For patients in South Africa

Eyelid surgery in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes excess skin from the upper eyelids, or removes or repositions the fat that causes bags under the eyes, or both. For South African patients the operation is the same as for anyone else; what needs extra thought is the ten-hour flight home with healing eyelids and follow-up from a distance.

Upper, lower or both?

The type of eyelid surgery depends on where the problem is:

• Upper eyelid surgery — drooping or excess skin on the upper lids
• Lower eyelid surgery — eye bags and a puffy look under the eyes
• Upper and lower eyelids together — when both are an issue

Eyelid surgery is sometimes combined with a facelift; if that interests you, read about facelift for South African patients. All techniques are explained on the eyelid surgery treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags or excess eyelid skin
• People who feel their eyes make them look tired or older than they feel
• People whose vision is affected by excess upper eyelid skin
• People in good general health, non-smokers (or able to stop before surgery), with realistic expectations

Suitability is confirmed only after a medical assessment. If blepharoplasty is not right for you, the surgeon will say so.

How long to stay, and the flight home

On arrival you have health checks, blood tests and a meeting with the surgeon. Afterwards patients recover at Mandarin Grove near İzmir, with nursing support and dressing changes. Stitches are usually removed between days four and seven, and most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days. The surgeon decides when you are fit to fly, so book a return ticket you can change.

• Aircraft cabin air is dry, and a ten-hour flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town can make healing eyes feel gritty; ask the surgeon which eye drops to bring on board
• Bruising can still be visible when you travel and for a while after
• Protect the healing eyelids from the strong South African sun with sunglasses and a hat, and ask the surgeon when you can use sunscreen near the incisions

Recovery at home

Most of the visible swelling settles in the first two to six weeks. Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within one to two weeks, but strenuous exercise should wait until the surgeon clears you. The incision lines continue to soften and fade over three to six months as the eyelids settle into their final appearance.

Risks are discussed openly at consultation. They include swelling, bruising, temporary dry eyes, blurred vision, asymmetry and delayed wound healing, and, more rarely, bleeding, infection or a change in eyelid position.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team; Turkey is only one hour ahead of South Africa. Complications and clinically necessary revisions within a year are covered by our treatment guarantee. Keep your GP informed, and ask us before you book how follow-up would work in your city. See our clinic facts, complaints process and patient videos.

What decides the cost

The cost depends on whether you need upper, lower or both eyelids done, whether it is combined with another procedure, and how long you stay. You receive a personalised quote after the surgeon has reviewed your photographs. Medical aid and travel insurance are covered in the questions below.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, we will not promise a result, and we will not operate if your health makes it unsafe. A long journey is not a reason to add more procedures to one operation than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

How long after eyelid surgery can I fly home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides. Most eyelid surgery patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, once any stitches are out. The flight home takes around ten hours, so plan to keep your eyes moist on board and book a return ticket you can change.

Will my medical aid cover blepharoplasty?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic eyelid surgery. If drooping upper lids are blocking your vision, your scheme may assess this differently, but that is their decision, not ours. Ask your scheme directly, and note that standard travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery abroad.

Do I need upper or lower eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery deals with drooping or excess skin on the upper lids; lower eyelid surgery deals with eye bags and puffiness underneath. Some patients need both. The surgeon decides from your photographs and the assessment on arrival.

When can I go back to work after eyelid surgery?

Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Bruising can remain visible for a while, and strenuous exercise should wait until the surgeon clears you.

Will I have dry eyes after blepharoplasty?

Temporary dry eyes are a known effect of eyelid surgery and usually settle as the eyelids heal. Cabin air on a long flight is dry, so ask your surgeon which eye drops to use on the journey home.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.