2026-05-18
When Should You Remove Double Eyelid Surgery Stitches? Pain Level and Timeline
Post-double eyelid surgery suture removal typically occurs on day 7 after surgery. This is the optimal timing where the sutured area heals stably and both pain and scar risk are minimized. The incision method requires removal on day 7, while the burial method typically needs no removal. Pain is comparable to plucking eyebrows and takes 3-5 minutes without anesthesia. Post-removal care includes avoiding eye rubbing, salty foods, saunas, and alcohol.
After double eyelid surgery, the most common question is: "When should I remove the stitches?"
While it varies slightly between clinics,
most specialists recommend day 7 after surgery as the standard.
Let me give you a clear breakdown of the reasons and care guidelines!
1️⃣ Double Eyelid Surgery Suture Removal: Day 7 is Standard
Double eyelid surgery stitches are safest to remove on day 7 after surgery.
This timing is when the suture site heals stably
and both pain and scar risk decrease.
👉 In other words, "day 7" is the perfect balance between recovery and safety!
2️⃣ Removal Timing Differences by Surgery Method
Surgery Method | Removal Timing | Characteristics |
Incision Method | Day 7 post-op | When the suture site has healed stably |
Burial Method | No removal needed (rarely, if stitches expose within 7 days, removal may be needed) | Most knots are buried beneath the skin |
3️⃣ Does Suture Removal Hurt? Do You Need Anesthesia?
Many people are curious about pain, so let me address that.
Don't worry—it's not painful!
Suture removal can be done without anesthesia,
and it's just a slight pinching sensation when the threads are cut with medical tweezers.
- Pain Level 👉 Like plucking eyebrows
- Time 👉 About 3-5 minutes for both eyes
- Cleansing 👉 Can be done immediately after
- Makeup 👉 Recommended after 2-3 days
4️⃣ Precautions After Suture Removal (Must Follow!)
Suture removal isn't the end of your care!
Your wound is still sensitive during this period,
so please follow these care guidelines carefully.
✔️ Don't rub your eyes
✔️ Avoid salty foods (helps reduce swelling)
✔️ No sauna, exercise, or alcohol for 1 week
✔️ Sleep with your pillow elevated
✔️ Apply antibiotic ointment consistently (if prescribed)
📢 If you experience severe swelling or pain after suture removal,
visit your clinic immediately to check for inflammation!
5️⃣ Why Do Different Clinics Have Different Timelines?
"My friend had stitches removed after 5 days, so why do I have to wait 7?"
This is a common question!
The reasons are:
✔️ Type of suture material (absorbable/non-absorbable)
✔️ Suture depth
✔️ Individual skin thickness differences
Ultimately, your eye condition and your surgeon's judgment are the standards.
Removal based on expert assessment rather than just a calendar date is the safest approach!
6️⃣ Recovery Timeline After Suture Removal (Day-by-Day Summary)
Your eyes are still healing after suture removal.
Swelling and mild asymmetry are natural parts of the process.
✔️ Weeks 1-2: Swelling subsides, lid crease starts forming
✔️ 1-month mark: Natural double eyelid line is complete
✔️ 3-month mark: Final line stabilizes
🎯 Adequate rest speeds up recovery!
👨⚕️Conclusion: Day 7 Removal is Most Ideal
To summarize:
Suture removal on day 7 after double eyelid surgery is the safest and most favorable for recovery.
Removing too early means the wound hasn't fully healed,
and removing too late can cause stitches to embed in the tissue.
👉 Day 7 removal + surgeon confirmation is the most ideal timing!
🗝️ Key Summary
Category | Details |
Average Removal Time | Day 7 after surgery |
Difference by Surgery Method | Incision day 7 / Burial only if exposed |
Pain | Minimal (light pinch) |
Precautions | Avoid eye rubbing / Avoid salty foods / No sauna |
Why Clinics Differ | Suture type / Suture depth / Skin condition |
To summarize:
Double eyelid suture removal is less about speed
and more about "safely removing at the right time when your eyes have healed."
On day 7 after surgery, with your surgeon's confirmation,
have them removed gently and begin your healthy recovery!
👉 Book a consultation with a Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery specialist
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Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery Clinic complies with medical laws. The photos in this post were taken under identical conditions and have obtained prior consent from patients. Please note that complications such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation may occur after cosmetic surgery and procedures, requiring caution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When are double eyelid surgery stitches removed?
Usually on day 7 after surgery. This is because day 7 is when the suture site heals stably and both pain and scar risk decrease. However, timing can vary depending on suture type, suture depth, and skin thickness, so your surgeon's assessment is most important.
Does suture removal hurt for double eyelid surgery?
Don't worry—it doesn't hurt much. The pain is comparable to plucking eyebrows with just a light pinching sensation, and no anesthesia is needed. Since both eyes are done in about 3-5 minutes, the procedure is quick and worry-free.
Do burial method stitches also need to be removed?
No, the burial method typically doesn't require stitch removal because the knots are buried beneath the skin. However, rarely, if some stitches expose within 7 days, removal may be necessary.
When can I wash my face and wear makeup after suture removal?
Face washing is possible immediately after suture removal. For makeup, it's recommended to wait 2-3 days to protect the wound. Since the wound is still sensitive right after removal, it's best to minimize irritation.
What should I be careful about after suture removal?
It's important not to rub your eyes and to avoid salty foods. Sauna, exercise, and alcohol should be avoided for 1 week. Sleep with your pillow elevated and apply prescribed antibiotic ointment consistently. If you experience severe swelling or pain, visit your clinic immediately to check for inflammation.
How long is the recovery after suture removal?
Final line stabilization takes about 3 months. During weeks 1-2, swelling subsides and the lid crease begins to form. By the 1-month mark, the natural double eyelid line is complete. Adequate rest speeds up recovery.