For patients in South Africa
Upper Face Rejuvenation Package in Turkey from South Africa: eyelids and outer brow together
The Upper Face Rejuvenation Package treats the top third of the face: hooded upper eyelids and an outer brow that has dropped. It combines two procedures in one session in İzmir. This page explains why they are paired, what the operation and recovery involve, and what to plan for the trip from South Africa.
In short: Upper eyelid surgery and a temporal brow lift, done together. Heavy lids are often partly caused by a low brow, so treating only the eyelid can leave hooding behind. The operation takes about one and a half to three hours, stitches come out after around five to ten days, and light activities resume after about a week.
Last updated: October 2026
What the package includes
- Upper eyelid surgery — removes excess skin, and small amounts of fat where needed, through a cut in the natural eyelid crease; it reduces hooding and can help when skin blocks part of your vision
- Temporal brow lift — raises the outer part of the brow through small incisions hidden in the hairline at the temple; it is more limited than a full brow lift
The original description is on the Upper Face Rejuvenation Package page; for other options see the brow lift guide and our facial surgery guide for South African patients.
Who it suits
People in good general health with drooping upper lids, a lowered outer brow or a tired, heavy look around the eyes, and realistic expectations. Before surgery the team checks brow position, eyelid skin and muscle, your medical history and, if excess skin affects your sight, your vision. You can start with an online consultation from home.
The operation and recovery
Local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia, is used. Expect swelling and bruising around the eyes and temples, some tightness and temporary sensitivity; keeping the head raised and cold compresses help early on. Swelling eases over several weeks and the result settles over several months. Risks include bruising, temporary dry eyes, asymmetry, scarring that is usually small and hidden, and temporary numbness.
Planning the trip from South Africa
- Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, then a short domestic flight to İzmir
- Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
- Length of stay: the number of nights in Turkey is set in your written treatment plan once the surgeon has reviewed you; stay until the post-operative checks are done before the long-haul flight
- Fitness to fly: the surgeon decides when you can fly, so book a return ticket you can change
- Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa
- Cover: medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment; check both
Follow-up at home
At home, the same team follows up by photograph, message and video call; give your GP the operation notes. Medical complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are covered by our treatment guarantee; flights and accommodation for any repair remain your own cost. Facts about the clinic and surgeons are on the clinic facts page, and if something goes wrong you can use our complaints process.
What we will not do
We will not confirm a package before a board-certified surgeon has reviewed your photographs and history, we will not promise a result, and we will not operate if your health makes it unsafe. We will not add a lower face procedure to this package just because you have travelled far; if you need one, it is planned and explained as a separate decision.
Frequently asked questions
Why combine upper eyelid surgery with a temporal brow lift?
Eyelid heaviness is often partly caused by the outer brow dropping. Lifting the brow and trimming the eyelid together treats both causes in one anaesthetic and one recovery.
Where are the scars?
The eyelid scar sits in the natural crease of the lid, and the temporal lift incisions are hidden in the hairline at the temple.
When are the stitches removed?
Usually after around five to ten days. Your plan in Turkey is arranged so the surgeon can check the wounds before you fly.
Can I wear sunglasses on the flight home?
Yes, sunglasses help hide bruising and protect the eyes. Keep your head raised and drink water during the roughly ten-hour flight from Istanbul.
Will this change my expression?
The aim is a more open, rested look while keeping your own expression. Results are long-lasting, although natural ageing continues.
Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.