Thank you for your question. You are asking about how to manage aftercare after Asian double eyelid surgery as your surgeon was not so forthcoming, and the staff gave you some tips while you were still groggy from the effects of anesthesia. I can certainly help you based on your photo alone, and give you so guidance in the absence of a physical exam. I’m Dr. Amiya Prasad. I’m a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Fellowship-trained Oculoplastic Surgeon. I’ve been in practice in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years. I’m well experienced with Asian double eyelid surgery for both primary and revisional surgery, as well as all other types of cosmetic, reconstructive, and restorative eyelid surgeries. I advise my patients to use cold compresses for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off as much as possible for the first two days after eyelid surgery to reduce the swelling. After the first 2-3 days, I advise a warm compress as much as possible to the eyelids, also for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off. A warm compress helps clear the fluid that causes swelling. I prescribe an antibiotic ointment only for the first few days after eyelid surgery, such as Bacitracin, Erythromycin and Tobradex. Use a Q-tip to apply the ointment so you don’t get any bacteria or dirt into the eyelid incision. It’s important to limit use of antibiotic ointment to the first few days because overuse can lead to an allergic reaction, specifically contact dermatitis. Many people mistake this for an issue with healing, and apply even more antibiotic ointment, which makes it even worse. After the first few days, I recommend a petrolatum-based ointment like Aquaphor to create a moist environment ideal for healing. We normally remove the sutures a week after surgery and perform a follow-up to see how you are doing with healing. Although you are not comfortable with your doctor, the follow-up process is important over the next few months to see how you are doing with incision healing, how swelling has resolved, and how close you are to the final results. You should remain in contact with your surgeon at this time as they know the details of your surgery, and what goal you should be reaching in terms of results. Swelling will continue to dissipate over the next few months. Full surgical healing takes about a year, but people are pretty close to their final results after 3-6 months, depending on how surgery was performed, and how diligent aftercare and follow-up were. A common problem with people seeking cosmetic surgery based on price is the doctor’s attention to their patient, or lack thereof. Doctors who charge less for surgery need to make up the difference by seeing more patients. Other doctors may charge more, but they can spend more time with patients in consultation and follow up. While this is not always the case, it often is. I suggest you try to meet with your surgeon if you have any concerns about your results and healing. Your surgeon is ideal because they know the details of your surgery. If you have concerns that you feel your surgeon is not addressing, then a second opinion with an experienced surgeon is warranted. I hope you found this information helpful. Thank you for your question.