Understanding Makeup and Precautions After Double Eyelid Surgery

Hello, this is VAVA Plastic Surgery.

As the weather gets colder and we welcome the winter break and New Year,

many people choose to undergo plastic surgery during winter, as they might have avoided it in summer due to concerns about complications.

Double eyelid surgery, in particular, is a popular choice because its recovery period is relatively shorter than other procedures, and patients can return to daily life quickly.

However, even though recovery is relatively fast and it's a good surgery for quick changes,

if you don't allow sufficient recovery time or follow the precautions after double eyelid surgery,

scars may remain on the eyelids or side effects could occur.

Therefore, today we will discuss makeup after double eyelid surgery and precautions, which many people are curious about and have asked us about the most.

When can I apply makeup after double eyelid surgery?

It is crucial that makeup after double eyelid surgery is done in stages, according to each patient's recovery status and progress.

Since the timing and method of surgery vary for each patient, the guidance provided is also tailored to each individual, but

on average, we recommend waiting until 4 weeks (about one month) after surgery.

Especially immediately after stitch removal, on the 7th day when the stitches are removed after double eyelid surgery, the wound area from the stitch removal is exposed.

Applying makeup at this stage can irritate the skin wound or cause inflammation, so extreme caution is necessary.

Simple cleansing and skin makeup are possible without irritation 1-2 days after stitch removal.

If you underwent ptosis correction, double-line revision, fat grafting above the eyes, or epicanthoplasty, we recommend waiting 4 weeks.

For other procedures, makeup may be possible after 2 weeks, depending on the progress.

However, even if makeup is possible after 2 weeks, you should minimize irritation during the cleansing step when removing makeup.

When can I wear contact lenses after double eyelid surgery?

After double eyelid surgery, the eyelids are sensitive and swollen. Grabbing or pulling the eyelid skin to insert contact lenses

can cause irritation and worsen inflammation and swelling. Therefore, we recommend wearing contact lenses at least 3 weeks after surgery.

However, if you experience a foreign body sensation or pain when trying to wear lenses after 3 weeks, remove the lenses immediately and

visit the hospital for a check-up. We recommend allowing a longer recovery period if needed.

How can I quickly reduce bruising and swelling after double eyelid surgery?

Bruising and swelling occur and subside through blood circulation in the body, so applying compresses is important.

1. Cold compress (2-3 days after double eyelid surgery): We recommend cold compresses to constrict blood vessels and prevent micro-bleeding.

2. Warm compress (after 4 days post-double eyelid surgery): Contrary to cold compresses, warm compresses help hemoglobin absorb quickly,

promoting active blood circulation.

★3. Massage: While it can help reduce bruising by aiding lymphatic circulation, if the stimulation is too strong,

it can sometimes affect the surgical outcome.

Therefore, massage is not recommended after double eyelid surgery.

4. Bruise cream: Can help blood coagulation and alleviate bruising and swelling.

When can I drink alcohol and smoke after double eyelid surgery?

Alcohol and smoking affect blood circulation, which is crucial after double eyelid surgery.

The wound healing process after double eyelid surgery is important, and smooth blood circulation can lead to faster recovery.

Bacteria are naturally present on our skin, mucous membranes, and in the air.

The nicotine and carbon monoxide components in cigarettes are the main problem because these components constrict blood vessels,

preventing nutrients and immune cells in the blood from reaching the surgical site.

Therefore, smoking prevents oxygen and nutrients from being supplied to the surgical site,

delaying recovery. The longer the recovery is delayed, the more severe the scar tissue reaction can be.

Additionally, immune cells that fight bacteria are not transported, making inflammation more likely.

In the case of alcohol, it can further rapidly lower the already weakened immunity after surgery.

If immunity drops, infections can easily occur, so it is important to refrain as much as possible.

Therefore, we recommend refraining from smoking and drinking for at least 2 weeks after double eyelid surgery, and depending on progress, 4 weeks or even longer.

It is important to consult with your doctor and follow advice tailored to your condition.

Other Precautions

1. Exercise

During the recovery period after double eyelid surgery, light stretching or walking can help blood circulation and reduce swelling.

However, if you engage in high-intensity exercise that increases your heart rate, your blood pressure will rise, increasing blood flow to the surgical site,

which can cause bleeding and inflammation, so caution is advised.

2. Saunas and Jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses)

Hot and humid environments can raise blood pressure, leading to bleeding and inflammation at the wound site. Also, the hot air and humidity can cause infection in unhealed wounds after double eyelid surgery.

Therefore, it is recommended to avoid them for at least 2 months.

3. UV Protection

Exposing the surgical site to UV rays after double eyelid surgery can lead to cellular tissue overgrowth, making scars darker. Also, UV-induced pigmentation

can occur, so we recommend wearing sunglasses, especially during strong summer UV rays.

Additionally, when active during the day, we recommend wearing accessories like hats that can block sunlight.

Today, we've discussed makeup and precautions after double eyelid surgery.

Just as important as the surgical outcome is post-operative care during the recovery period.

Inadequate care during recovery can affect the surgical results,

and also slow down the recovery speed. Therefore, during the recovery period,

it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and visit the hospital regularly for check-ups.

Doing so smoothly can lead to positive results.