You should not do eyebrow threading immediately after LASIK surgery. Most eye surgeons recommend waiting at least 2–4 weeks before considering eyebrow threading to protect your healing eyes and avoid complications.
Let’s break down why this waiting period matters, what risks are involved, and how you can safely return to your brow routine after LASIK.
Why Eyebrow Threading Needs to Wait After LASIK?
LASIK is a delicate procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct vision. In the days and weeks after surgery, your eyes are in a vulnerable state. The corneal flap created during LASIK needs time to heal and stabilise. Any unnecessary pressure, pulling, or exposure to bacteria near your eyes could disrupt healing or cause infection.
Eyebrow threading, while effective for shaping brows, involves:
- Direct contact with the skin surrounding your eyes
- Pulling and stretching of the skin
- Use of hands and tools near your healing eyes
These factors make threading risky during the early recovery phase.
How Long Should You Wait Before Threading Your Eyebrows After LASIK?
Most experts recommend waiting at least 2–4 weeks before resuming eyebrow threading after LASIK. Here’s why:
- First week: Your eyes are extremely sensitive. No threading, waxing, or any beauty treatments near the eyes are allowed.
- After 2–4 weeks: If your healing is on track and your surgeon approves, you may gradually return to gentle brow grooming, but always with caution.
Always check with your eye surgeon before booking a threading appointment. Healing times can vary based on your individual recovery and the specifics of your surgery.
Risks of Eyebrow Threading Too Soon After LASIK
Threading your eyebrows before your eyes have fully healed can lead to several complications:
- Infection: Threading tools and hands near your eyes can introduce bacteria, raising the risk of infection during the healing period.
- Disruption of the corneal flap: The pulling and stretching involved in threading can disturb the delicate corneal flap created during LASIK, potentially leading to serious complications.
- Irritation and inflammation: The skin around your eyes is more sensitive post-surgery. Threading can cause redness, swelling, or irritation, which may prolong recovery.
If you experience redness, pain, discharge, or any changes in vision after threading, reach out to your eye doctor right away.
What About Other Eyebrow Grooming Methods After LASIK?
If you’re eager to keep your brows tidy while you heal, consider these alternatives:
- Tweezing: After the first week, gentle tweezing away from the eye area may be allowed—if your surgeon agrees. Always use sanitised tools and avoid tugging the skin.
- Avoid waxing and microblading: These methods involve chemicals or deeper skin penetration and should be avoided for at least a month post-LASIK.
- Trimming: Using small scissors to trim brow hairs (without touching the skin) is generally safe, but still best done with caution and surgeon approval.
How to Protect Your Eyes During Recovery?
While you wait to resume threading, follow these essential LASIK aftercare tips:
- Administer the recommended eye drops to safeguard against infection and ease inflammation.
- Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes to ensure the corneal flap remains in place.
- Wear protective eyewear when outdoors or sleeping to shield your eyes from dust, wind, and accidental bumps.
- Stay away from eye makeup and creams for at least 1–2 weeks, as these can introduce bacteria and irritants.
- Attend all follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing and advise when it’s safe to resume beauty treatments.
Signs You’re Ready to Resume Eyebrow Threading
You might be ready for threading if:
- Your eye surgeon gives you the go-ahead
- You have no redness, pain, or excessive dryness
- Your vision is stable and you’re not experiencing light sensitivity or discomfort
- You’ve completed the initial healing period (at least 2–4 weeks)
Even after you’re cleared, choose a reputable salon that follows strict hygiene protocols and let your technician know about your recent LASIK surgery.
What to Tell Your Eyebrow Technician?
When you return to threading:
- Inform your technician about your recent LASIK and healing status.
- Request gentle handling and minimal stretching of the skin near your eyes.
- Ensure all tools are sanitised and clean.
- Avoid any threading directly over the eyelid or too close to the lash line.
Summing Up
- Wait at least 2–4 weeks before eyebrow threading after LASIK.
- Follow your surgeon’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Prioritise hygiene and gentle handling when you return to threading.
- Monitor for any signs of irritation or infection and seek medical advice if needed.
Your vision is precious—give your eyes the time and care they need to heal fully before resuming any beauty routines near them.
If you’re unsure about your recovery or when it’s safe to book your next brow appointment, consult your LASIK surgeon. They can provide personalised advice based on your healing progress.
Ready to look and feel your best after LASIK? Prioritise your eye health first, and your brows will thank you later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do eyebrow threading one week after LASIK?
No. The first week is the most critical healing phase. Steer clear of any beauty treatments around your eyes during this period.
Is waxing safer than threading after LASIK?
No. Waxing also involves pulling and can introduce chemicals near your eyes. Wait at least a month before waxing brows after LASIK.
Can I tweeze my eyebrows after LASIK?
Gentle tweezing may be allowed after the first week, but only if your surgeon approves and you avoid the area directly above the eye.
What if I accidentally touch or rub my eyes after threading?
Should you develop pain, redness, or alterations in your vision, promptly consult your eye doctor. Avoid rubbing your eyes at all costs during recovery.