Complete Guide to Essential Pre‑ and Post‑Eye Surgery Care – Interview with Dr. Seo Yonghoon of Marble Plastic Surgery

Eyelid surgery may seem like a small change, but it is a procedure that can transform the overall impression of the face.

Many people focus only on the surgical results, but

Did you know that pre‑operative preparation and post‑operative care can determine more than half of the final outcome of eye surgery?

We met Dr. Seo Yonghoon of Marble Plastic Surgery, who has specialized in eyelid surgery in Gangnam for over 13 years,

the essential precautions that must be followed before eye surgery and

and discussed the post‑operative care methods that help speed up recovery after eye surgery.

🗣 What Dr. Seo Yonghoon Says

“7 Essential Preparations You Must Follow Before Eye Surgery”

1. Medications that affect blood circulation must be discontinued.

“Because eyelid surgery involves extremely delicate tissues, excessive bleeding can obscure the surgical field and slow down the recovery process.”

“Medications that promote blood circulation, such as aspirin, red ginseng, and omega‑3, should be discontinued at least one week before surgery.”

However, patients with hypertension are an exception.

If you stop taking your blood pressure medication, your blood pressure may rise during surgery, increasing the risk of bleeding. Therefore, you must continue taking your medication before coming in.

2. Please remove any nail polish from your hands and feet.

During eye surgery, a sensor is attached to a fingernail or toenail to measure oxygen saturation.

“If you have nail polish or gel nails, the sensor may not function accurately.”

“Please remove all nail polish if possible, and if it’s difficult, make sure at least one finger on either hand is clean.”

“Since gel nails are difficult to remove, it’s best to plan a removal schedule in advance, considering your surgery date.”

3. Eyelash extensions and metal piercings must be removed.

Eyelash extensions can come off during eye surgery, potentially irritating the eye or interfering with the procedure.

“If an eyelash falls off during surgery, it may enter the eye or get caught in the instruments.”

“For your safety, it is strongly recommended to remove them before coming in.”

Metal piercings must also be removed, as they can cause burns when an electrocautery device is used.

4. A minimum of 4 hours of fasting is required before eye surgery.

If there is food remaining in the stomach during sedation, it may reflux and cause breathing complications.

“You must fast for at least 4 hours, including water.”

“Coffee and other beverages are also included in the fasting restriction.”

However, blood pressure medication must be taken even during fasting.

5. Please stop using double‑eyelid glue or tape 1–2 weeks before eye surgery.

Repeated use of double‑eyelid glue or tape can irritate the skin around the eyes and cause swelling.

“In eye surgery, the design is extremely important.”

If the skin is swollen or stretched, it can become difficult to achieve an accurate design.

Especially in cases where double‑eyelid tape has been used for a long time, the skin is often stretched or loosened,

He/She advised that, if possible, it is best to stop using it at least two weeks before surgery.

6. Please come in comfortable clothing and with a bare face (no makeup).

Since you will change into a patient gown on the day of eye surgery, it is best to wear clothes that are easy to change out of.

“Please do not wear any makeup and cleanse your face thoroughly.”

If needed, it is recommended to apply only a light moisturizer.

Also, since wearing contact lenses will be difficult after the surgery, please make sure to bring your glasses.

Since your eyes can become sensitive when returning home, preparing sunglasses or a hat will make your travel much more comfortable.

7. Avoiding alcohol and smoking before eye surgery is essential.

Alcohol takes more than a day to break down, and smoking impairs blood circulation.

“Alcohol and smoking have a direct impact on surgical outcomes.”

“You must refrain from drinking and smoking starting at least the day before the surgery.”

If possible, it is even better to avoid alcohol and smoking for 2–3 days before the surgery.

🧊 Proper post‑operative care completes the results of eye surgery.

“Post‑operative care is just as important as the surgery itself.”

If post‑operative care after eye surgery is not done properly, it affects everything, including swelling, bruising, scarring, and maintaining the surgical line.

✔ 1. Apply cold compresses consistently for 48 hours.

“Do not place the ice pack directly on your eyes; cover it with a thin towel before using.”

“Do not place the ice pack directly on your eyes; cover it with a thin towel before using.”

✔ 2. Take the prescribed medication exactly as directed.

Antibiotics and anti‑inflammatory medications are essential for preventing infection and reducing swelling.

“If you do not take your medication on time, your recovery may be delayed and swelling may last longer.”

✔ 3. Avoid rubbing or wiping your eyes forcefully.

In the early stage, the stitches and incision area are delicate, so irritation must be minimized.

✔ 4. Sleep posture is also important.

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help reduce swelling.

The director advised, “Using about two pillows is helpful.”

✔ 5. No alcohol or smoking for at least two weeks.

It can slow down the healing process and worsen swelling and bruising.

✔ 6. Avoid exercise, saunas, and hot baths for two weeks.

Excessive increase in blood circulation can cause swelling to return.

✔ 7. After stitch removal, use warm compresses to promote healing.

Warm compresses help improve blood circulation and speed up recovery after stitch removal.

🩺 Advice from Director Seo Yong‑hoon

“Although eyelid surgery may seem like a small change, it is an important procedure that can transform the overall impression of the face.”

If you follow the pre‑surgery preparations and post‑operative care properly, you can achieve much more satisfying results.

“Having thorough consultations with the medical staff and carefully following the provided instructions will help you the most.”