Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be done at the same time?
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The short answer is: Yes, absolutely. In fact, combining upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is one of the most common and highly recommended approaches in facial aesthetic surgery.
If you are bothered by heavy, drooping upper eyelids that make you look tired, alongside puffy bags and dark circles under your eyes, treating only one area might leave your face looking unbalanced. By performing a combined or “quadrilateral” blepharoplasty, Op. Dr. Ali Mezdeği can address both issues in a single session.
For international patients traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, combining these procedures is incredibly advantageous. It means going under anesthesia only once, paying a single all-inclusive package price, and completing your entire recovery in just one trip. In this guide, we will explore why combined eyelid surgery is often the smartest choice, what the recovery timeline looks like, and how you can achieve a complete eye rejuvenation in just a few days.
Combined Eyelid Surgery: Quick Facts
The most critical questions answered in seconds.
Can both eyelids be done in one session?
It takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours total to complete both seamlessly.
Do I need general anesthesia?
We typically use local anesthesia with IV sedation for a comfortable, deep sleep.
Will it change my natural eye shape?
It simply restores your youthful look without altering your core facial features.
Do I need to stay in the hospital overnight?
It is an outpatient procedure. You will be discharged to your luxury hotel the same day.
Are the results permanent?
Lower lid fat removal is permanent, and upper lids look youthful for 10-15 years.
Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are flawlessly hidden inside natural creases and behind the lower lash line.
Is the surgery painful?
You feel absolutely nothing during surgery, and post-op discomfort is surprisingly mild.
Real Patient Results: Watch in Action
Don't just take our word for it. See the immediate and flawless transformations of combined upper and lower blepharoplasty performed by Op. Dr. Ali Mezdeği.
Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery Before & After
Combined Surgery Natural Result for Men
Male Eyelid Surgery Flawless & Natural
Why Combine Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery? (Top 4 Benefits)
When patients consult with Op. Dr. Ali Mezdeği in Istanbul, one of the most frequent questions is whether they should fix their upper and lower eyelids simultaneously or separately. While it is entirely possible to perform them individually, combining them offers profound advantages—especially for medical tourists visiting Turkey.
1. A Single Recovery Period
Recovery is the part of the journey patients worry about most. If you choose to have upper eyelid surgery now and lower eyelid surgery a year later, you will have to go through the swelling, bruising, and healing downtime twice. By combining them into one single session, you experience only one healing phase and get back to your normal, social, and professional life much faster.
2. Significant Cost & Time Savings
Traveling abroad for plastic surgery involves logistical planning—flight tickets, hotel stays, hospital fees, and time off work. Having both procedures done together means you pay for your hospital, anesthesia, and travel expenses only once. With our all-inclusive VIP package (€3,000), combining your upper and lower lids is exceptionally cost-effective.
3. Perfectly Balanced Facial Rejuvenation
The eyes age as a complete unit. If you only correct sagging upper eyelids, your fresh new upper look might suddenly draw unwanted attention to lingering under-eye bags or dark hollows. Doing both at the same time ensures a harmonious, naturally balanced, and youthful transformation across your entire eye area.
4. Only One Experience with Anesthesia
Many patients feel anxious about anesthesia. Undergoing a combined blepharoplasty means you only need to be placed under sedation or general anesthesia once. Dr. Mezdeği and our expert surgical team perform both procedures efficiently, keeping the total operating time safe and streamlined (typically around 1.5 to 2.5 hours).
How is a Combined Blepharoplasty Performed?
During a combined procedure, Dr. Ali Mezdeği addresses the upper and lower eyelids meticulously in one seamless operation:
- Upper Lids: A precise incision is made within the natural crease to remove excess, sagging skin and protruding fat that creates a heavy look. (Learn more on our dedicated Upper Eyelid Surgery page).
- Lower Lids: Puffy fat bags are either redistributed or removed—often via a transconjunctival approach (hidden completely inside the lower eyelid with zero external scars). (Learn more on our Lower Blepharoplasty page).
Recovery Timeline for Combined Eyelid Surgery
A common misconception is that doing both upper and lower surgery doubles your recovery time. In reality, the healing curve remains remarkably similar to doing just one:
- Days 1–3: Peak of swelling and mild tightness. You will rest comfortably in your Istanbul hotel using cold compresses.
- Days 5–7: A quick visit to the clinic for a final check-up and suture removal. You receive your "Fit to Fly" medical clearance and head home.
- Days 7–10: Most visible bruising and swelling fade, allowing you to return to work or social settings (often wearing light sunglasses or makeup).
Ready for a Complete Eye Refresh in Istanbul?
Choosing to combine your upper and lower eyelid surgery is the smartest way to maximize your results, save on travel logistics, and achieve a brilliantly youthful, open look in just one 5-day trip to Turkey.
Curious about what your transformation will look like? Send us a few photos of your eyes via WhatsApp or fill out our online form today to schedule your free online consultation with Op. Dr. Ali Mezdeği and receive your personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about combining upper and lower eyelid surgery and traveling to Istanbul for your procedure.
Is it safe to perform upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?
Yes, it is completely safe and highly common. Combining the procedures is a standard practice in facial plastic surgery. It does not pose additional risks when performed by an experienced specialist like Op. Dr. Ali Mezdeği, and it allows for a more harmonious rejuvenation of the entire eye area.
Does combining the procedures double my recovery time?
Not at all. The healing process for both areas happens simultaneously. While you might experience slightly more swelling initially compared to a single eyelid surgery, the overall downtime remains around 7 to 10 days. You endure the recovery phase only once.
Do I need general anesthesia for a combined blepharoplasty?
While it can be done under general anesthesia if preferred, Dr. Mezdeği often performs combined eyelid surgery using local anesthesia accompanied by intravenous sedation. This ensures you feel absolutely no pain, sleep comfortably, and wake up quickly without the heavy side effects of general anesthesia.
Will I have worse scarring from a combined procedure?
No. The scarring is exactly the same as if you had them done separately. The upper eyelid incisions are hidden flawlessly in the natural crease, and the lower eyelid incisions are placed either inside the lid (transconjunctival) or just below the lash line. Both heal exceptionally well and become virtually invisible.
Does combined eyelid surgery treat crow's feet and dark circles?
It significantly improves puffy under-eye bags and heavy upper lids, which reduces the shadows that cause dark circles. However, it doesn't directly erase skin pigmentation or deep smile lines (crow's feet). If you have deep wrinkles, Botox or fat transfer can be easily combined with your surgery.
Can I sleep normally after having both eyelids operated on?
You will need to adjust your sleeping position slightly. You must sleep on your back with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for the first 3 to 5 nights. This elevation is crucial as it helps minimize swelling and prevents fluids from accumulating around your newly operated eyes.
How soon can I see the final results?
You will notice a dramatic, more rested appearance as soon as the initial swelling and bruising subside in about two weeks. However, the final, refined results will emerge within 2 to 3 months as the delicate tissues around the eyes completely settle.
How many days should I stay in Istanbul for combined eyelid surgery?
We recommend a total stay of 5 to 6 nights. This allows enough time for your arrival, the surgery day, proper initial rest at your luxury hotel, and a final check-up to remove sutures before you are cleared to fly home.
Is it safe to fly back home shortly after the surgery?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to fly once Dr. Mezdeği removes your sutures and gives you your "Fit to Fly" clearance, usually on day 5 or 6. We highly recommend wearing large, dark sunglasses in the airport to protect your eyes from dry cabin air and to ensure your privacy.
How will I navigate Istanbul between the hotel, airport, and clinic?
You won't have to worry about navigating a foreign city. Our VIP all-inclusive package includes private transfers. A dedicated driver with a comfortable Mercedes Vito will pick you up from the airport, transfer you to your hotel, and handle all transportation for your clinic visits.
Will language be a barrier during my medical trip to Turkey?
Not at all. From the moment you inquire, you will be assigned a personal English-speaking medical coordinator. They will be by your side during consultations, the surgery day, and medical check-ups to ensure seamless communication.
Can I go sightseeing in Istanbul after my combined eyelid surgery?
While you can take light, gentle walks after the second or third day, we advise against strenuous sightseeing, crowded bazaars, or direct sun exposure. Your priority should be resting in your hotel. Enjoying a quiet dinner or a scenic Bosphorus view from a café is perfectly fine if you wear your sunglasses.