Korean double eyelid surgery is often discussed with respect to the outcomes it creates but rarely do we talk about its recovery. It is critical for patients who want to create folds above the eyes to understand how to take care of themselves as they are discharged from the clinic. This post is going to address the healing time of Korean double eyelid fold surgery - from what you should expect to what you should do the first days and weeks post-op.
The initial healing process of double eyelid surgery takes about two weeks, during which the swelling and bruising will subside. Needless to say, the final results will be more visible afterwards.
You will experience soreness and tightness in your eye area in the first days following any Asian double eyelid surgery. The intensity will vary depending on how invasive the cosmetic procedure was. You will find that you are a little sensitive to light now. In addition, many patients complain of itchy, dry, and watery eyes plus blurry vision.
It is vital to rest your eyes as much as possible. Do not rub them or create friction. Make sure to keep them clean. Your doctor will provide tips on how to care for the wound. They will also prescribe medication to keep the discomfort and pain at bay.
You will experience some swelling in the treatment area. This is something that other people will be able to see. If you feel comfortable going out in public, you can return to work and carry out your normal outdoor activities. Over time, your upper eyelids will get accustomed to the changes, and there will be no discomfort.
The suture method offers a fast recovery. Initial healing is about 10 days, but it takes months to fully convalesce from the treatment. In the first days of your recovery, you might experience the following symptoms:
During the recovery period after your non-incision method, you should not apply makeup to your eyes. Avoid touching your eye area. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not advised. Do not wear contact lenses.
To relieve the swelling, you can apply cold compresses to the treatment area several days in a row.
The recovery from the incision method is a little longer than the non-incisional surgery because it entails removing excess skin.
You will be discharged from the clinic a few hours after the treatment is over - once the local anaesthesia wears off. At first, your eyelid skin might be covered in gauze. Your vision will be blurry, and you may feel dizzy from the anaesthesia, so you should arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you home.
You will have mild swelling in the treatment area. Your eyes will be visibly puffy, but that should not be a concern because it’s completely normal. You should expect this side effect to go away within 7 days.
Further to this, you will have bruising around the eyes that causes the so-called ‘black-eyed’ appearance. Blurry vision is also common.
You ought to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Make sure you get enough rest. You will be recommended to take at least a week off work so that you can look after your eyes. Besides, you should avoid screen time, so if your job involves standing in front of a computer all day, it’s not a good idea to return to work yet.
After the first week post-op, you should still try to not strain your eyes. Avoid activities that can lead to dry eyes, such as spending too much time on your smartphone or watching TV.
Moreover, steer clear of movements that can increase blood flow to the treatment area. These include heavy lifting, bending, running, swimming, and going to the gym. Ask your doctor when you can resume strenuous physical activity.
On week 3, after the full incision method, you can wear contact lenses with your surgeon’s approval. It is okay to wear makeup. When you go outside, it’s necessary that you cover your eyes with sunglasses.
By week 6, all swelling and bruising will have gone. This is when most patients gradually begin to see the final results. The eyes appear younger and rejuvenated.
In the first days after the cosmetic surgery, it is crucial to keep any hair, facial or body products away from the treatment area. This applies to shaving lotion, hair spray, shampoo and soap. You should also be careful not to let water get into your eyes.
On that note, it is not recommended that you get your hair permed or coloured for two weeks after the surgical procedure. Make sure not to apply pressure to your eyes. Do not use contact lenses for two weeks. Limit the time you spend in front of the computer and TV. Avoid reading. You should wear sunglasses when out and about.
As far as your activities are concerned, you want to avoid aerobic exercise, weight lifting, jogging, biking, and other strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor. Plastic surgeons also advise against gardening, dusting, hot tubs, and swimming for the time being.
Right now, you should be focused on getting enough sleep. Whenever you feel tired, make sure to rest. This will help you recover more quickly.
When it comes to lying down, it is advisable to keep your head elevated with a couple of pillows.
Whether you have chosen the full incisional method or the partial incision method, you will not be permitted to drive at this point. Ask your doctor when it is okay to do so.
While your wound is healing, you will probably be discouraged from taking blood thinners. If, for some reason, you have to, your doctor will let you know when you can restart your treatment. You should also avoid taking aspirin during your recovery.
If you have any questions, don’t forget to consult your doctor and make sure you understand everything they are saying. If you have been prescribed any antibiotic treatment or eye drops, use them as instructed.
Always wash your hands before applying any medication directly to your eyes. To make sure the ointment works, keep your eyes closed for a minute after application.
If you need to take pain medication, be careful not to go overboard with it. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Complications after Korean double eyelid surgery procedures are very rare, especially if you choose a trained and experienced specialist to carry out the procedure. However, there are some signs you should watch out for that may signal you need emergency care, such as:
The recovery process after Korean double eyelid surgery varies from one person to the next. For the most part, everyone will experience discomfort such as swelling, bruising, and itching but their extent and longevity will be individually unique.
Keep in mind that this care sheet is supposed to give you a general idea of how you will feel after your double eyelid surgery and what steps you should take to have a speedy recovery.
It is important to understand that every patient recovers at a different pace. Not only does everyone have individual healing times, but they will be offered different surgery methods. This can affect the initial downtime and long-term recovery.
Dr. Shenthilkumar Naidu (Dr. Shens) is a Ministry of Health accredited Consultatn Plastic Surgeon with extensive expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is renowned for his advanced techniques in body contouring and aesthetic enhancements. For more information, visit Shens Clinic.
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