What to Avoid After Double Eyelid Surgery and For How Long? Care Instructions from BonBoz

Quick Summary: Following blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), two distinct timelines are often confused. The first month is the mandatory window for dietary restrictions and avoiding makeup. Apply cold compresses on Days 1–2, switch to warm compresses on Day 3, and have sutures removed on Day 7. Attend periodic follow-ups at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

These post-blepharoplasty care and restriction guidelines are compiled by BonBoz Clinic, Aesthetics & Dermatology Clinic (Operating License No. 11113/HCM-GPHĐ at 66–68 Vo Van Tan, HCMC). This content is based on the extensive clinical expertise of Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vu, MD, MSc, Specialist Level II, our Medical Director (Practicing Certificate No. 007827/ĐL-CCHN issued by the Dak Lak Department of Health), who has over 15 years of experience and has directly examined and performed over 20,000 rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and thread lift procedures.

Expert Insight: "After blepharoplasty, remember that the first month is the crucial timeframe for dietary restrictions and avoiding makeup—do not confuse it with shorter intervals." — Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vu, MD, MSc, Specialist Level II Strict adherence to proper post-operative timelines and restrictions is a standard aesthetic practice to ensure optimal recovery.

Which Two Timelines Should You Never Confuse?

Many patients only recall a "2-week restriction" and subsequently return to their normal routines. In reality, BonBoz Clinic's post-operative instructions establish a 1-month timeline for the two most critical categories:

How to Apply Cold Compresses Properly on Days 1–2?

This is a step frequently overlooked by patients, yet it directly impacts the level of post-operative swelling.

• Days 1–2: Cold compress for 10–15 minutes per session, once every hour
• From Day 3: Transition to warm compresses
• Rest with your head elevated, and do not touch your eyes
• Take prescribed medications on time according to the doctor's prescription
• Eat soft porridge and drink plenty of water

According to guidelines from the NHS (UK), propping your head up with pillows when resting and applying a cold compress to your eyelids are two effective ways to reduce swelling during the initial days after surgery.

Switching to warm compresses too early, or conversely, extending cold compresses beyond Day 2, deviates from proper medical guidelines.

What Are the Dietary and Makeup Restrictions During the First Month?

Dietary restrictions for 1 month: Avoid seafood, beef, sticky rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants.

Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses during the first month. This timeline is often mistakenly shortened to "2 weeks"—the clinic's official protocol clearly specifies the entire first month.

How to Clean and Protect Your Eyes?

• Gently cleanse the eyes with sterile physiological saline — do not allow tap water to enter the eyes
• While sleeping: If your eyes do not close completely, apply Tetracycline ointment over the eye area as directed by your doctor
• During the day: Wear sunglasses when going outdoors, and avoid direct airflow from air conditioners into your eyes
• Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances
• Do not wash your face directly under running water during the first few days; use a soft cotton pad dampened with warm water to wipe other areas of your face
• Avoid swimming, saunas, and submerging your face in water

These principles align with recommendations from the NHS: wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun and wind, avoid wearing contact lenses, avoid rubbing your eyes, and avoid swimming and strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.

How Much Eye Rest Is Sufficient?

Limit reading, smartphone use, and screen time during the first week to prevent eye fatigue. Avoid facial expressions that pull or strain facial muscles, such as frowning or opening your eyes excessively wide. Refrain from strenuous physical exercise—elevated blood pressure can cause swelling or surgical site bleeding.

Never use unprescribed eye drops without explicit medical clearance.

What Is the Follow-Up Appointment Schedule?

• Day 7: Suture removal at the clinic
• 1 month – 3 months – 6 months: Periodic follow-up consultations for the doctor to evaluate the eyelid stabilization process

When Should You Contact Your Doctor Immediately?

Contact the clinic immediately without waiting for your scheduled appointment if you experience:

• Abnormally severe eyelid swelling, purulent discharge, or heavy bleeding
• High fever exceeding 38.5°C
• Spreading redness or inflammation around the incision site
• Inability to fully close the eyes after 1 week

BonBoz Clinic Hotline: 0869 612 310 · 1900 5309. The NHS also advises contacting your surgical clinic immediately if you experience severe pain or any unusual symptoms.

If you are exploring suitable blepharoplasty options, visit BonBoz Clinic for a direct examination and personalized consultation with our specialists.

References

• NHS (UK) — Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), accessed 02/09/2026

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

Read more: 5 criteria for choosing the best blepharoplasty clinic in HCMC

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I maintain dietary restrictions after blepharoplasty?

During the first month, you must avoid seafood, beef, sticky rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants, in accordance with BonBoz Clinic's post-operative care protocol.

When can I wear eye makeup again?

The clinic's guideline states no makeup and no contact lenses for the first month. This timeframe is frequently misunderstood as only 2 weeks.

Should I apply cold or warm compresses, and for how long?

On Days 1–2, apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes per session, once every hour. From Day 3 onward, switch to warm compresses.

When are sutures removed and when are follow-up visits?

Sutures are removed on Day 7 at the clinic. Periodic follow-up visits are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Which post-blepharoplasty warning signs require immediate medical attention?

Abnormally severe swelling, purulent discharge or excessive bleeding, fever over 38.5°C, spreading redness around the incision, or an inability to close the eyes after 1 week.

1. When can I resume exercise or strenuous physical activity after blepharoplasty?

After blepharoplasty, you should avoid strenuous physical activities that raise blood pressure or induce heavy sweating for the first 2–4 weeks, depending on your doctor's instructions. This helps reduce the risk of edema, bleeding, and compromised wound healing. You may begin with gentle activities and gradually increase the intensity, but always consult your BonBoz physician for personalized guidance based on your recovery progress.

2. Can I wear contact lenses or sunglasses after blepharoplasty?

You should avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 2–4 weeks following blepharoplasty to prevent irritation or infection in the healing eye area. Regarding sunglasses, you can wear them immediately to shield your eyes from dust, wind, and especially UV rays, promoting better scar healing. However, if the sunglasses exert pressure on the incision site, notify your BonBoz doctor for appropriate adjustments.