What to Avoid After Double Eyelid Surgery and For How Long? Aftercare Guide from BonBoz
Post-eyelid surgery, dietary restrictions and makeup avoidance are required for the entire first month — not just 2 weeks. This must be accompanied by a cold/warm compress schedule, suture removal on day 7, and follow-up appointments as instructed by BonBoz Clinic.
Quick summary: After double eyelid surgery, two different timelines are easily confused. The first month is the milestone for dietary restrictions and avoiding makeup. Days 1–2 are for cold compresses, day 3 switches to warm compresses, and day 7 is for suture removal. Follow-up visits are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
Two Timelines Not to Be Confused
Many people only remember "abstaining for 2 weeks" and then return to their normal routine. In reality, BonBoz Clinic's post-operative care instructions set a 1-month milestone for the two most important categories:
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Dietary restrictions (seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine) | First month |
| No makeup, no contact lenses | First month |
| Cold compress for 10–15 minutes/session, every hour | Days 1–2 |
| Switch to warm compress | From day 3 |
| Suture removal at the clinic | Day 7 |
| Routine follow-ups | 1 month – 3 months – 6 months |
Days 1–2: Proper Cold Compresses
This is a step many people overlook, yet it directly affects the level of swelling.
- Days 1–2: Apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes per session, once every hour
- From day 3: Switch to warm compresses
- Rest with your head elevated, and do not touch your eyes
- Take prescribed medications on time as directed by the doctor
- Eat soft porridge and drink plenty of water
Switching to warm compresses too early, or conversely, extending cold compresses past day 2, both deviate from the instructions.
The First Month: Dietary Restrictions and No Makeup
Dietary restrictions for 1 month: seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
No eye makeup and no contact lenses during the first month. This is a point that is often mistakenly shortened to "2 weeks" — the clinic's instructions clearly state the first month.
Eye Hygiene and Protection
- Gently clean the eyes with sterile saline solution — do not let tap water get into the eyes
- While sleeping: if the eyes do not close completely, apply Tetracycline ointment to cover the eyes as instructed by the doctor
- During the day: wear sunglasses when going outside, and avoid direct airflow from air conditioners
- 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 moistened with warm water to wipe other areas of the face
- Avoid swimming, saunas, and soaking your face
Eye Rest
Limit reading, using phones, and computers during the first week to prevent eye strain. Avoid facial expressions that stretch the muscles, such as frowning or widening your eyes. Do not engage in strenuous physical activities — increased blood pressure can cause swelling or bleeding at the incision site.
Absolutely do not use any eye drops other than those prescribed.
Follow-up Schedule
- Day 7: Suture removal at the clinic
- 1 month – 3 months – 6 months: Routine follow-ups for the doctor to monitor the stabilization of the eyelids
When to Contact the Doctor Immediately
Contact the clinic immediately, without waiting for your scheduled follow-up, if:
- The eyelids are abnormally swollen, discharging pus, or bleeding heavily
- High fever above 38.5°C
- Redness and inflammation spreading around the incision site
- The eyes do not close completely after 1 week
Hotline BonBoz Clinic: 0869 612 310 · 1900 5309.
If you are exploring suitable eyelid shaping methods, visit BonBoz Clinic for an in-person consultation with a specialist.
Content compiled and approved by the medical specialist team at BonBoz Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to follow dietary restrictions after double eyelid surgery?
During the first month, abstain from seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, according to BonBoz Clinic's post-operative care instructions.
How long before I can wear eye makeup again?
The clinic's guideline is no makeup and no contact lenses during the first month. This is a milestone that is often misunderstood as 2 weeks.
Should I use cold or warm compresses, and for how long?
Days 1–2: Apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes per session, once every hour. From day 3: Switch to warm compresses.
When are sutures removed and when are the follow-up visits?
Suture removal is on the 7th day at the clinic. After that, routine follow-ups are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
What signs after double eyelid surgery require immediate medical attention?
Abnormally swollen eyelids, pus discharge or heavy bleeding, fever above 38.5°C, redness and inflammation spreading around the incision, or inability to close the eyes completely after 1 week.
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.