Will My Eyes Stay Open After Eyelid Surgery?
No, your eyes will not stay open after a properly performed eyelid surgery.
This frightening complication, medically known as lagophthalmos, is one of the most common fears among patients. However, it only occurs when an inexperienced surgeon removes too much skin from the upper eyelid. At our clinic, you do not have to worry about this risk.
Op. Dr. Ali Mezdeği utilizes advanced, millimeter-perfect measuring techniques before the operation to calculate the exact amount of tissue to be removed. He meticulously ensures that the skin taken is never too much and never too little. As a result, you will wake up with a beautifully refreshed and youthful appearance, and your eyelids will continue to close smoothly, completely, and naturally—just as they always have.
Why Do Some People Can't Close Their Eyes After Surgery?
The main cause of this complication is aggressive surgery. If a surgeon removes an excessive amount of skin, muscle, or fat from the upper eyelid, the remaining skin simply isn't long enough to stretch over the eyeball when trying to blink or sleep. This is an avoidable surgical error caused by poor planning and a lack of precise measurement.
Temporary Swelling vs. Permanent Complication
It is very important to understand the difference between a surgical mistake and normal healing. During the first 3 to 5 days after your surgery, severe swelling and tight tissues might cause a tiny 1-2 millimeter gap when you sleep. This is completely normal and temporary. Once the swelling subsides after the first week, your eyelids will relax and close completely. Permanent inability to close the eyes, however, only happens if too much skin was permanently removed.
How Dr. Ali Mezdeği Ensures Perfect Closure
To completely eliminate this risk, Dr. Ali Mezdeği relies on decades of experience and strict safety protocols:
- The "Pinch Test": Before the surgery begins, while you are awake and sitting up, Dr. Mezdeği uses a specialized surgical tool to gently pinch the excess skin. This calculates the exact maximum amount of skin that can be safely removed.
- Conservative Approach: Dr. Mezdeği follows the golden rule of blepharoplasty: It is always better to be conservative. Leaving a fraction of a millimeter of extra skin ensures functional safety and a much more natural, un-pulled appearance.
What If Another Surgeon Made This Mistake?
If you have previously had eyelid surgery elsewhere and are currently suffering from dry eyes because you cannot close them, there is still hope. Missing tissue can be replaced using advanced reconstructive techniques, such as skin grafts or fat transfers. To learn how we fix botched surgeries, please visit our Revision Blepharoplasty page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers regarding eyelid closure, healing, and traveling to Istanbul for a safe procedure.
Will my eyes feel dry after the surgery?
Yes, temporary dryness is very common in the first week due to swelling altering your blink mechanics. We will provide you with prescribed lubricating eye drops and ointments to keep your eyes comfortable and protected.
Can I blink normally right after the procedure?
You can blink immediately, but it might feel a bit tight or stiff. This stiffness is solely due to the post-surgical swelling and the tiny sutures, not because too much skin was removed.
Do I need to tape my eyes shut at night while healing?
No. For a properly measured and executed primary blepharoplasty, taping is completely unnecessary. Your eyes will close naturally when you sleep, even on the very first night.
Will Dr. Mezdeği measure my eyes while I am awake?
Yes. The most crucial part of the procedure happens before you are even given anesthesia. Dr. Mezdeği meticulously draws the surgical markings and measures the skin elasticity while you are sitting up and fully awake to ensure millimeter-perfect accuracy.
Does eyelid surgery affect my actual eyesight?
No. Blepharoplasty strictly involves the skin, muscle, and fat resting on the outside of the eyelid. It does not interfere with the eyeball, your cornea, or your actual vision.
How do I know if the nighttime gap is just swelling?
If the 1-2 mm gap when you sleep gets slightly smaller every single day and resolves completely by day 7 to 10, it was simply swelling. Permanent gaps do not improve with time.
Can Botox cause my eyelids to stay open?
No, Botox generally relaxes muscles, which can sometimes cause a temporary droop if injected incorrectly, but it does not cause the eyes to permanently stay open. Inability to close the eyes is almost exclusively a surgical issue.
How long should I stay in Istanbul to ensure my eyes heal safely?
We require our international patients to stay in Istanbul for 5 to 6 nights. This allows enough time for the initial swelling to subside and for Dr. Mezdeği to safely remove your sutures before you travel back.
Will my hotel room in Istanbul have blackout curtains for resting?
Yes! We partner with 5-star luxury hotels specifically chosen for our patients' comfort. The rooms feature high-quality blackout curtains, allowing you to rest your eyes comfortably during the day without bright sunlight bothering you.
Is it safe to fly back home if my eyelids are still slightly swollen?
Absolutely safe. Airplane cabin pressure does not affect the healing skin on your eyelids. We just recommend applying your lubricating eye drops during the flight, as cabin air can be quite dry.
Can I use my phone or watch TV while recovering in the hotel?
You can, but we highly recommend minimizing screen time for the first 48 hours. Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, which can quickly dry out your healing eyes. Listening to podcasts or audiobooks in your hotel room is a great alternative.
How will I get to the clinic for my check-up if my eyes are sensitive?
You do not need to navigate public transport or taxis. Our VIP package includes private, tinted-window Mercedes Vito transfers. Our driver will pick you up directly from your hotel entrance and safely drop you off at the clinic.