When Does Swelling Go Down After Double Eyelid Surgery, and When Can You Wear Makeup, Contacts, and Exercise?
After double eyelid surgery, bruising and swelling begin to subside from day 3 to 5, and daily life is possible after about 2 weeks. Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Myeongji-dong, Busan explains the recovery differences between the non-incisional and incisional methods, switching from cold to warm compresses, stitch removal, and when to wash, wear makeup, contacts, exercise, and drink, based on clinic guidance and research.
Quick answer
After double eyelid surgery, bruising and swelling gradually begin to subside from day 3 to 5 and have mostly gone down after 2 weeks, allowing daily life; initial recovery is about 7 days for the non-incisional method and about 1 to 2 weeks or more for the incisional method. Cold compresses are used up to 48 hours after surgery and warm compresses from 72 hours; incisional stitches are removed at about day 5 to 7, and eye makeup is avoided for 1 to 2 weeks around stitch removal. Strenuous exercise, alcohol, and smoking are avoided for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, and the timing for contact lenses is decided after consulting the medical staff.
Why it matters now
How fast swelling subsides depends on whether the method was non-incisional or incisional and on how many days have passed, so what is allowed at the same 2-week mark differs. While swelling remains, the crease can look high or uneven, making it easy to judge the result too early, and rushing to wash or apply makeup before stitches are out creates an infection risk. That is why what is allowed on each day should be checked first.
From which day does swelling subside after double eyelid surgery, and how different are the non-incisional and incisional methods?
Swelling and bruising that appear right after surgery gradually begin to subside from day 3 to 5 and have mostly gone down after 2 weeks, allowing daily life. The non-incisional method involves no incision and carries relatively less swelling and bruising, so initial recovery is about 7 days, while the incisional method can have longer-lasting swelling and bruising, so about 1 to 2 weeks or more is advised.
| If this is your situation | Approach to consider | Evidence and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 after surgery, when swelling and bruising are at their worst | Approach to considerCold compresses up to 48 hours (3 to 4 times a day, 15 to 20 minutes), raising the upper body with about two pillows, and resting with less reading and smartphone use | Evidence and limitsThis is clinic guidance. In a study of 30 upper blepharoplasty patients, swelling peaked at an average of 17.3 hours after surgery and bruising at 33.6 hours. |
| Days 3 to 7 after surgery, when bruising and swelling begin to ease | Approach to considerSwitching to warm compresses after 72 hours (2 to 3 times a day, 10 minutes), taking prescribed medication without stopping on your own, and not rubbing the surgical site | Evidence and limitsThis is clinic guidance. No study confirming the effect of warm compresses themselves was directly verified. |
| Around incisional stitch removal (about day 5 to 7) | Approach to considerPartial washing with lukewarm water and gauze so water does not touch the surgical site, sunglasses when going out, and avoiding eye makeup and cleansing products for 1 to 2 weeks around removal | Evidence and limitsThe clinic guidance is based on incisional double eyelid, upper eyelid, and lower eyelid surgery. Whether the non-incisional method involves stitches and its schedule are confirmed in consultation. |
| Weeks 2 to 4 after surgery, returning to daily life | Approach to considerDaily life is possible, but heavy lifting, intense movement, alcohol, and smoking are avoided, and contact lenses are worn only after consulting the medical staff | Evidence and limitsThe American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises that most patients are presentable to the public in 10 to 14 days, but final healing may take a few months. |
| The crease still looks high or uneven after 2 weeks | Approach to considerNot judging it as the final result while swelling remains, and checking at a follow-up visit | Evidence and limitsIn a study of 659 incisional double eyelid patients, mild edema and bruising subsided over 6 to 8 weeks, and 14 cases of crease asymmetry were improved by revision surgery. |
How long should cold compresses be used, and when do you switch to warm compresses?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic advises cold compresses up to 48 hours after surgery and warm compresses from 72 hours. Cold compresses are applied 3 to 4 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes without the ice pack touching the skin directly, and warm compresses 2 to 3 times a day for about 10 minutes to support circulation.
However, how much postoperative cooling reduces swelling itself varies between studies. In a randomized study of 38 upper blepharoplasty patients, there was no difference in edema, erythema, or hematoma between the cooled and uncooled eyelids, and only pain on the day after surgery was lower, while a systematic review of 29 randomized trials concluded that cold compresses provide short-term relief. Cold compresses are therefore best seen as early care that reduces pain and discomfort, and keeping to the temperature and duration to avoid skin damage matters more.
When can you wash your face, wear makeup, wear contacts, exercise, and drink?
Before stitches are removed, wash partially so water does not touch the surgical site, and avoid eye makeup and cleansing products for 1 to 2 weeks around stitch removal. Daily life is possible 2 weeks after surgery, but strenuous exercise, alcohol, and smoking are avoided for 2 to 4 weeks, and the timing for contact lenses follows the medical staff's judgement.
Washing your face
Before stitch removal, wash the face partially with lukewarm water and gauze so water does not directly touch the surgical site, and follow the prescribed topical medication and washing instructions.
Makeup and cleansing
Avoid eye makeup and cleansing products for 1 to 2 weeks around stitch removal.
Contact lenses
Wear may be restricted for a period after surgery, and the timing depends on the medical staff's judgement.
Exercise
Daily life is possible after 2 weeks, but heavy lifting and intense movement are avoided for 2 to 4 weeks.
Alcohol and smoking
They can affect recovery, so they are avoided for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Going out and sun exposure
Wear sunglasses when going out; the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends diligent sun protection until healing is complete.
How does Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic guide the recovery schedule, and what does it cost?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic advises initial recovery of about 7 days for the non-incisional method and about 1 to 2 weeks or more for the incisional method, and explains recovery care in stages: days 1 to 3 (cold compresses and rest), days 3 to 7 (switching to warm compresses and taking prescribed medication), around stitch removal (infection prevention), and weeks 2 to 4 (returning to daily life while avoiding strenuous activity). For upper and lower eyelid surgery, major swelling and bruising take an average of 1 to 2 weeks to subside, with 1 to 3 visits for stitch removal and follow-up.
The published non-covered fee list shows non-incisional double eyelid surgery at KRW 1,100,000 and an additional KRW 400,000 for ptosis correction (verified October 22, 2026). The incisional method has no published fee and is confirmed in consultation, as are whether medication and aftercare are included and the total cost; non-covered fees are subject to change.
What do the numbers say about swelling duration and side effects after double eyelid surgery?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic has no published statistics on swelling duration or complications. In overseas studies, swelling after upper blepharoplasty peaked at about 17 hours; after incisional double eyelid surgery, edema decreased quickly within a week and generally disappeared by 4 weeks, and mild edema and bruising lasting up to 6 to 8 weeks were also reported.
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic data
Swelling duration and complication statistics: no published data
Lee et al., 2012 (upper blepharoplasty, 30 patients)
After upper blepharoplasty under local anesthesia, swelling peaked at an average of 17.3 hours and bruising at 33.6 hours. Pain was mostly mild to moderate and persisted for up to 7 days.
Shen, 2022 (incisional double eyelid surgery, 385 patients)
Eyelid edema decreased quickly within a week and generally disappeared in 4 weeks. At the six-month follow-up, 67.27% were very satisfied and 28.31% satisfied.
Sun et al., 2018 (incisional double eyelid surgery, 659 patients)
Mild edema, bruising, and redness all subsided over 6 to 8 weeks. Fourteen cases of crease asymmetry and nine cases of unsatisfactory crease near the inner corner were improved by revision surgery.
Pool et al., 2015 (randomized controlled study, 38 patients)
When only one eyelid was cooled with an ice pack after upper blepharoplasty, there was no difference in edema, erythema, or hematoma, and only pain on the day after surgery was lower (median 0 vs 0.5).
Alamoudi et al., 2025 (systematic review, 29 randomized trials, 2,287 patients)
Cold compresses provided short-term relief, but magnesium sulfate dressings were more effective for edema, and tranexamic acid and vessel-preserving surgical techniques reduced bruising and edema.
Points to keep in mind about the numbers
All are overseas studies of upper blepharoplasty or specific incisional techniques, so they cannot be applied directly to the non-incisional method or to other surgeons' results.
When should you see the clinic if swelling does not go down or the crease looks uneven?
Severe pain at the surgical site, persistent bleeding, a sudden increase in swelling or a high fever, blurred vision, or abnormal eye movement call for contacting the clinic right away for care. A crease that looks high or uneven early on because of swelling gradually stabilizes over time, so it is checked at a follow-up visit after major swelling has subsided.
Reactions during recovery
Swelling and bruising, and a crease that looks different early after incisional surgery because of swelling
Signs that need prompt care
Severe pain, persistent bleeding, a sudden increase in swelling, high fever, blurred vision, abnormal eye movement
When to judge asymmetry
In a study of 659 patients, mild edema and bruising subsided over 6 to 8 weeks, and crease asymmetry required revision surgery in 14 cases (about 2%).
Recovery speed and care timing vary with the surgical method, eyelid condition, and individual healing, so the guidance of your medical staff takes priority over general information online.
Frequently asked questions
When does swelling go down after double eyelid surgery
Bruising and swelling gradually begin to subside from day 3 to 5 after surgery and have mostly gone down after 2 weeks, allowing daily life. Initial recovery is about 7 days for the non-incisional method and about 1 to 2 weeks or more for the incisional method, and it can take a few months for fine swelling to clear and the final result to settle.
When can I wear makeup after double eyelid surgery
Eye makeup and cleansing products are avoided for 1 to 2 weeks around stitch removal. Incisional stitches are usually removed 5 to 7 days after surgery, and even afterward makeup is started only to the extent that the surgical site is not rubbed or irritated.
When can I wear contact lenses after double eyelid surgery
Contact lens wear may be restricted for a period after surgery, and the timing depends on the medical staff's judgement. Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic does not set a date in advance and advises on lens wear after a consultation with the medical staff.
About the clinic behind this article
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic is a board-certified plastic surgery clinic in Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan. Dr. Hyungseok Noh, board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director, provides care.
- Address
- Units 302–305, Building 1, 3 Myeongji-gukje 2-ro 28beon-gil, Gangseo-gu, Busan
- Main Line
- 051-711-7991
- Clinic Hours
- Weekdays AM 10:00 ~ PM 07:30Saturday AM 10:00 ~ PM 03:00Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
- Treatment guide
- View double eyelid surgery page
- Booking
- Naver Booking
REFERENCES
References
This article uses the clinic’s published information together with authoritative medical sources.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicDouble eyelid surgery guide
Supports: Differences in swelling, bruising, scarring, and recovery between the non-incisional and incisional methods
The non-incisional method involves no incision, so swelling, bruising, and scarring are relatively minor and recovery is faster. The incisional method can involve longer recovery and pain, and scars usually fade over time.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicUpper and lower eyelid surgery guide
Supports: Recovery period for major swelling and bruising after eyelid surgery, and the number of visits for stitch removal and follow-up
For both surgeries, a recovery period averaging 1 to 2 weeks is advised for major swelling and bruising to subside, with about 1 to 3 visits for stitch removal and follow-up.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicInformation on non-covered medical fees
Supports: Published fees for non-incisional double eyelid surgery and additional ptosis correction
Non-incisional method KRW 1,100,000, additional ptosis correction KRW 400,000
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic previous blogComplete guide to precautions after eye surgery2025.06.13
Supports: Cold and warm compresses by stage, stitch removal, timing for washing, makeup, contacts, exercise, and alcohol, and symptoms that need prompt care
Bruising or swelling at the surgical site gradually begins to subside from day 3 to 5. After 2 weeks, most swelling and bruising has gone down to some extent and daily life becomes possible.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic previous blogNon-incisional vs incisional: understanding double eyelid surgery methods properly2025.06.18
Supports: Initial recovery of about 7 days for the non-incisional method and about 1 to 2 weeks or more for the incisional method, and differences in swelling and bruising
Relatively little swelling and bruising, so recovery is fast. Swelling and bruising after surgery may last longer.
- American Society of Plastic SurgeonsEyelid Surgery Recovery
Supports: Initial healing reactions and sun protection until healing is complete
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. You must practice diligent sun protection and use darkly tinted sunglasses until the healing process is fully complete.
- American Society of Plastic SurgeonsEyelid Surgery Results
Supports: When patients are presentable to the public and the final healing period
Most patients are presentable to the public in 10-14 days. However, it may take a few months before final healing is completed.
- PubMedPostoperative pain assessment for upper lid blepharoplasty in Asians
Lee H, Lee J, Baek S. Postoperative pain assessment for upper lid blepharoplasty in Asians. Ann Plast Surg. 2012;69(3):244-6. doi:10.1097/SAP.0b013e31822afa7f. PMID: 21811149
Supports: Peak timing of swelling and bruising and duration of pain in 30 upper blepharoplasty patients
Time to peak after upper lid blepharoplasty was as follows: pain 4.4 hours; swelling 17.3 hours; bruise 33.6 hours; itching 21.1 hours; limitation of life 16.6 hours; and blurred vision 8.7 hours.
- PubMedFull-Incision Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty with Selective Neurovascular Preservation Method
Shen X. Full-Incision Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty with Selective Neurovascular Preservation Method. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2022;46(1):241-247. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02418-w. PMID: 34160671
Supports: Edema resolution period and six-month satisfaction in 385 incisional double eyelid patients
Eyelid edema resolved quickly within a week and generally disappeared in 4 weeks. In total, 259 (67.27%) patients scored very satisfied, and 109 (28.31%) patients scored satisfied on six-month follow-up.
- PubMedOrbicularis-Tarsus Fixation Approach in Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Modification of Park's Technique
Sun W, Wang Y, Song T, Wu D, Li H, Yin N. Orbicularis-Tarsus Fixation Approach in Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Modification of Park's Technique. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(6):1582-1590. doi:10.1007/s00266-018-1218-7. PMID: 30191281
Supports: Edema and bruising resolution period and number of crease asymmetry revisions in 659 incisional double eyelid patients
Short-term complications included mild edema, bruising or reddish change of the upper eyelid, yet all gradually relieved in 6-8 weeks. Fourteen cases of palpebral fold asymmetry and nine cases of unsatisfactory fold formation near the inner canthus were encountered, and all the defects had been well improved by revision surgeries.
- PubMedThe effect of eyelid cooling on pain, edema, erythema, and hematoma after upper blepharoplasty: a randomized, controlled, observer-blinded evaluation study
Pool SMW, van Exsel DCE, Melenhorst WBWH, Cromheecke M, van der Lei B. The effect of eyelid cooling on pain, edema, erythema, and hematoma after upper blepharoplasty: a randomized, controlled, observer-blinded evaluation study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;135(2):277e-281e. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000000919. PMID: 25626811
Supports: Effect of postoperative cooling on edema and pain in 38 upper blepharoplasty patients
Cooling of eyelids after upper blepharoplasty does not reduce edema, erythema, or hematoma of the eyelids, but reduces pain 1 day after surgery.
- PubMedInterventions for reducing bleeding and swelling in eyelid and periocular surgeries: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Alamoudi A, Albishry AM, Alnabihi AN, et al. Interventions for reducing bleeding and swelling in eyelid and periocular surgeries: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Orbit. 2025;44(6):913-927. doi:10.1080/01676830.2025.2581622. PMID: 41264874
Supports: Comparison of methods to reduce edema and bruising after eyelid surgery across 29 randomized trials with 2,287 patients
Magnesium sulfate dressings were more effective for edema than ice packs, though cold compresses provided short-term relief.
Published 2026.10.23Last updated 2026.10.23