Double eyelids and excessively droopy skin are a common complaint in Singapore. If you too have this complaint, do not worry. Plastic surgery under the guidance of an experience surgeon can help correct the deformities and give you a fresh look. Double eyelid surgery is an effective procedure to correct the single eyelid found in patients of Oriental descent.
The procedure is absolutely safe and complete recovery takes just a month. The swelling subsides within a week, while bruising takes 15 days to go away. Here are some tips on quick recovery after double eyelid surgery.
Keep the head in an elevated position
Following double eyelid surgery, it is imperative to always keep your head above the rest of the body. This helps to reduce swelling and also to recover faster. While resting or sleeping, you should keep your head elevated by stuffing two or three pillows under it. You can even use an inclined foam wedge for this.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
This is highly important, not only in the recovery phase, but in the month leading up to the surgery. Drinking alcohol impedes the normal recovery of the body after plastic surgery and can even compromise immunity. Smoking introduces nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon monoxide in the body, inhibiting proper wound healing.
Don’t go out in the sun
Do not step out of your home following a double eyelid surgery for at least a week. Unnecessary sun exposure can worsen any inflammation around the eyelid area. It can also give rise to hyper pigmentation and severe scarring. However, if you must go out, wear quality sunglasses to shield the operated-upon area.
Use cold compresses
It is normal for the swelling to increase on the first morning after the surgery. This is a part of the inherent healing process of the body. However, using ice can control the swelling in the first 72 hours, which is extremely important. Use frozen pea bags, gauze pads or clean towels soaked in ice to serve as cold compresses.
Avoid any eye makeup
You might be tempted to conceal temporary scars in the recovery period by using eye makeup. However, wearing makeup is recommended only after two weeks of double eyelid surgery. Chemicals in eye makeup can irritate the area and lead to infection. Wearing makeup should be done only after the incisions have completely healed.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating right is highly important to make the recovery faster. Reduce your salt intake to avoid more swelling and water retention. Foods like tomatoes, kabocha squashes, and pineapples help cut swelling. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, leafy greens, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are good choices. Avoid white carbs and processed foods.
Taking care with medication
Avoiding any extra medication is an unsaid rule for recovering after any plastic surgery procedure. Let your surgeon know about any medication you’re on, and stop taking any kind of herbal supplements as well. This can interfere with the antibiotics and analgesics that your surgeon prescribes for relief and recovery.
