Is it normal to experience watery eyes after double eyelid surgery?

Are Watery Eyes After Double Eyelid Surgery Normal?

Watery eyes after double eyelid surgery are usually normal during the first few days of recovery, as the eyes are irritated and swollen from the procedure. However, if tearing persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Quick Summary: Mild tearing after double eyelid surgery is a normal reaction during the first week. You should monitor your condition and notify your doctor if there is abnormal swelling, heavy bleeding, or if unusual tearing persists for more than a week. Proper post-operative care will help relieve symptoms faster.

Why Do Eyes Water After Double Eyelid Surgery?

After surgery, your eyes are healing from a small incision. The surrounding tissues swell, nerves are stimulated, and the tear glands work harder than usual to protect the ocular surface. This is a natural part of the healing process.

You may also feel some discomfort when closing your eyes because the incision is still tight. All of these factors can stimulate tear production.

Normal Tearing vs. Warning Signs

Normally, tearing will gradually subside within the first week. You must contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Abnormal, severe swelling of the eyes (compared to the day of surgery)
• Heavy bleeding or bleeding mixed with tears
• Yellow or green purulent discharge (pus)
• High fever above 38.5°C
• Spreading redness and inflammation around the eye area
• Inability to close your eyes completely after one week

If you only experience tearing without any other symptoms, you can continue to monitor and care for your eyes at home.

How to Care for Your Eyes to Reduce Tearing

Proper care will help your eyes recover faster and reduce symptoms:

1. 1On days 1-2 post-surgery, apply a cold compress for 10-15 minutes, once every hour. The cold will help reduce swelling and control bleeding.
2. 2From day 3 onwards, switch to a warm compress to promote blood circulation and wound healing.
3. 3Clean your eyes gently with physiological saline (do not use tap water) and avoid rubbing your eyes.
4. 4Do not wear makeup or contact lenses during the recovery period.
5. 5Avoid seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants (such as caffeine and tobacco) for 1 month, as these can trigger inflammation.

Suture removal will be performed on day 7 at the clinic. After that, you will have scheduled follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months so the doctor can monitor the healing process and aesthetic results.

When to Contact the Doctor?

Do not wait until a major problem arises. If you are concerned or have any questions during your recovery, contact the clinic immediately. The doctor will examine the incision to confirm whether it is a normal reaction or if intervention is needed.

BonBoz Clinic utilizes a scar-concealing suture technique aligned with the natural eyelid crease, performed directly by highly skilled doctors, which facilitates a better healing process. However, proper care on your part is also crucial to achieving the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tearing last?

Mild tearing usually subsides gradually within the first week after surgery. However, everyone recovers differently, so some may need more time. If tearing persists for more than a week or is accompanied by unusual signs, you should notify your doctor for an examination.

Can tearing cause redness and inflammation?

Normal tearing does not cause redness or inflammation. However, if you leave your eyes wet and do not clean them properly, or if there is purulent discharge, inflammation can occur. Cleaning gently with physiological saline and keeping the eyes dry and clean will help prevent this.

Can I wash my eyes with tap water after double eyelid surgery?

You should not wash your eyes with tap water, as it may contain bacteria that can cause infection in the open incision. You should only clean your eyes with physiological saline, doing so gently without applying pressure.

When should I see a doctor immediately for watery eyes?

You need to see a doctor immediately if tearing is accompanied by a high fever above 38.5°C, abnormal swelling, bleeding, or pus discharge. These signs may indicate an issue that requires medical intervention.

Will watery eyes affect the results of the double eyelid surgery?

Normal tearing will not affect the results of your double eyelid surgery if you care for them properly. The key is to follow the post-operative care instructions, attend your scheduled follow-up visits (at 1, 3, and 6 months), and notify your doctor of any unusual signs.

Content compiled and reviewed by the medical specialist team at BonBoz Clinic.