How soon after double eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) can you wear makeup, wear contact lenses, and wash your face?
Timeline for resuming makeup, wearing contact lenses, and washing your face after double eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty), along with aftercare guidelines for optimal incision healing.
Quick Summary: According to the Post-Operative Care Guidelines at BonBoz Clinic, you must avoid makeup and contact lenses for the first month; during this period, only clean your eyes gently with normal saline and keep tap water away from your eyes. Suture removal is scheduled for day 7. Your operating surgeon may extend or shorten these restrictions depending on your individual healing progress.
Why are certain restrictions necessary after double eyelid surgery?
Following double eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty), the incision area requires time to heal and stabilize. During the early stages, applying makeup over an unhealed wound, rubbing your eyes, or wearing contact lenses can introduce bacteria or irritate the incision, negatively impacting the healing process and the final eyelid crease. Observing proper restrictions during this vulnerable period is essential to protect your surgical results, not an unreasonable demand.
When can you resume eye makeup?
Do not wear makeup during the first month. Eye cosmetics and the mechanical actions involved in makeup removal place direct stress on the incision; applying makeup before the wound has fully healed increases the risk of irritation and infection.
The one-month mark also coincides with your first scheduled follow-up appointment—this is when the doctor will examine the incision and the eyelid crease to determine whether it is safe to resume wearing makeup. Do not rely solely on an external appearance of "looking healed," as underlying tissue layers stabilize at a slower pace than the superficial skin.
When can you wear contact lenses again?
Do not wear contact lenses during the first month. The concern lies not only in the lenses themselves, but in the handling process: placing fingers near the eyes, pulling the eyelids, and frequent blinking while adjusting to the lenses—all of which exert physical stress on the healing eyelids.
During the first month, wear sunglasses during the day and avoid sitting directly in front of air conditioning drafts. These two measures are often overlooked, yet they directly influence post-operative eye dryness and irritation.
When can you wash your face normally?
Resume normal face washing after 1 month, aligning with the timeframe for makeup and contact lenses.
During the first month: gently clean the eye area with normal saline and avoid getting tap water into the eyes. You may wash the rest of your face normally, taking care to prevent water and facial cleanser from running into the eyelid area.
Why tap water is restricted, rather than water in general. Normal saline is sterile and isotonic, meaning it will not irritate the incision; tap water guarantees neither condition, and the eyelid incision remains an open wound directly exposed to the environment during the initial days.
Eye drops during this period. Use only the medications prescribed by your doctor. Do not purchase over-the-counter eye drops independently—including artificial tears. If your eyes do not close completely, apply the prescribed ophthalmic ointment before sleeping to keep the cornea fully covered and hydrated; specific instructions will be provided by your doctor for your individual case.
Post-Operative Care and Follow-up Schedule
| Timeline | Required Actions |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes at a time, once every hour. Sleep with your head elevated, and do not touch your eyes |
| Day 3 | Switch to warm compresses |
| Day 7 | Suture removal at the clinic |
| First Month | Avoid seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants. Avoid makeup, contact lenses, and eye rubbing |
| Months 1 – 3 – 6 | Periodic follow-up visits to evaluate the eyelid crease once swelling has fully resolved |
During the initial days, consume soft porridge, drink plenty of water, and take your prescribed medications on schedule.
Warning signs to report to your doctor immediately (do not wait for follow-up)
- Abnormal, severe swelling, pus discharge, or heavy bleeding
- High fever exceeding 38.5°C
- Spreading erythema and inflammation around the eyelids
- Inability to close the eyes completely after 1 week
BonBoz Hotline: 0869 612 310 – 1900 5309.
References
- ASPS — Eyelid surgery (phẫu thuật mí mắt), accessed 03/10/2026
- NHS — Eyelid surgery (phẫu thuật mí), accessed 03/10/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for swelling to completely subside after double eyelid surgery?
Swelling subsides most noticeably within the first few weeks and continues to stabilize gradually. The eyelid crease is officially assessed during follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months—the definitive shape can only be determined once all edema has fully resolved, a timeline that varies according to individual healing responses.
Is it harmful to apply makeup or wear contact lenses earlier than one month?
Doing so before the incision has fully healed increases the risk of irritation and infection, potentially compromising the eyelid crease. If an unavoidable situation requires you to wear makeup early, consult your doctor beforehand rather than shortening the recovery period on your own.
Can I wear makeup once the sutures are removed on day 7?
Not yet. Suture removal and complete tissue healing are two different milestones: sutures are taken out once the skin edges have apposed, but the deeper tissue structures are still stabilizing. The recommended timeline for makeup remains after one month, subject to confirmation by your doctor at your follow-up visit.
Can I wear eyeglasses after double eyelid surgery?
Eyeglasses do not place pressure on the eyelid area and are therefore not restricted like contact lenses. In fact, wearing sunglasses outdoors during the day is highly recommended to protect your healing eyes from wind and sun exposure.
If you have recently undergone double eyelid surgery and wish to know precisely when you can resume makeup, contact lenses, or daily routines, please adhere to the follow-up schedule above and consult your operating surgeon.
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.