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Lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) treats puffy under-eye bags, loose lower lid skin and the tired look they create. Depending on your anatomy, the surgeon works either through the inside of the eyelid, leaving no visible scar, or through a fine cut just below the lashes. Fat is removed or repositioned to smooth the area between the lower lid and the cheek. The operation usually takes one to two hours, most people return to work after about two weeks, and bruising can take several weeks to fade. At Soraca Med in Antalya, eyelid surgery starts from €1,000; because lower eyelid surgery varies a lot between patients, its price is set in a personal quote. Every treatment plan is reviewed by our plastic surgeon, Dr. Gökhan Bacak.
Lower Eyelid Surgery at a Glance
| Item | Typical detail |
| Treats | Under-eye bags, puffiness, loose or creased lower lid skin, tear trough hollow |
| Incision | Inside the lower lid (transconjunctival) or just below the lashes (subciliary) |
| Fat | Removed or repositioned into the tear trough |
| Anesthesia | Usually sedation or general anesthesia |
| Operation time | About 1 to 2 hours |
| Time in Antalya | Usually 6 to 7 days |
| Back to work | About 2 weeks |
| Price | Eyelid surgery from €1,000; lower lid surgery in a personal quote |
What Is Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Under the lower eyelid, fat normally sits behind a thin membrane. With age, this membrane weakens and the fat pushes forward, creating bags. At the same time, the cheek can drop and the skin can lose elasticity, which deepens the groove between the lid and cheek (the tear trough). Lower eyelid surgery corrects these changes by removing or moving fat, tightening skin and, when needed, supporting the lower lid. The NHS describes the procedure as an incision just below the lower lashes or inside the lower lid, with fat repositioned or removed and sometimes a little skin, and with support for the muscles and tendon if needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?
- Adults with persistent under-eye bags that do not go away with rest
- People with loose, creased skin under the eyes
- People with a hollow between the lower lid and cheek next to a bag
- Healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations
Lower eyelid surgery is not the right treatment for dark circles caused only by pigment or thin skin, or for puffiness that changes from day to day because of allergies, salt or sleep. These may respond better to skin treatments, fillers or medical care.
Transconjunctival vs Skin-Incision Lower Eyelid Surgery
| Transconjunctival (inside the lid) | Subciliary (below the lashes) | |
| Incision | Inside the lower lid; no visible scar | Fine line just under the lashes |
| Best for | Fat bags with good skin quality, often younger patients | Bags with excess skin and creasing, often older patients |
| Skin removal | None or very little; skin may be treated separately | Possible |
| Lid support | Rarely needed | Often combined with lid tightening |
| Risk of lid position change | Lower | Higher without support |
Fat Removal or Fat Repositioning?
Removing too much fat can leave a hollow, sunken look under the eyes that ages the face. Many surgeons now prefer to reposition some of the fat into the tear trough, which smooths the junction between lid and cheek. In some cases, a small amount of fat from elsewhere is added. Your surgeon decides which approach suits your anatomy.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Costs in Antalya
| Procedure | Soraca Med price |
| Eyelid surgery | From €1,000 |
| Lower eyelid surgery | Personal quote |
| Upper and lower eyelid surgery | Personal quote |
| Lower eyelid surgery with canthoplasty | Personal quote |
The price depends on the technique, whether fat is repositioned, whether skin is removed or lid support is needed, the anesthesia and whether procedures are combined. You receive a written quote after a free photo assessment. For a full overview, see our eyelid surgery cost guide.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Cost Comparison
The NHS states that eyelid surgery in the UK costs between £2,000 and £6,000, plus consultations, further surgery and follow-up care. Lower eyelid surgery is usually in the upper part of that range because it is more complex than upper lid surgery. In Western Europe prices are generally similar. In Antalya, the same type of operation usually costs considerably less, with check-ups, hotel and transfers arranged in the package.
What Is Included in Lower Eyelid Surgery Packages in Antalya?
- Online assessment of your photos
- Consultation and examination with the surgeon
- Pre-operative tests
- Surgery and anesthesia
- Medication, eye ointment and cold compresses
- Check-ups and stitch removal where needed
- Hotel accommodation and VIP transfers
- Aftercare instructions and photo follow-up at home
Why Is Lower Eyelid Surgery More Affordable in Antalya?
Lower running and staff costs, the exchange rate and a high number of procedures for international patients reduce the price. What should not be reduced is the time spent on planning: assessing lid laxity, fat distribution and eye health before surgery is what protects you from complications.
How Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Performed?
- Assessment: the surgeon checks the bags, skin, lid tone, tear trough and eye health, including dry eye.
- Anesthesia: usually sedation or general anesthesia.
- Incision: inside the lower lid or just below the lashes.
- Fat: removed or repositioned to smooth the contour.
- Skin and support: excess skin is removed if needed and the lid may be tightened at the outer corner.
- Closing: fine stitches if an external incision is used.
The NHS says eyelid surgery takes around 45 minutes to two and a half hours, and most people go home the same day.
Does Lower Eyelid Surgery Leave Visible Scars?
With the transconjunctival approach, the incision is inside the lid and not visible. With the subciliary approach, the fine scar runs just under the lashes and usually becomes very hard to see after a few months. The NHS notes that scars may be visible and tight for a few months and should fade.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Recovery Time
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and bruising, tightness, watery or irritated eyes |
| Days 5 to 7 | Stitches removed where used; swelling settles |
| About 2 weeks | Return to work for most people |
| Several weeks | Bruising fades; avoid contact lenses and eye rubbing until allowed |
| 3 to 6 months | Final smooth contour |
Sleep with your head raised, use cold compresses, avoid bending and heavy exercise, wear sunglasses outdoors and do not smoke. Read our blepharoplasty recovery timeline.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Before and After Results
Expect smoother lower lids, smaller or no bags and a softer transition to the cheek. The face looks more rested rather than “operated”. Results for fat bags are usually long-lasting, because the fat causing the bags has been removed or repositioned, although skin continues to age.
Risks and Safety Considerations
The NHS lists common temporary effects such as puffy or numb lids, irritated or watery eyes, bruising and scarring. Less common risks include blurred or double vision and uneven eyes. A specific risk of lower lid surgery is a change in lid position: the lid can pull down (lid retraction) or turn outward (ectropion). Rare serious risks include bleeding behind the eye and vision problems. Careful assessment of lid tone, conservative skin removal and lid support when needed reduce these risks.
Combining Lower Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures
Lower eyelid surgery is often combined with upper eyelid surgery, canthoplasty, a mid-face lift or fat transfer. Combining can mean one recovery instead of two, but it also lengthens the operation, so your surgeon decides what is safe in one session.
How Long Should You Stay in Antalya?
Plan about six to seven days, so your surgeon can check healing and remove any stitches before you fly. Bring eye drops for the flight, as cabin air is dry.
Causes of Under-Eye Bags
| Cause | What it looks like | Typical treatment |
| Fat bulging forward | Persistent bags, worse with age | Lower eyelid surgery |
| Fluid retention | Puffiness that changes day to day | Lifestyle changes, allergy treatment |
| Loose skin | Fine creases and crepey skin | Skin removal or skin tightening |
| Tear trough hollow | A groove or shadow below the bag | Fat repositioning or fillers |
| Festoons or malar bags | Swelling on the upper cheek | Specialised treatment; often harder to correct |
Persistent bags caused by fat are the ones that respond best to surgery.
Surgery vs Non-Surgical Options for Under-Eye Bags
| Option | Best for | Duration |
| Lower eyelid surgery | Fat bags, loose skin, combined problems | Long-lasting |
| Tear trough filler | Mild hollow with little bagging | Months to about a year or more |
| Laser or skin treatments | Fine lines and crepey skin | Improves texture; maintenance often needed |
| Lifestyle changes | Fluid puffiness | Varies |
Filler can make true fat bags look worse, so an examination is important before choosing a non-surgical option.
Your Stay in Antalya Day by Day
| Day | What usually happens |
| Day 1 | Arrival and transfer to your hotel |
| Day 2 | Consultation, eye check and marking |
| Day 3 | Surgery |
| Days 4 to 5 | Cold compresses, rest and a check-up |
| Day 6 | Stitch removal if needed |
| Day 7 | Final check and flight home when cleared |
Preparing for Lower Eyelid Surgery
- Have an eye check if you have dry eyes or wear contact lenses
- Stop smoking two to four weeks before and after surgery
- Tell your surgeon about blood thinners, supplements and thyroid problems
- Bring glasses, sunglasses and lubricating eye drops
- Plan quiet days with your head raised when resting
Myths and Facts About Lower Eyelid Surgery
| Myth | Fact |
| “Removing more fat gives a better result.” | Over-removal can make the eyes look hollow and older. |
| “There is always a visible scar.” | With the transconjunctival approach, there is no visible scar. |
| “It fixes all dark circles.” | It helps shadows caused by bags or hollows, not pigment. |
| “Recovery takes months.” | Most people return to work after about two weeks, although subtle swelling settles over months. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does lower eyelid surgery cost in Antalya?
At Soraca Med, eyelid surgery starts from €1,000. Lower eyelid surgery is priced in a personal quote, because the technique varies between patients.
Does lower eyelid surgery leave a scar?
Not if it is done through the inside of the lid. A cut below the lashes leaves a fine line that usually becomes hard to see after a few months.
How long does lower eyelid surgery take?
Usually about one to two hours, depending on the technique.
How long is the recovery?
Most people return to work after about two weeks. Bruising can take several weeks to fade completely.
Are the results permanent?
Results for fat bags are usually long-lasting, although the skin continues to age.
Can lower eyelid surgery fix dark circles?
Only when the shadow is caused by bags or a hollow. Pigment or thin skin needs other treatments.
What is the biggest risk of lower eyelid surgery?
A change in lid position, such as the lid pulling down or turning out. Careful planning and lid support reduce this risk.
Can I combine upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Yes, they are often done together in one operation.
Can filler replace lower eyelid surgery?
Filler can help a mild hollow, but it can make true fat bags look worse. Surgery is usually better for persistent bags.
Is lower eyelid surgery done under general anesthesia?
Often under sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with other procedures.
Will my eye shape change after lower eyelid surgery?
It should not, if the lid is supported properly. Changes in lid position are a known risk that careful planning reduces.
Can lower eyelid surgery be combined with a face lift?
Yes. It is often combined with a mid-face lift or face lift for a balanced result.
Sources and Medical Information
This guide is general patient information. The medical details are based on published patient guidance, including:
It does not replace a consultation: your surgeon decides what is safe for you, and their personal instructions always take priority. Prices are Soraca Med starting prices and are confirmed in your written quote. Last updated: October 2026.