Will crying after getting double eyelid surgery affect the results?

Feb 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Xiao Wang underwent double eyelid surgery last week, and her postoperative recovery has been good. However, yesterday due to work-related stress, she lost emotional control and had a prolonged crying episode. Could this affect the surgical outcome?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

In normal circumstances, crying does not directly affect the outcome of double eyelid surgery; however, excessive eye movement and pressure may increase swelling and prolong the recovery period.

Double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that creates a crease in the upper eyelid by removing excess skin tissue. After surgery, patients typically experience swelling and pain around the eyes, which are normal postoperative reactions. When crying, tears may irritate the surgical wounds, causing more noticeable swelling and potentially slowing the healing process. If a patient cries and rubs the incision site before suture removal, there may be an increased risk of infection, which could compromise surgical results.

After undergoing double eyelid surgery, patients should try to avoid crying, especially before the sutures are removed, to minimize irritation and swelling of the wound. Following crying episodes, immediate measures should be taken to relieve pressure and discomfort around the eyes. Applying cold compresses can effectively reduce swelling and pain, while keeping the head elevated above the heart helps decrease fluid accumulation in the eye area. Additionally, rubbing the eyes should be avoided to prevent infection or injury. If persistent discomfort or unusual symptoms occur, patients should promptly contact their surgeon for consultation and evaluation to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.