Eyelid surgery: the questions to ask first.
The seven questions a safe clinic answers in writing, the red flags that matter, and the extra questions that only apply when you travel.
to ask before you pay
verify on a register
upper, lower, or both
How do I choose safely?
Eyelid surgery is delicate work close to the eye, so the key questions are who performs it, where, and exactly which lids are planned. Confirm a qualified surgeon, an accredited facility, the anaesthesia plan, a realistic written plan, and clear aftercare and complication cover, all in writing.
This is general guidance, reviewed July 2025, to help you assess any clinic you are matched with. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified doctor.
Seven questions before you pay.
A safe clinic answers all seven in writing without flinching. Vague answers, pressure to book quickly, and prices far below the market are the warning signs that matter most. We do not name clinics, so use these to judge any you are sent.
Red flags worth heeding.
None of these alone proves a clinic is unsafe, but together they are a reason to slow down and ask more.
A quote dramatically cheaper than everyone else can signal upper lids only when you expected combined surgery, less surgeon time, or cut corners on theatre standards and aftercare.
A clinic that will not say clearly whether upper, lower, or both lids are planned, or that promises to fix dark circles or brow position with eyelid surgery, is a reason to pause.
A real estimate follows a consultation about your eyes, lids, and tear film. A fixed price offered sight unseen is marketing.
No honest clinic can promise a specific outcome or a result that never ages. Claims that sound too good usually are.
The part that travel adds.
Distance changes the calculus. The questions above still apply, plus a few that only matter when you fly home afterwards.
Ask how long you should stay in the country after surgery and when stitches will be removed, since this is often done within about a week. Ask how reviews will happen once you are home, who is responsible if a revision is needed, and what to do if you develop dry eye or trouble closing the lid.
Plan for visible bruising and swelling around the eyes, which can take one to two weeks to settle enough to be out in public comfortably, and longer for makeup. Keep copies of your operation notes and aftercare instructions in writing, since a local doctor treating a complication will need them.
Finally, check the language of your consent and aftercare materials. You should fully understand what you are agreeing to before you sign anything.
Now you know what to ask, compare safely.
Send one brief and we route it to vetted clinics that meet the standards above. They return tailored plans and all in prices. You choose, with no pressure.
Free and no obligation. Accredited clinics only. We never sell your details.
How we make money: the guides are free and no clinic can pay to be named, ranked or recommended. We never name clinics. Get Matched is an optional service that helps keep the guides free and independent of any one clinic; using it is always your choice and you are never charged. How this works.
The things everyone asks.
What is the most important question to ask?
Who performs the surgery and what are their qualifications. Eyelid surgery is delicate work close to the eye and should be done by a qualified surgeon who performs it regularly, in an accredited facility.
Should I have upper, lower, or both lids done?
That depends on your concerns and anatomy, and only a surgeon assessing you in person can advise. Ask exactly which lids are planned and why, since upper, lower, and combined surgery differ in complexity, cost, and recovery.
How do I check a clinic or surgeon is accredited?
Ask for the surgeon's registration and the facility's accreditation, then verify them on the relevant public register for that country. A clinic with nothing to hide will help you do this.
How long should I stay before flying home?
Stitches are often removed within about a week, so ask the clinic how long to stay and when reviews happen. Plan extra nights into your budget rather than booking the earliest possible flight.
What should I get in writing?
The surgeon and facility details, which lids are planned, the anaesthesia, the aftercare and revision policy, and what happens if there is a complication, including who pays.
Where to go next.
Cost
GuideIndicative dated ranges, what drives the price, and the hidden costs to budget for.
Risks and recovery
GuideThe real risks, including dry eyes and lid position, and an honest recovery timeline.
Treatment in Turkey
Guide liveHow medical travel works there, the accreditations to check, and the realistic trade offs.
More procedure guides are in production. In the meantime you can Get Matched or browse all procedures.
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