What to Avoid After Double Eyelid Surgery: The First 2 Weeks for Optimal Healing and Beautiful Results

What to Avoid During the First 2 Weeks After Blepharoplasty

During the first 2 weeks after blepharoplasty, you must avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, keep them away from water and dirty environments, avoid eye strain, bright lights, and strenuous activities, and refrain from using eye cosmetics—while also avoiding certain foods for 1 month to prevent keloids. Blepharoplasty is a fundamental procedure to create double eyelids or correct uneven eyelids, but achieving a beautiful result depends not only on the surgeon's skill but also on how well you care for your eyes during the recovery phase.

Avoid Touching, Rubbing, or Pressing the Eye Area

This is the number one and most important rule. The incision is still healing during the first few days, so you must:

• Do not touch the sutures or the eye area with your hands.
• Do not rub your eyes, even if they feel itchy or uncomfortable.
• Do not press, squeeze, or attempt to adjust the eyelids yourself.
• Avoid any bumps or impacts to your face when in the bathroom or tight spaces.

Exception: Gently wipe only with sterile gauze if there is bleeding or discharge, as directed by your doctor.

Avoid Water, Moisture, and Dirty Environments

The incision is still healing during the first week, making water and dirt highly risky:

• Do not shower or let water spray directly onto your face for at least the first 3–5 days. If you need to wash your face, use warm water and a soft cotton pad to gently wipe other areas, completely avoiding the eye area.

• Do not go swimming or submerge your face in hot or cold water for at least 2 weeks.
• Avoid hot and humid environments, saunas, or gyms where you sweat heavily—these conditions can easily cause prolonged eyelid swelling.
• Avoid dust, exhaust fumes, or polluted air—if you must go outside, wear sunglasses or protective eyewear.

Avoid Eye Strain, Bright Lights, and Strenuous Activities

Your eyes need adequate rest during the recovery phase:

• Avoid reading, scrolling on your phone, or looking at computer screens for too long during the first week—blue light and eye strain can worsen swelling.
• Do not open your eyes too wide, squint, frown, or make facial expressions that strain the eyelids.
• Avoid direct, harsh light; stay in a room with moderate, soft lighting.
• Avoid gym workouts, running, or any strenuous activities that increase blood pressure, which can prolong swelling and bleeding, for 2 weeks.

Avoid Using Cosmetics and Skincare Products

The eye area is still healing, so topical products can cause irritation:

• Do not apply concealer, powder, or any other makeup products to the eye area for at least 2 weeks.
• Avoid unfamiliar creams, serums, toners, or face masks that have not been approved by your doctor.

• Do not use eye drops indiscriminately—only use those prescribed or recommended by your doctor.
• Do not apply perfume, face mist, or scented products near your face if you tend to open your eyes while spraying.

What You Should Do for Optimal Eyelid Recovery

In addition to avoiding certain things, you should also take proactive steps to support the healing process:

• Get plenty of sleep and keep your head elevated above your body (using a high pillow) to reduce swelling.
• Drink enough water and eat healthy foods—avoid spicy, hot, or overly salty dishes.

Dietary Restrictions for the First Month

According to BonBoz's official care guidelines, in addition to the above precautions, you must avoid seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants for about 1 MONTH (not just 2 weeks) to prevent keloids and ensure the best healing process for the incision. Suture removal at the clinic is typically scheduled for day 7 post-surgery—your doctor will schedule a specific appointment for you.

When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately

• The eyelid area is abnormally swollen, discharging pus, or bleeding heavily
• Fever above 38.5°C
• Redness and inflammation spreading around the incision
• Inability to close your eyes completely after 1 week

If you experience any of the signs above, contact or return to the clinic immediately; do not attempt to monitor them at home. In addition to the suture removal on day 7, you also need to attend follow-up visits at the 1, 3, and 6-month marks so the doctor can evaluate your long-term results.

• Adhere to the schedule arranged by your doctor to monitor your recovery progress.
• Consult your doctor if you notice any unusual complications, such as excessive swelling, pus, or abnormal eyelid appearance.

Additionally, if you are considering double eyelid surgery, you can explore non-surgical eyelid correction methods or other techniques to choose the most suitable solution for your specific case.

Conclusion

The first 2 weeks after blepharoplasty are crucial. By strictly following these guidelines, your eyelids will heal beautifully and evenly without any regrettable complications. If you have any questions regarding post-operative care, or would like a detailed consultation on the blepharoplasty methods and techniques that best suit your face, please visit BonBoz Clinic in person. Our doctors will listen to your goals and assess your condition to provide a detailed plan and support you throughout the entire process. This content has been compiled and reviewed by the medical specialist team at BonBoz Clinic.