Hello, I am Dr. Seo Chan Eul, the director at AB Plastic Surgery, specializing in plastic surgery. Many people are curious about eye makeup, especially after double eyelid surgery. Today, I would like to talk about postoperative care and eye makeup following double eyelid surgery.

Q. When can I start wearing makeup after double eyelid surgery (eyes surgery) ?“

1. Makeup is only possible 3 days after non-incisional double eyelid surgery.

When it comes to eye surgery, there are several approaches, including natural adhesion, incisional, and ptosis correction. The recovery process can vary depending on the type of surgery and post-operative care. For example, non-incisional methods do not require stitches and therefore have a shorter recovery time in comparison to those that do. This means that basic face washing and makeup application is possible with non-incisional methods, as opposed to opting for an incisional double eyelid method.

2. Makeup is only possible 7 days after incisional double eyelid surgery.

Compared to non-incisional approaches, surgical options that require stitches typically require a longer recovery period. While there may be some variation in the opinions of surgeons and the methods they use, non-incisional methods that involve the removal of fat may involve a small wound and stitches, which means makeup can only be applied 5 days after surgery. For incision methods like canthoplasty, upper and lower blepharoplasty, incisional double eyelid, and brow lifting, which require incision, makeup can only be applied seven days after surgery. For under-eye fat repositioning surgery, the recovery period depends on the state of the surgical area, and stitches will be removed within 3 to 7 days after surgery. Only after that can light face washing and basic makeup be applied.   

3. It is advisable to monitor the condition of the surgical area after removing the stitches then begin to apply makeup lightly.

If you've undergone eye surgery that involves incisions, such as incisional double eyelid surgery, it's important to take special care of the surgical area. During the recovery period, which is typically before the stitches are removed, washing your face or applying makeup can cause swelling and even reopen the wound, leading to complications like inflammation. Even after the stitches are removed, the incision site may still be tender and delicate, so it's important to avoid any physical force that could cause it to weaken. Instead of resuming your usual face washing and makeup routine immediately, wait a day or two and then proceed carefully.

"The appropriate time to apply makeup post-surgery depends on the type of surgery you have undergone. Generally, the best time to begin wearing makeup is the day after the stitches have been removed. Keep in mind that the removal of thick eye makeup requires physical force that can be harmful to the surgical area. Hence, it is crucial to apply makeup lightly at first and gradually move on to heavier makeup, which should be at least 3 weeks after surgery. When removing makeup, use a cleanser that is exclusively designed for the area, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the eyes excessively. The use of contact lenses, lash extensions, lash perms, semi-permanent procedures, sauna, and swimming should be avoided for at least one month after surgery. It is important to note that an individual's recovery speed may vary, so always contact the hospital where you got the surgery done if you have any questions regarding post-surgery care and precautions."

If you have any further questions about facial contouring pin removal, please call 010-4393-1298 or contact AB Plastic Surgery on WhatsApp for more detailed consultation

Writer.Plastic surgery specialist, Dr. Seo Chan Eol