Consulting doctor:

Dr. Nguyen Thi Ly Na, Senior Specialist

Over 10 years of experience in oculoplastic and facial plastic surgery.

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"The sensation of discomfort after a non-incisional double eyelid procedure needs to be evaluated based on the timing of its onset, the level of discomfort, and accompanying symptoms. It is important not only to look at the shape of the eyelid crease but also to examine the surface of the eye and the condition of the eyelid crease when symptoms persist. Cases of discomfort accompanied by redness, pain, or changes in vision should be examined promptly to determine the correct cause and appropriate management."

Dr. Nguyen Thi Ly Na, Senior Specialist

Why Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedures May Feel Uncomfortable and How to Address It Safely

After a non-incisional double eyelid procedure, some individuals may experience a sensation of discomfort, tightness, or irritation around the eyes. This condition may be related to the initial recovery phase, but in some cases, it may stem from the sutures causing irritation to the eye surface or other issues that require early evaluation by a doctor.

Short Answer: A feeling of discomfort after a non-incisional double eyelid procedure is not always a complication. If the sensation is mild, decreases over time, and is not accompanied by increased pain, significant redness, or unusual vision changes, it may be appropriate to continue monitoring according to post-procedure guidelines. Conversely, if the discomfort persists or is accompanied by redness, pain, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, or vision changes, the individual should be evaluated by a doctor promptly. Studies on the technique of creating eyelid creases with buried sutures have reported sensations of foreign body presence, redness, pain, tearing, and light sensitivity in cases with complications related to the sutures.

1. What Does It Mean to Experience Discomfort After a Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedure?

A non-incisional double eyelid procedure, also known as eyelid folding, is a technique that uses specialized sutures to create connections in the eyelid area, resulting in a more defined eyelid crease without the need for a long incision as in upper blepharoplasty. Dr. Eye currently recommends this method primarily for cases of monolid eyes, hidden eyelid creases, or asymmetrical double eyelids that do not have significant excess skin requiring treatment.

After the procedure, the sensation of “discomfort” is often described by clients in various ways, such as:

1. Feeling as if there is a small object in the eye.
2. Each timeBlinking feels uncomfortable or scratchy.
3. The eyelid area feels slightly tight and uncomfortable.
4. The eyes are prone to tearing.
5. One eye feels more uncomfortable than the other.

Just relying on the sensation of discomfort is not enough to determine the cause. The doctor needs to know when the symptoms started, whether they are decreasing or increasing, and if they are accompanied by redness, pain, light sensitivity, or changes in vision.

2. Why Does Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedure Cause Discomfort?

There are many potential causes for the sensation of discomfort after a non-incisional double eyelid procedure. The level of monitoring or examination required varies between cases.

2.1. The Eyelid Area Is Not Fully Stable

In the early stages after the procedure, the surrounding tissue may still be sensitive. A feeling of tightness or mild discomfort may occur in some individuals.

What needs to be monitored is not just whether there is discomfort, but the progression of the symptoms. If the discomfort gradually decreases, there is no increasing pain, minimal redness, and vision remains unchanged, the individual can continue care and monitoring as directed by the doctor.

Dr. Eye also notes that the results of the non-incisional double eyelid procedure should not be assessed solely based on the appearance of the eyelid crease in the initial days. The recovery process and symptoms at the eyes are factors that need to be monitored concurrently.

2.2. Dryness or Surface Eye Irritation

The sensation of “having sand in the eyes” is a common description of surface eye dryness. Medical overviews of aesthetic interventions in the eyelid area indicate that dry eyes can cause feelings of dryness, burning, and discomfort as if there are grains of sand.

However, one should not conclude that all cases of discomfort after the non-incisional double eyelid procedure are due to dry eyes. A study on complications from sutures after creating the eyelid crease noted cases related to the sutures that were initially easily mistaken for other surface eye conditions.

Therefore, if the sensation of discomfort persists, self-purchasing eye drops without identifying the cause may delay the diagnosis of the actual issue.

2.3. Sutures from the Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedure Cause IrritationThis is a reason to pay special attention when a foreign body sensation occurs clearly each time you blink or persists persistently.

The non-incisional double eyelid procedure uses sutures placed within the eyelid tissue to maintain the crease. In unusual cases, a part of the suture or the suture’s end may cause irritation inside the eyelid.

A study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery in 2021 described cases of complications in the eye following the suture technique for creating eyelid creases. Reported symptoms included a foreign body sensation, redness, light sensitivity, pain, tearing, and decreased vision. In this study group, when the exposed nylon suture that caused corneal damage was removed, the corneal injury was subsequently treated.

This indicates that a prolonged foreign body sensation should not be taken lightly, especially when accompanied by other unusual symptoms.Excessive tearing needs to be carefully evaluated.
Another study on corneal complications related to suture techniques for eyelid creation noted symptoms including foreign body sensation, photophobia, tearing, pain, eyelid swelling, conjunctival redness, and discharge.

These manifestations are not sufficient for patients to self-diagnose the cause at home. A doctor needs to directly examine the eyelid area, conjunctiva, and, if necessary, the corneal surface.

3. How long after a non-incisional double eyelid procedure should one seek a consultation?

There is no single timeframe that applies to everyone. The need for early consultation depends more on the progression and accompanying symptoms.

Refer to the table below:

Research on complications relatedRegarding concerns after the non-incisional double eyelid procedure, it is important to highlight symptoms such as the sensation of a foreign body, pain, redness, light sensitivity, tearing, and decreased vision.

4. What to Do If You Experience Discomfort After the Procedure?

When discomfort occurs after the non-incisional double eyelid procedure, the most important principle is not to intervene in the eyelid area until the cause is determined.

Avoid Rubbing or Applying Pressure to the Eyes

Rubbing the eyes can further irritate the sensitive eyelid area. If the cause is related to the sutures, applying pressure may also increase discomfort.

Avoid Self-Removing or Cutting Sutures

If you notice any abnormal suture, do not attempt to use tweezers, scissors, or any tools to address it.

Research on complications related to sutures indicates that identifying the suture location and managing it under medical guidance is part of the treatment process. The doctor may also need to examine the inner eyelid and the surface of the eye to accurately identify the source of irritation.

Avoid Self-Medicating with Antibiotics

Dr. Eye currently advises that not every client who undergoes the non-incisional double eyelid procedure requires oral antibiotics. The use of medication depends on the specific condition, risk of infection, and the doctor’s assessment. Clients should not self-prescribe antibiotics based on others’ experiences.

Monitor Symptom Progression

You may want to note:

1. When did the discomfort begin?
2. Is the discomfort in one eye or both?
3. Is the level of discomfort decreasing or increasing?
4. Is there any redness in the eyes?
5. Is there pain when blinking?
6. Is there tearing?Are you sensitive to light?
7. Has your vision changed?

This information can help the doctor assess your condition during the examination.

5. What does the doctor check when there is discomfort from the eyelid procedure?

Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may examine the shape of the eyelid crease, the position of the points of emphasis, the skin and tissue around the eyelid, the inner eyelid, the conjunctiva, and the surface of the cornea.

In a study on complications from buried sutures, the authors emphasized the importance of taking a history of interventions and examining the conjunctiva inside the eyelid to avoid missing causes related to the sutures.

If it is determined that the sutures are causing irritation or damaging the surface of the eye, the doctor will consider appropriate management based on the location and extent of the impact. Not every case of discomfort requires suture removal.

6. Does discomfort from the eyelid procedure require suture removal?

Not every case requires suture removal.

If the sensation of discomfort is related to the recovery phase or another cause not stemming from the sutures, the doctor may recommend continued monitoring or addressing the corresponding cause.

Conversely, in cases where the suture ends are exposed or causing damage to the surface of the eye, removal of the relevant sutures may be indicated. A 2021 study on suture complications showed that suture removal surgery was used to treat cases of complications directly related to the sutures.

Therefore, the important question is not “does discomfort require suture removal?” but rather what is the actual cause of the discomfort?

7. How to minimize the risk of discomfort afterNon-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedure?

The first step is to choose the right indication.

The non-incisional double eyelid procedure is often more suitable for monolid eyes, hidden eyelid creases, or uneven double eyelids in cases where there is not much excess skin to address. When the eyelid area has significant sagging skin, changes in eyelid structure, or other concerns, the doctor needs to assess whether the non-incisional double eyelid procedure is still a suitable option or if another method should be used.

Additionally, clients should inform the doctor about any history of dry eyes, previous eye area interventions, ongoing eye conditions, and medications being used.

After the procedure, it is important to follow care instructions and attend follow-up appointments rather than self-adjusting medications or treating the eyelid area at home.

8. When Should You Visit Dr. Eye to Check for Discomfort After the Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedure?

If you have previously undergone the non-incisional double eyelid procedure at another facility and are currently experiencing discomfort, tightness, redness, or suspect issues related to the sutures, the doctors at Dr. Eye can conduct a direct examination to assess the condition of the eyelid area before advising on the next steps.

Dr. Eye currently holds a medical examination and treatment license number 10298/HCM-GPHĐ issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health on March 13, 2024. The clinic is located at 07 Nguyen Co Thach, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Experiencing Discomfort After the Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedure and Unsure If You Need Treatment?

Instead of guessing the cause or purchasing medication on your own, you can leave your phone number for the Dr. Eye team to contact you, record your current condition, and assist in scheduling an appointment with the doctor.

Register for a Consultation with the Eye Doctor

9. Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Procedures

Is it normal to feel discomfort after a non-incisional double eyelid procedure?

Mild discomfort may occur in the early stages following the eyelid procedure. However, if the discomfort persists, increases, or is accompanied by redness, pain, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, or changes in vision, it is advisable to seek an evaluation to determine the cause.

Is the discomfort caused by the sutures?

It cannot be concluded solely based on the symptom of discomfort. This sensation may be related to various factors. However, studies have noted that exposed sutures or suture ends causing irritation can be a potential reason for the foreign body sensation after the non-incisional double eyelid technique.

Will the discomfort resolve on its own?

It depends on the cause. If it is just mild discomfort in the early stages that is gradually decreasing, the situation can be monitored. If the cause is irritation from the sutures or an issue with the eye surface, clients need to be evaluated and treated by a doctor.

Should I self-administer eye drops for the discomfort?

Self-medicating with eye drops is not advisable without knowing the cause, especially antibiotics or any eye drops that require a prescription. If symptoms persist or there are unusual signs, a doctor should be consulted first.

Is it necessary to remove the sutures?

Not every case requires suture removal. Suture intervention should only be considered when the doctor determines that the issue is related to the sutures or there is a specific medical indication.Other.

Is the discomfort after a long time of double eyelid procedure related to the sutures?

It may be related, but a conclusion cannot be made without an examination. Medical reports indicate that complications related to buried sutures can cause a foreign body sensation and symptoms on the eye surface. Therefore, when discomfort persists after a history of double eyelid procedure, information about the previous intervention should be provided to the doctor.

10. Conclusion

Discomfort after a double eyelid procedure can arise from various causes, ranging from discomfort during recovery to irritation caused by the sutures on the eye surface. Thus, one should not solely rely on the level of discomfort to self-assess whether the eyelids are recovering normally or experiencing issues.

What needs to be monitored is the progression of symptoms and accompanying signs. If the sensation of discomfort gradually decreases, there is no increase in pain, and no unusual symptoms appear in the eyes or vision, you may continue care and follow up as directed. If discomfort persists along with redness, pain, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, or changes in vision, it is advisable to have a doctor check it early to determine the cause.

If you are experiencing discomfort after a double eyelid procedure, please leave your phone number and a brief description of your symptoms. The Dr. Eye team will contact you to record your condition and arrange a suitable consultation appointment.

The information in this article is for reference purposes only and does not replace direct examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a doctor.