The pursuit of bright and expressive eyes is a desire shared by many beauty enthusiasts, and double eyelid surgery has become a common way to achieve this goal. However, the success of the procedure relies not only on the surgeon’s skilled technique but equally on your meticulous preoperative preparation and postoperative care. Thorough preparation and scientific aftercare are crucial to ensuring optimal results, accelerating recovery, and avoiding complications. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of every critical step before and after double eyelid surgery.

Meticulous Preoperative Preparation Lays the Foundation for Flawless Results

Preoperative preparation is far more than simply arriving at the hospital on time; it is a systematic process that requires comprehensive planning in terms of physical readiness, psychological preparation, and scheduling.

Physical and Psychological Preparation with Research (1-3 Months Before Surgery)

1. In-depth consultation and communication: Select a certified medical aesthetic institution or hospital plastic surgery department for a face-to-face consultation with a qualified surgeon. Clearly express your expectations and carefully consider the doctor's professional advice. The surgeon will design the most suitable plan for you based on factors such as your eyelid condition and facial structure.
2. Comprehensive physical examination: Disclose your complete medical history to the doctor, particularly regarding any bleeding disorders, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or ocular diseases. Ensure your overall health condition is suitable for the procedure.
3. Avoid specific physiological periods: The surgery should be scheduled outside of menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. During these periods, changes in blood coagulation function and hormone levels may increase surgical risks and impair recovery.
4. Discontinue specific medications: Under medical guidance, cease the use of anticoagulants (such as aspirin, warfarin) and blood-activating supplements (e.g., vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba) at least 2 weeks before surgery to minimize intraoperative bleeding and postoperative hematoma.
5. Lifestyle adjustments: Refrain from smoking and alcohol for at least one week before surgery. Smoking impairs blood circulation, leading to delayed wound healing, while alcohol may exacerbate swelling and interact with anesthetic agents.

Supplies and Schedule Preparation (Within 1 Week Before Surgery)

1. Arrange leave and companionship: Ensure you have at least 3-5 days of rest postoperatively. Adjust work or academic commitments to allow for undisturbed recovery. On the day of surgery, accompaniment by a friend or family member is mandatory, as postoperative bandaging may temporarily affect vision and make independent travel unsafe.
2. Daily necessities: Sunglasses (for discharge), and easy-to-wear open-front clothing.
3. Personal hygiene: Thoroughly wash your hair and bathe one day before surgery. On the day of the procedure, avoid wearing makeup, contact lenses, cosmetic lenses, and any jewelry.

Scientific Postoperative Care Determines the Success of the Recovery Critical Period

The completion of surgery is only the first step; scientific postoperative care not only helps alleviate discomfort but also ensures optimal presentation of the surgical results.

Early Postoperative Phase (0-3 Days): Severe Swelling Period – Ice Application Is Critical

1. Pressure bandaging: Typically maintained for 24-48 hours postoperatively, the compression dressing is applied to control bleeding and reduce swelling. Do not remove it without medical authorization.
2. Continuous ice application: This is the most critical step! Apply ice packs over sterile gauze to the eye area for 15-20 minutes per session, multiple times daily. Ice therapy effectively constricts blood vessels, prevents capillary bleeding, and reduces pain and swelling.
3. Rest and positioning: Prioritize rest and minimize eye strain (avoid phones, computers, television, and books). Sleep with elevated pillows in a semi-recumbent position to leverage gravity for enhancing venous return from the eye area, thereby reducing morning swelling.
4. Keep clean and dry: The wound must not contact water. If secretions are present, gently wipe with sterile cotton swabs dipped in saline solution.

Intermediate Recovery (Days 4-7): Focus on Decreasing Swelling with Cleaning and Heat Therapy

1. Suture removal: Sutures are typically removed 5-7 days after surgery. The wound may contact water 24 hours after suture removal.
2. Switch to warm compresses: Begin warm compresses after suture removal (temperature approximately 40-50°C, wrapped in a towel to prevent burns). Warm compresses promote local blood circulation, accelerating bruise absorption and swelling reduction.
3. Enhanced cleansing: You may wash your face normally, but do so gently, avoiding rubbing the eyes. Continue using prescribed eye drops and ointments as directed to prevent infection.
4. Diet management: Continue maintaining a light diet, with increased intake of protein-rich foods (such as meat, eggs, and dairy) and vitamins (fresh fruits and vegetables) to promote wound healing. Avoid spicy, overly hot, seafood, beef, mutton, and other "stimulating foods," and refrain from smoking and alcohol.

Late Postoperative Period (1-6 Months): Sustained Recovery Phase—Patience and Protection Are Essential

1. Scar management: Approximately one week after suture removal, begin using anti-scar products (such as silicone gel). Consistently apply for 3-6 months to suppress scar hyperplasia and achieve a smoother, more natural double eyelid line.
2. Gradual resumption of activities: Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, prolonged head lowering, and other activities that may increase blood pressure for one month after surgery to prevent ocular hyperemia.
3. Contact lenses and makeup: Refrain from wearing contact lenses until at least one month after surgery. Eye makeup is recommended only after 2 weeks postoperatively, and removal must be extremely gentle.
4. Patiently await final results: The double eyelid appearance will gradually become natural over 3-6 months. During this period, temporary asymmetry, swelling, and itching are normal parts of the recovery process. Maintain patience and avoid excessive anxiety. However, if you experience any abnormal redness, severe pain, or pus formation, seek immediate follow-up care.

Double eyelid surgery is a "finishing touch" medical procedure. Its success depends not only on the surgeon's aesthetic sense and technical skill, but also on comprehensive and scientific preoperative and postoperative management. By following the above guidelines and maintaining close communication with your doctor, you will experience a more comfortable and reassuring recovery period, ultimately achieving the captivating eyes you desire.