One of the most common questions after double eyelid surgery is:

"This side looks fine, so why is the other side more swollen?"

Because the eyes sit on one face as a pair, if they look different on the left and right every time you look in the mirror,

you naturally worry that something may have gone wrong with the surgery.

However, to give you the conclusion first:

after double eyelid surgery, it is very common and frequent for swelling to go down differently on each side, and in most cases it gradually settles and evens out over time.

The reasons why swelling on the left and right sides of the double eyelids goes down differently are as follows.

First, the natural asymmetry of my own eyes

As people know all too well, the human face is not perfectly symmetrical, so even before surgery,

the eye muscles, fat, skin thickness, and other components that make up the face are already under different conditions. These differences can affect swelling and recovery speed.

Second, differences in the degree of tissue damage and tissue response

Even if the same person has the same surgery on the same area,

the tissue condition of the left and right eyes is different, so swelling, bruising, and inflammatory responses can appear differently. This can be said to be in a similar context to the first reason.

Third, the influence of lifestyle habits

Sleeping posture, the habit of sleeping more on one side, which side of the eyes is used more, and frequently rubbing or straining one eye can also create differences in swelling.

Looking at the photos above,

you can actually see that the swelling is gradually going down,

and when the swelling is different, the degree to which the eyes do not fully close also differs, but after some time, both eyes close equally.

Ultimately, this current state is not wrong, and it did not happen for just one reason, so it is most important for the patient to stay calm and wait patiently.

So, how long is this kind of swelling asymmetry okay?

Swelling usually follows the pattern below.

Right after surgery

→ Not much swelling / "Oh? This looks fine."

The day after surgery ~ 1 week

→ Peak swelling / a state that makes you wonder if this is really okay

2 weeks ~ 1 month

→ The major swelling goes down somewhat, but swelling and asymmetry still remain

1 ~ 3 months

→ As swelling gradually subsides, the difference in swelling between the left and right sides becomes visibly smaller

3 ~ 6 months

→ As residual swelling is sorted out, the balance of the double eyelid line stabilizes

In other words, looking different on the left and right early on

can actually be seen as part of the normal recovery process.

However, if the following apply, a hospital consultation may be necessary.

• If the degree of pupil exposure is significantly different

• If a clearly different line height remains even after enough time has passed, such as more than 6 months

• If symptoms accompanied by pain or heat persist

In these situations, it may not be simple swelling,

but rather another cause such as a difference in the degree of eyelid correction, loosening of the double eyelid, inflammation, or a hematoma,

so confirmation by the surgeon or a specialist is required.

Looking at the photos above,

the conjunctival side of the upper eyelid is lifted significantly due to swelling after surgery,

but in the photo taken after enough time has passed,

you can see that the conjunctival side of the upper eyelid has returned to its normal position.

Many people who have had surgery worry,

"What if my eyes settle into this state?"

But it is very common for swelling on both sides to differ after double eyelid surgery,

and the speed at which swelling goes down can also differ. In many cases, the balance naturally evens out as swelling subsides and the line settles.

Especially in the early stage after surgery,

the result is difficult to judge accurately because swelling, bruising, and scar tissue are all mixed together.

Rather than worrying when the swelling is at its worst after surgery,

it is important to give it at least 3 months after surgery and observe it with enough patience,

so there is no need to be overly anxious about your current condition.