Hello, after double eyelid stitching, besides concerns about swelling and dietary restrictions, stitch removal is an important milestone that makes many people anxious. Many patients ask the doctor how many days after double eyelid stitching should the stitches be removed, whether removing them too early is harmful, or whether leaving them in too long could affect the eyelid crease. The doctor will explain each point clearly so you can feel reassured.
Do double eyelid stitches need to be removed?
The doctor will answer you directly: yes, but not every case of double eyelid stitching requires stitch removal.
From a professional perspective, double eyelid stitching is a technique for creating an eyelid crease by using biological sutures to connect the eyelid skin with the levator palpebrae muscle. Depending on the technique, the doctor may use:
- Absorbable sutures: No stitch removal is required because the sutures will naturally break down after a period of time.
- Non-absorbable or partially absorbable sutures: The stitches need to be removed after the tissue has stabilized.
At reputable facilities, the doctor will clearly explain from the beginning which category applies to you so that you can proactively take care of your eyelids and return for follow-up at the appropriate time.
How many days after double eyelid stitching should the stitches be removed?
Regarding the question of how many days after double eyelid stitching the stitches should be removed, the doctor confirms that the safe timing is generally 5–7 days after double eyelid stitching, when the stitch points have relatively stabilized as the tissues heal.
More specifically:
- Before 5 days: The tissue has not yet healed sufficiently. Removing the stitches too early may cause the eyelids to swell again or affect the durability of the eyelid crease.
- From 5–7 days: This is the ideal time for stitch removal, helping the eyelids become less swollen and stabilize well.
- After 10 days: The stitches may become more firmly embedded in the tissue, causing mild discomfort during removal and increasing the risk of leaving dark marks.
Therefore, if you are wondering how many days after double eyelid stitching the stitches should be removed, the medically appropriate answer is to follow the doctor’s scheduled appointment, usually within 5–7 days.
Factors affecting the timing of stitch removal
Not everyone has their stitches removed on exactly the same day. In practice, the doctor will adjust the timing based on several factors, such as:
- Whether the individual’s healing process is fast or slow
- The degree of swelling after double eyelid stitching
- The double eyelid stitching technique used (Korean technique, Multi Point, etc.)
- How well you care for your eyelids during the first few days after the procedure
In cases where the eyelids remain significantly swollen or show signs of mild inflammation, the doctor may postpone stitch removal to ensure safety.
What is the procedure for removing double eyelid stitches like?
Double eyelid stitch removal is a simple and quick procedure, usually taking only about 5–10 minutes. Before removing the stitches, the doctor will examine the eyelids to ensure that the tissue has stabilized.
The procedure includes cleaning the eyelid area, gently disinfecting it, and then using specialized instruments to remove the stitches. The entire process is performed gently, without deep invasion and without affecting the structure of the eyelids.
Is double eyelid stitch removal painful?
Regarding the sensation, you do not need to worry too much. Double eyelid stitch removal is generally not painful; you may only experience a slight feeling of irritation or very mild pricking for a few seconds.
If the eyelids are still sensitive, the doctor may help reduce discomfort with topical anesthesia. After the stitches are removed, the eyelids usually feel more comfortable and begin to become less swollen over the following days.
Eye care after stitch removal
After stitch removal, proper care will help the eyelids recover quickly and allow the eyelid crease to look more naturally defined. You should keep the following in mind:
- Keep the eyelid area clean and avoid rubbing your eyes
- Limit eye makeup during the first 2–3 days
- Avoid staying up late and excessive use of electronic devices
- Follow the doctor’s instructions regarding medication use, if prescribed
If you experience prolonged eyelid swelling or pain or notice any unusual signs, you should return for an early follow-up examination.
If you are still wondering how many days after double eyelid stitching the stitches should be removed, or are unsure whether you received absorbable sutures, you should return for your scheduled follow-up so the doctor can assess your condition directly. At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, double eyelid stitching procedures are performed according to standardized medical protocols. Doctors closely monitor each stage of recovery and provide guidance on removing stitches at the appropriate time, helping the eyelids stabilize quickly and maintain beautiful, long-lasting creases.
