What should you avoid after double eyelid surgery? Including behaviors that help speed up wound healing.

Self-care after eye correctionor double eyelid surgeryis very important. Many people therefore want to knowwhat not todoafter double eyelid surgery to help the wound heal quickly and achieve beautifully defined eyelids as expected. We have gathered important guidelines and behaviors that should be avoided for you.

How Long Is the Recovery Period After Double Eyelid Surgery?

In general, the recovery period after double eyelid surgery varies from person to person. For most people, swelling and bruising will gradually improve within 1-2 weeks, and the eyelid crease will begin to settle more beautifully and clearly within 1-3 months. This depends on the surgical technique, physical condition, and strict self-care after surgery. Following the ophthalmologist’s instructions will help recovery go smoothly and more quickly.

Symptoms After Double Eyelid Surgery

After double eyelid surgery, it is normal to experience some symptoms around the eyes. These symptoms usually gradually ease over time. Understanding the symptoms that may occur will help you prepare and take proper care of yourself so the results come out beautifully and satisfactorily.

Swelling

Swelling is the most common symptom after double eyelid surgery. It is usually at its peak during the first 2-3 days and will gradually subside noticeably within 1-2 weeks. Applying cold compresses during the first few days and sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce swelling effectively. However, the level of swelling may vary from person to person, depending on the body’s response and the surgical technique used.

Bruising

Bruising may occur on the eyelids and around the eyes, similar to swelling. It is usually noticeable during the first few days after surgery, then gradually changes color and fades within 1-2 weeks. Applying cold compresses during the first 72 hours after surgeryand then switching to warm compresses afterward can help bruising fade faster. If there is significant bruising or you feel concerned, you should consult an ophthalmologist for further advice.

Heavy Eyelids

A feeling of heavy eyelids or being unable to fully open the eyes may occur during the early period after surgery. The main cause is swelling of the eyelids and the muscles around the eyes that have not yet fullyadjusted. This symptom will gradually improve as the swelling decreases, which generally takes around 1-2 months. If the symptom does not improve or you feel concerned, you should consult an ophthalmologist for an examination and proper advice.

Incomplete Eye Closure

Incomplete eye closure may be found during the early period after double eyelid surgery, especially in cases with significant swelling or surgery involving the eyelid muscles. This symptom will gradually improve as the swelling subsides and the eyelid muscles adjust. If this symptom persists for an unusually long time or causes concern, you should inform your ophthalmologist for an examination.

Blurred Vision

Mild blurred vision may occur after surgery, which may be caused by swelling that temporarily affects vision. This symptom usually improves on its own within a few days. If blurred vision becomes more severe, does not improve as it should, or occurs together with other abnormal symptoms, you should consult an ophthalmologist immediately.

What Should You Avoid After Double Eyelid Surgery?

To help the surgical wound from double eyelid surgery heal quickly, achieve beautifully defined eyelids, and reduce the risk of complications, knowingwhat to avoid after double eyelid surgeryand following the instructions strictly is important. Neglecting these precautions may affect the results, so you should take special care.

Do Not Rub Your Eyes Under Any Circumstances

Rubbing your eyes, rubbing the eyelids, or unnecessarily touching the surgical wound area is the most important restriction because it may cause inflammation, infection, loosened sutures, or wound separation. This can negatively affect wound healing and the shape of the eyelid crease. If you feel itching or irritation, you should use artificial tears, apply a cold compress, or consult an ophthalmologist to relieve the symptoms properly.

Do Not Wash Your Face Directly

During the first 10 days after surgery, or until the ophthalmologist gives permission, you should avoid washing your face directly to prevent water and soap from coming into contact with the wound, which may cause inflammation or infection. Use a clean damp cloth to gently wipe and clean your face, avoiding the area around the eyes, anduse cotton soaked in saline solution to gently clean the wound area according to the recommendations of the eye surgery clinic

Do Not Use Cosmetics Around the Eyes

You should avoid wearing makeup, especially around the eyes, such as eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, for at least 2 weeks after surgery or until the wound is completely dry and the ophthalmologist gives permission. Chemicals in cosmetics may cause irritation, wound inflammation, or infection. Waiting patiently for a while will help your surgical wound recover well and reduce various risks that mayoccur

Do Not Exercise Strenuously or Lift Heavy Objects

Strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, or activities that require a lot of physical effort should be avoided for at least 1 monthafter surgery. These activities increase pressure in the body and face, which may cause bleeding at the surgical wound, increased swelling, or wound separation. You should get enough rest and choose light activities instead to allow the body to recover fully.

Do Not Sleep Face Down or on Your Side Pressing Against the Wound

The most suitable sleeping position during recovery is sleeping on your back with your head elevated on a pillow to help reduce swelling and prevent pressure on the wound area. You should avoid sleeping face down or on the side where surgery was performed because it may press on the wound, cause friction, or lead to inflammation. Being careful with your sleeping position will help the wound heal well and allow the eyelid crease to settle beautifully as desired. It is recommended to sleep on your back and keep your head elevated during the first 10 days after surgery.

Do Not Expose the Area to Heat or Use a Sauna

You should avoid exposure to high heat around the face, such as sauna, steam rooms, prolonged strong sunlight, or staying near a hot stove during the first 2-4 weeks after surgery. Heat causes blood vessels to expand, resulting in increased swelling, possible bleeding, or inflammation. Keeping yourself away from heat will help the wound swelling subside faster.

Article Summary

Following the restrictions after double eyelid surgery, such as not rubbing your eyes, avoiding water contact, and refraining from strenuous activities, is important to help the wound heal quickly and achieve beautiful eyelid creases. Those who are interested can consult the specialized ophthalmologists at Sky Clinic, who have expertise in double eyelid surgery inner corner eye opening, ptosis correction, hidden-scar under-brow surgery, and under-eye fat removal to receive treatment that is suitable for your concerns and proper aftercare after double eyelid surgery.