Eyelid surgery is one of the most popular procedures in Korea, and recovery is usually straightforward. Your eyes just need a little extra care for a few weeks.
Follow your own surgeon's instructions first — this is general guidance, not medical advice.
The first few days
- Expect swelling, bruising and some tightness; it typically peaks around days two to three.
- Some patients get dryness, itching or a "something in my eye" feeling, and sometimes swelling of the white of the eye. Clinics often recommend artificial tears several times a day for this.
- If you've been given an antibiotic eye ointment for the stitches, apply it exactly as instructed (commonly a few times a day for about a week).
- Rest with your head raised, and use cold compresses as your clinic advises.
Screens, reading and light
- Your eyes may tire quickly. Take frequent breaks from your phone and TV.
- Turn up the text size on your phone — blurry or swollen eyes make small text hard to read. (The AfterOp menu has A− / A+ buttons for exactly this.)
- Sunglasses help with bright light and keep dust out when you go outside.
Don't rub your eyes
This is the big one. Rubbing can disturb healing incisions — many clinics advise not rubbing your eyes for around three months. If they itch, use artificial tears instead.
Stitches and washing
- Eyelid stitches are commonly removed around day seven.
- Many clinics allow washing your face normally from the day after stitch removal. You can usually shower (avoiding the face) much earlier.
Makeup and contact lenses
- Eye makeup — mascara and eyeliner — is often allowed from about one month.
- Contact lenses are usually off-limits for around a month too, so bring your glasses.
- Keep scar ointment away from the eyes unless your clinic says otherwise.
Eating while you recover
Eyelid surgery doesn't affect chewing, but salty and spicy food can make swelling feel worse in the first week. Mild meals help — see what to eat after facial surgery.
When to call your clinic
- Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or swelling that is rapidly getting worse.
- Bleeding that won't stop with gentle pressure.
- A fever, spreading redness or discharge from the incisions.
In an emergency in Korea, call 119.