Coordination with the hospital from enquiry to discharge
English-language discharge documentation, sent to your GP on request

Flights are not included. The surgeon and hospital fees are listed in your itemised quote.

How it works

Illustrative image: a doctor reviewing a treatment plan with a patient

STEP 1

Enquiry and quote

Tell us which lids concern you. You receive an itemised quote within 48 hours with a clear list of what is and is not included. The hospital and surgeon are confirmed in writing before you pay for treatment.

STEP 2

Remote assessment

You complete a medical questionnaire, including any eye conditions, and share photographs. Your surgeon confirms the plan.

STEP 3

Surgery in Istanbul

Surgery is under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, as your surgeon advises, and usually takes one to two hours.

STEP 4

Recovery and follow-up

You attend post-operative checks, have sutures removed as planned and receive English-language operative notes for your UK GP.

Your timeline

Within 48 hoursItemised quote, once we have your complete records or photographs.
Usually within 2 weeks of confirmingYour surgery date, subject to the surgeon and hospital availability.
ArrivalAirport transfer, hotel, and your meeting with the surgeon before the procedure.
3–5 daysThe procedure and post-operative checks. The surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly.
At homeFollow your surgeon's guidance on activity, work and exercise. English-language documents go to your GP on request.

Risks and things to consider

All surgery carries risk. Your surgeon will go through these with you and the consent form will list them in full. They include:

Bruising and swelling that usually take one to two weeks to settle
Dry, gritty or watering eyes, which can be temporary or persistent
Asymmetry, or an unsatisfactory result requiring revision
Difficulty fully closing the eyes, usually temporary
Lower lid malposition, where the lid pulls down or away from the eye, which may need further surgery
Scarring, which is usually discreet but varies between patients
Infection and bleeding. Bleeding behind the eye is rare, but it is an emergency because it can threaten sight
Risks of anaesthesia

Important:Ocean Health & Travel is a medical coordination service, not a medical provider. We do not provide medical advice or surgical assessments. All clinical decisions, including suitability for surgery, technique and post-operative management, rest with your treating surgeon at the partner hospital. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much does eyelid surgery cost in Istanbul compared with the UK?

Eyelid surgery in Istanbul starts from £1,800. UK private clinics publish about £4,995 for both upper lids, about £5,995 for both lower lids and about £9,395 for upper and lower together (collected October 2026). Against the UK upper-lid price this is a saving of roughly 60%. Your itemised quote states which lids are priced.

Do I need upper lids, lower lids or both?

Your surgeon decides after reviewing your photographs. Upper lids treat hooded or heavy lids, lower lids treat bags and loose skin, and many patients benefit from a combination. A low brow may need a brow lift instead of, or as well as, eyelid surgery.

How long is recovery and when can I fly home?

Most patients stay in Istanbul for 3–5 days, subject to surgeon clearance, for post-operative checks. Bruising and swelling usually take one to two weeks to settle. You avoid contact lenses, make-up and strenuous exercise for the period your surgeon specifies. Use lubricating drops as advised.

What if I have an eye problem after I return?

Seek urgent local medical care for a sudden change in vision, severe pain or rapid swelling around the eye. For other concerns the treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up and we help coordinate communication with them. We do not provide post-operative medical care.

Can eyelid surgery be done with other procedures?

Often yes, for example with a brow lift or mini facelift. This changes the operation and the price, so your quote lists each component separately.

Ready to find out what eyelid surgery costs for you?

Tell us what you are considering. Itemised quote within 48 hours. Hospital and surgeon confirmed in writing before you pay.

Get a free quote

Prefer to send photos or records? Send your details for review

Information for UK patients

What to know before you travel and after you return.

Flying home

Patients typically fly home 3–5 days after surgery, subject to surgeon clearance. Ask your surgeon about lubricating drops and eye care on the flight. Ask your surgeon about compression stockings and moving regularly on the flight.

After you return

Operative notes, the discharge summary and any results are provided in English and forwarded to your UK GP on request. The treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up. If you need urgent care at home, seek local medical help straight away. We can help coordinate communication with the hospital, but we do not provide post-operative medical care. Read what to do if something goes wrong.

Payment and cancellation

You pay no coordination fee. We are paid by the hospital you are treated at, and we tell you this upfront. Deposits, payment schedules and refund terms are set by the hospital and confirmed in writing in your quote before you pay anything. Cancellation terms are in your coordination agreement — see the brokerage agreement.

Travel insurance

Standard travel policies often exclude planned treatment and its complications, so check your cover and its exclusions before you travel. If you would like, we can introduce you to an FCA-authorised insurance provider offering medical-travel cover. We may receive a commission if you take out a policy. You are free to choose any provider, there is no obligation, and we do not give insurance advice.

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