Can I wash my hair after getting double eyelid surgery?

Sep 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Renrong
Introduction
In general, it is not recommended to wash your hair within 7 days after double eyelid surgery. You should wait until the surgical incisions have been suture-removed and healed properly before washing your hair. Double eyelid surgery is an invasive procedure, and the incision sites are typically covered with gauze post-surgery. Before the stitches are removed, the incisions remain unhealed. During hair washing, water and shampoo may seep through the gauze and come into contact with the incisions, potentially causing bacterial infection, leading to redness, swelling, or pus formation.

Generally, it is not recommended to wash your hair within 7 days after double eyelid surgery. You should wait until the surgical incisions have been sutured and healed properly before washing your hair. Specific reasons are as follows:

Double eyelid surgery is an invasive procedure. After the operation, the incision sites are covered with gauze and remain unhealed before the stitches are removed. During hair washing, water and shampoo may seep through the gauze and come into contact with the incision, increasing the risk of bacterial infection. This could lead to redness, swelling, pus formation, prolonged healing time, or even affect the final appearance of the double eyelids.

If head cleaning is absolutely necessary within the first 7 days after surgery, dry shampoo methods can be used, or someone else can assist by gently wiping the head with a towel while carefully avoiding the eye area, ensuring the incision remains completely dry. Sutures are typically removed around 7 days post-surgery. After removal, observe the incision site for 1–2 days; if there is no redness, swelling, or discharge, normal hair washing can resume. Even then, avoid vigorously rubbing or scrubbing the skin around the eyes during washing.

Strictly following postoperative care instructions and waiting until the incisions are fully healed before washing your hair helps minimize the risk of infection and ensures optimal surgical outcomes and recovery progress.

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