What You Should Expect Pre & Post Double Eyelid Surgery

One of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures around the world, especially in Asian countries, is double eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty. The procedure is a big deal in Singapore and other Asian countries because double eyelids are usually associated to be more “beautiful” compared to having single eyelids. Because of this, thousands of people undergo a blepharoplasty each year to gain self-confidence and to look more attractive to other people. You can read more if you want to have more information when it comes to double eyelid surgery.

In this post, I will explain what you should understand and expect pre & post double eyelid surgery. This includes things you should do and avoid, as well as how it will feel after the surgery. There is no shortage of information on the Internet about double eyelid surgery, and I want this post to give you a heads up or introduction to the things you should expect before and after the procedure.

What to expect before double eyelid surgery?

A Doctor’s Consultation

Before you go through any medical procedure, it is vital that your doctor clears you first before letting you go under the knife. This is why you should first expect that you will have to undergo a consultation from your doctor so that he/she can determine if there is a higher risk of complications for your case.

Your doctor will perform an assessment of your health so that he/she can clear you to undergo the double eyelid surgery. You may have to take a few tests, such as a physical exam and blood test, and it is important to remind yourself that your doctor is just making sure that you will be safe during the procedure.

Once the preliminary assessment is done and the results of your tests have arrived, the doctor will then decide whether or not to clear you for the surgery. If he/she does, a schedule for the procedure will then be decided on depending on you and your doctor’s availabilities. Your doctor will then give you a couple of instructions on how to prepare for your surgery.

Dos and Don’ts

Some things to take into consideration before you undergo a double eyelid surgery include the following:

Do:

Follow the instructions given by your doctor, especially for medicine usage and dosage. You may have to take certain medications as advised by your doctor, as well as adjust the dosage of any medication you are taking currently.
Make arrangements with a family member or a friend to accompany you to the hospital or clinic where you will be getting the surgery. Although the surgery is a minimally invasive one and you may be allowed to go home immediately after, it would be so much better if you have someone that can drive you home and do some errands for you like buy medicine.
Inform your workplace and superiors about the surgery so that they can prepare themselves as well for your absence.
Bring an ID and your health insurance card during the day of the surgery.
Wear glasses if you have them but avoid wearing contact lenses.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and loose and leave your valuables at home, especially jewelry.

Don’t:

Smoke for at least a few days before the surgery. Smoking can interfere with your blood flow, and during the surgery, it can make it harder for your eyelid to naturally heal compared to not having smoked.
Take aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. These medications can increase the bruising and bleeding during the surgery, which we want to avoid.

How to Prepare

Your doctor will inform you of the things you will need to do as well as those you will need to avoid in preparing for the double eyelid surgery. It is important that you follow these instructions to the dot to make it easier not just for the surgeon but for you as well when it comes to recovery.

Make sure you know the exact time of the surgery and that you have already informed your office if the schedule conflicts with your work schedule.

What to expect after the double eyelid surgery?

Pain or Discomfort

Immediately after the double eyelid surgery, you may feel some light pain or discomfort once the anesthesia stops working. There will also be some light bruising or swelling near the area of treatment. This should be expected and is normal. Depending on the extent of the discomfort as well as your current health and well-being, your doctor may advise you to stay in the hospital or clinic for the night to make it easier for your recovery.

Recovery Time

The recovery period for double eyelid surgery will usually take around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how a person’s body responds to it. The swelling will take a while to disappear, which is why if you can, avoid going out into the public for a few weeks. You may also experience some impaired vision due to your eyes still adjusting to everything. Just monitor the appearance of your eyelids each day and decide whether or not you are confident of going out and getting back to work.

Aftercare

To help your eyelids recover, your doctor will give some instructions on how to properly care for them. You should avoid touching or rubbing your eyelids as doing these may interfere with your recovery. You should also take some painkillers if you are still feeling some pain or discomfort. To keep your eyes moist, you can use some special eyedrops for that.

When Results are Expected

Immediately after the double eyelid surgery, you may notice some results already. However, to achieve the best results, you will need to follow proper aftercare instructions as directed by your doctor. Your double eyelids may not be seen immediately due to the swelling that usually occurs along the wounds. If you are able to stick through with proper aftercare, you can expect the full results about a month after the surgery.

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TES Clinic

304 Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza Suites

#05-42, Orchard Medical Specialists

Singapore 238863