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EYE SURGERY: RECOVERY, DAY BY DAY
Stitches out at 5 to 14 days; bruising and swelling ease over 10 to 14 days.
Day by day
- Day 1 to 3Swelling peaks. Cold packs and head raised. Eyes may feel dry.
- Day 5 to 7Stitches out (or dissolvable).
- Week 2Back to routine for most people. Contact lenses again at about 2 weeks.
- Month 1 to 3Remaining swelling settles; double-eyelid creases can take 3 to 6 months.
Flying home
Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.
Avoid
- Eye makeup until your surgeon says (usually 2 days to 2 weeks after stitches)
- Contact lenses for about 2 weeks
- Rubbing your eyes
- Sleeping flat
Pack
- Sunglasses
- Cold packs
- Lubricating eye drops (ask your surgeon)
- Extra pillows
Call your clinic or get help if
- Any change in vision
- Severe pain or swelling around the eye
- Bleeding
- Fever over 38°C, pus, or a wound that opens.
- Sudden swelling and pain on one side.
- Pain that gets worse instead of better.
General information from medical sources (Cleveland Clinic, NHS, ASPS, AAD and published studies), not medical advice. Your clinic's own aftercare instructions come first.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the recovery after eye surgery?
- Stitches out at 5 to 14 days; bruising and swelling ease over 10 to 14 days.
- When can I fly home after eye surgery?
- Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.
- What should I avoid after eye surgery?
- Eye makeup until your surgeon says (usually 2 days to 2 weeks after stitches). Contact lenses for about 2 weeks. Rubbing your eyes. Sleeping flat.
- What should I pack for eye surgery in Seoul?
- Sunglasses, Cold packs, Lubricating eye drops (ask your surgeon), Extra pillows.