How should double eyelid surgery be cared for? Plastic surgery experts provide the following guidance:
1. Preoperative Care
(1) Psychological Preparation: Patients often experience varying degrees of anxiety or fear. Aesthetic care providers should attentively listen to their concerns and help clarify their motivations for seeking enhancement. For those with unrealistically high expectations, carefully analyze the reasons and correct any unrealistic fantasies.If concerns cannot be alleviated, surgery should not be performed. For those fearful due to lack of understanding about the procedure, preoperative counseling should address anxieties and dispel unfounded concerns. Medical staff must employ appropriate communication techniques during consultations: avoid overly detailed explanations of complications that may heighten anxiety, and refrain from exaggerating the cosmetic outcomes.Clearly explain that both suture-based and non-suture-based double eyelid techniques may naturally fade after several years to prevent post-operative disputes. (2) Skin Preparation: Shampoo and shower the day before surgery. Avoid makeup on the day of surgery. Begin applying one drop of antibiotic eye drops three days prior to surgery. (3) Preoperative Photography: Take frontal and lateral photographs of the head and face.
2. Postoperative Care
(1) Incision Care: Two methods exist—bandaging and exposure.
Bandaging involves applying a small amount of antibiotic eye ointment to the incision, covering it with dressing, and securing with adhesive tape. Dressings are changed 24–48 hours postoperatively, with local cleansing, disinfection, and reapplication of antibiotic ointment—no further bandaging required.The uncovered method involves disinfecting the incision with 75% ethanol solution postoperatively, followed by application of antibiotic eye ointment. Sutures are removed 5–7 days postoperatively.
(2) Monitor for signs of incision infection, retrobulbar hemorrhage or active bleeding, and difficulty opening the eye.
(3) Postoperative instructions: Emphasize keeping the incision clean and dry. Avoid warm compresses for 24 hours. Routinely administer oral antibiotics for 3–5 days; use intramuscular or intravenous antibiotics if necessary. Sutures are removed after 5–7 days. Delayed suture removal may increase the risk of suture reaction and scar formation.
(4) Psychological guidance during recovery: Mild eyelid and periorbital swelling is a normal postoperative reaction, typically subsiding within 7–10 days. Full recovery after double eyelid surgery is achieved in 2–3 months.
Editor's Note: Additionally, we remind patients to strictly avoid smoking, alcohol, aspirin, warfarin, and traditional Chinese medicines that promote blood circulation and disperse blood stasis for one month following double eyelid surgery.