Preparations Before Double Eyelid Surgery

Hello, this is Dr. Hyunwook Jung from Sketch Plastic Surgery.

Today, I will explain the preparations and precautions for before Double Eyelid Surgery.

While the clinic provides this information when your surgery is scheduled, it can be difficult to remember everything. Therefore, I have organized it here for you to reference at any time.

Proper preparation before surgery leads to better surgical outcomes and a faster recovery. A little effort makes a big difference.

Preparations 2 Weeks Before Surgery

1. Discontinue Use of Double Eyelid Tape or Glue

Stop using double eyelid tape or glue at least 2 weeks before your surgery.

Tape or glue can cause skin stimulation or chronic inflammation.
Such inflammation can interfere with the surgery.
It is important to give your skin enough time to recover.

Why are 2 weeks necessary?

It takes time for skin stimulation to completely subside.
Surgery on inflamed skin increases the risk of infection.
The best results are achieved when surgery is performed on clean, healthy skin.

2. Review Current Medications and Health Supplements

Some medications and health supplements can increase swelling and bruising after surgery.

What to Avoid

Omega-3: Can interfere with blood clotting, increasing bleeding and bruising.
Vitamins (especially Vitamin E): Can increase the risk of bleeding.
Red Ginseng: Promotes blood circulation, which can increase swelling and bruising.
Ginkgo biloba extract, ginger, and garlic can also increase the risk of bleeding.

What if you are unsure about a health supplement?

It is safest to stop taking it until after the surgery.
Please inform us of all medications and health supplements you are taking during your consultation.
Please make a decision after consulting with your doctor.

3. Confirm Usage of Medications for Pre-existing Conditions

Do not stop taking medications for pre-existing conditions without consulting your doctor.

Medications to Continue Taking

High blood pressure medication: Continue taking in most cases (excluding blood thinners like aspirin).
Diabetes medication: Decide after consulting with your doctor.
Thyroid medication: Often continued.

Medications That May Need to Be Discontinued

Blood circulation enhancers: Stop 1 week before surgery.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers: Stop after consulting with the prescribing doctor.
Anticoagulants (Aspirin, Warfarin, etc.): Must be discussed with your doctor.

Important: Always consult with your primary physician before stopping any medication for pre-existing conditions.

Preparations 1 Week Before Surgery

Final Medication Check

If there are any medications you need to stop, be sure to discontinue them at least 1 week before surgery.

Stop taking Omega-3, vitamins, red ginseng, etc., at least 1 week prior.
Also, stop taking blood circulation enhancers 1 week prior.
It is important to stop with enough time, considering the half-life of each medication.

Lifestyle Check

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Refrain from excessive drinking for 1 week before surgery.
Get enough sleep: This helps boost your immune system and improve recovery.
Manage stress: Reduce anxiety and maintain a positive mindset about the surgery.

Preparations the Day Before Surgery

1. Get Plenty of Rest

On the day before surgery, rest sufficiently and avoid excessive alcohol consumption or strenuous exercise.

Why is this important?
- Adequate rest helps the surgery proceed more smoothly.
- It also speeds up recovery.
- A stronger immune system reduces the risk of infection.
What to avoid
- Excessive alcohol consumption (increases dehydration and swelling).
- Strenuous exercise (causes muscle fatigue and swelling).
- Staying up late (leads to lack of sleep).

2. Remove Nail Polish, Eyelash Extensions, and Piercings

Nail Care

Remove any manicure or nail extensions from at least 2 fingers.
A device to measure oxygen saturation will be attached to your finger during surgery.
Nail polish can interfere with an accurate reading.

Remove Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions can fall off during surgery and cause stimulation.
If they fall into the surgical site, there is a risk of infection.
You can get extensions again 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Remove Piercings

Remove all piercings (not just on your face, but your entire body).
There is a risk of burns from the electrical equipment used during surgery.
Metal can interfere with the surgical procedure.

3. Pack Your Belongings for the Day of Surgery

Prepare in advance to ensure your comfort on the day of surgery.

A hat: Needed to avoid sunlight after surgery.
Sunglasses: Needed to cover swelling and bruising, and to reduce light stimulation.
Comfortable clothing: A button-up shirt or loose-fitting clothes are recommended (clothes that are easy to put on and take off without pulling over your head).
ID card: Required for your clinic visit.

Water: Do not drink water either.
Coffee, tea: All caffeinated beverages are prohibited.
Gum: Gum is also prohibited.
Smoking: Refrain from smoking as well.

Why is fasting necessary?

If you are under general or sedation anesthesia, there is a risk of food or liquid entering your airway.
Vomiting can lead to a risk of aspiration pneumonia.
It is essential for a safe surgery.

What if I am only receiving local anesthesia?

Fasting is not mandatory, but avoid overeating.
You may feel nauseous during the surgery.

2. No Cosmetics

Use only basic skincare products (toner, lotion) and do not wear any makeup.

What to avoid
- Foundation, powder
- Eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner
- Lipstick, lip gloss
- Concealer, blush, and all other makeup
Why is makeup not allowed?
- It increases the risk of infection.
- It prevents proper disinfection of the surgical area.
- Makeup residue can interfere with the surgery.

3. No Driving

Do not drive yourself on the day of surgery.

Reasons
- Your vision may be blurry after surgery.
- The effects of anesthesia may still be present.
- Your concentration will be reduced, increasing the risk of an accident.
Alternatives
- Use public transportation.
- Ask a family member or friend to pick you up.
- Take a taxi.

Day of Surgery - After Arriving at the Clinic

1. Face Washing

Wash your face thoroughly with soap before the surgery.

Any remaining makeup or lotion can interfere with disinfection.
Surgery on clean skin reduces the risk of infection.
You can use the facial cleanser provided by the clinic.

2. Use the Restroom

Please use the restroom before the surgery.

Reasons
- The duration of the surgery varies by individual and may be longer than expected.
- Nervousness can make you feel the need to use the restroom.
- It is inconvenient to leave the operating room in the middle of surgery.
Tip
- Use the restroom immediately after arriving at the clinic.
- Since you will not be drinking water before surgery, you shouldn’t need to go frequently.

3. Check Your Mouth Before Sedation Anesthesia

If you are receiving sedation anesthesia, please ensure your mouth is dry.

Why is this important?
- Saliva can pool in your mouth while you are lying down before surgery.
- Receiving sedation with a pool of saliva in your mouth poses a choking hazard.
- In such cases, we may need to wake the patient up.
What to do
- Spit out any saliva before the surgery.
- Keep your mouth dry.
- Let a nurse know, and they will assist you.

Pre-operative Preparation Summary Table

Timeline	Preparations and Precautions
2 Weeks Before Surgery	Discontinue double eyelid tape/glue; review medications and health supplements (stop Omega-3, vitamins, red ginseng, etc.)
1 Week Before Surgery	Confirm discontinuation of unnecessary medications, get enough rest, avoid excessive alcohol consumption
The Day Before Surgery	Get plenty of rest, remove piercings/nail polish/eyelash extensions, prepare a hat/sunglasses/comfortable clothes
Day of Surgery (Before Arrival)	Fast for at least 4 hours (including water, coffee, gum, cigarettes), no makeup, no driving
Day of Surgery (After Arriving at the Clinic)	Wash face with soap, use the restroom, keep mouth dry for sedation anesthesia

Additional Tips

The Night Before Surgery

Go to bed early: Sufficient sleep aids in recovery.
Drink plenty of water: Stay hydrated in preparation for fasting on the day of surgery (however, you must fast from the morning of the surgery).
Relax: Put your mind at ease with some light reading or by listening to music.

The Morning of Surgery

Wake up early: This gives you plenty of time to prepare.
Light breakfast: You may eat a light meal up to 4 hours before the surgery.
Wear comfortable clothes: A button-up shirt or loose-fitting clothes are recommended.

If You Have Any Questions

Prepare all your questions before your pre-operative consultation.
Make a list of your current medications and bring it with you.
Be sure to inform us of any allergies or pre-existing conditions.

Conclusion

A little effort contributes to a better surgical outcome.

Proper preparation before surgery ensures:

✅ A safer surgical procedure
✅ A faster recovery
✅ Better results
✅ A reduced risk of complications

We hope this guide has been helpful.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.

This has been Dr. Hyunwook Jung of Sketch Plastic Surgery.