What to Avoid After Double Eyelid Surgery and for How Long? Aftercare Guide from BonBoz
After double eyelid surgery, avoid certain foods and makeup for the entire first month, not just two weeks. Includes a cold/warm compress schedule, the day-7 stitch removal milestone, and the follow-up schedule according to BonBoz Clinic's instructions.
Quick summary: After double eyelid surgery, two different timelines are easy to confuse. The first month applies to dietary restrictions and to avoiding makeup. Use cold compresses on days 1–2, switch to warm compresses from day 3, and have your stitches removed on day 7. Follow-up visits are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
These post-operative dietary and care guidelines for double eyelid surgery were developed by BonBoz Clinic, Aesthetic & Dermatology Clinic (Operating License No. 10036/HCM-GPHĐ for aesthetics and No. 11113/HCM-GPHĐ for dermatology, located at 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, Ho Chi Minh City). The content draws on the extensive professional experience of Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vu (MD, MSc, Specialist Doctor Level II), our Medical Director. He holds Practising Certificate No. 007827/ĐL-CCHN issued by the Dak Lak Department of Health, has more than 15 years of experience, and has personally examined patients and performed more than 20,000 surgeries.
Expert perspective: "After double eyelid surgery, remember that the first month is the key period for dietary restrictions and avoiding makeup. Don't confuse it with the shorter timelines." — Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vu (MD, MSc, Specialist Doctor Level II) Following the recommended care and restriction timelines is a core professional principle in aesthetic medicine to support proper recovery.
Which two timelines should you not confuse?
Many people only remember "avoid things for 2 weeks" and then go back to their normal routine. In fact, BonBoz Clinic's post-operative care instructions set a 1-month timeline for the two most important groups of restrictions:
| Item | Duration |
|---|---|
| Dietary restrictions (seafood, beef, sticky rice, water spinach, alcohol, stimulants) | First month |
| No makeup, no contact lenses | First month |
| Cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time, once every hour | Days 1–2 |
| Switch to warm compress | From day 3 |
| Stitch removal at the clinic | Day 7 |
| Regular follow-up visits | 1 month – 3 months – 6 months |
How do you apply cold compresses correctly on days 1–2?
Many people overlook this step, but it directly affects how much swelling you have.
- Days 1–2: apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time, once every hour
- From day 3: switch to a warm compress
- Rest, keep your head elevated when lying down, and avoid touching your eyes
- Take your medication on time as prescribed by your doctor
- Eat soft porridge and drink plenty of water
According to guidance from the NHS (UK), propping your head up with pillows while resting and applying cold compresses to the eyelids are two ways to help reduce swelling in the first few days after eyelid surgery.
Switching to warm compresses too early, or continuing cold compresses past day 2, is not recommended.
What should you avoid eating and wearing during the first month?
Dietary restrictions for 1 month: seafood, beef, sticky rice products, water spinach, alcohol, and other stimulants.
Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses during the first month. People often mistakenly shorten this to 2 weeks, but BonBoz's instructions call for the full first month.
How should you keep your eyes clean and protected?
- Gently rinse your eyes with physiological saline, and keep tap water out of your eyes
- While sleeping: if your eyes do not close completely, apply Tetracycline ointment to cover the eyes, as directed by your doctor
- During the day: wear sunglasses when going outside, and avoid air-conditioning blowing directly into your eyes
- Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances
- Do not wash your face directly under running water in the first few days; use a soft cotton pad dipped in warm water to wipe the rest of your face
- Avoid swimming, saunas, and soaking your face in water
These guidelines are consistent with recommendations from the NHS: wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun and wind, avoid contact lenses, avoid rubbing your eyes, and avoid swimming and strenuous activity in the first few days.
How much rest do your eyes need?
Limit reading and use of your phone and computer during the first week to avoid eye strain. Avoid facial expressions that pull on the facial muscles, such as frowning or widening your eyes. Avoid strenuous sports, as elevated blood pressure can cause swelling or bleeding at the incision site.
Never use eye drops on your own unless they have been prescribed.
What is the follow-up schedule?
- Day 7: stitch removal at the clinic
- 1 month – 3 months – 6 months: regular follow-up visits so your doctor can monitor how your eyelids settle
When should you contact your doctor immediately?
Contact the clinic right away, without waiting for your scheduled follow-up, if you have:
- Unusually severe eyelid swelling, pus discharge, or heavy bleeding
- A high fever above 38.5°C
- Redness and inflammation spreading around the incision
- Eyes that still do not close completely after 1 week
BonBoz Clinic hotline: 0869 612 310 · 1900 5309. The NHS also advises contacting the place where you had your surgery immediately if you have severe pain or any unusual symptoms.
If you are exploring suitable eyelid surgery options, visit BonBoz Clinic for an in-person examination and consultation with a specialist doctor.
References
- NHS (UK) — Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), accessed 02/09/2026
See also: 5 criteria for choosing a good place for double eyelid surgery in Ho Chi Minh City
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to follow dietary restrictions after double eyelid surgery?
For the first 1 month, avoid seafood, beef, sticky rice products, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants, according to BonBoz Clinic's post-operative care instructions.
When can I wear eye makeup again?
BonBoz's instructions are to avoid makeup and contact lenses during the first month. Many people mistakenly think this is only 2 weeks.
Should I use a cold or warm compress, and for how long?
On days 1–2, apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time, once every hour. From day 3, switch to a warm compress.
When are the stitches removed, and when are the follow-up visits?
Stitches are removed on day 7 at the clinic. After that, you will have regular follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
What signs after double eyelid surgery require me to contact my doctor immediately?
Unusually severe eyelid swelling, pus discharge or heavy bleeding, a fever above 38.5°C, redness and inflammation spreading around the incision, or eyes that do not close completely after 1 week.
When can I return to exercise or strenuous activity after double eyelid surgery?
After double eyelid surgery, you should avoid strenuous physical activities that raise your blood pressure or cause heavy sweating for about the first 2–4 weeks, depending on your doctor's instructions. This helps reduce the risk of swelling and bleeding and supports wound healing. Start with gentle activities and gradually increase the intensity, but always consult your BonBoz doctor for specific advice based on your recovery.
Can I wear contact lenses or sunglasses after double eyelid surgery?
Following the clinic's instructions, do not wear contact lenses during the first month after double eyelid surgery, to prevent irritation or infection in the healing eye area. As for sunglasses, you can wear them right away to protect your eyes from dust, wind, and especially UV rays, which helps the scar heal better. However, if your sunglasses put pressure on the incision, let your BonBoz doctor know so they can advise you.
This article is for reference only and does not replace an in-person examination or a doctor's diagnosis. Actual results vary by individual condition.