Canthoplasty widens the exposed area of the eye by adjusting the skin that covers it; epicanthoplasty addresses the epicanthal fold at the inner corner, and upper canthoplasty the upper eyelid.
The apparent size of the eyes is determined less by the eye itself than by how much of it is exposed. A thick epicanthal fold covering the inner corner makes the eyes look horizontally narrow and far apart. An upper eyelid that covers much of the iris makes the vertical opening narrow, so the eyes look small and heavy. Canthoplasty widens the exposed area by adjusting the skin that covers the eye.
Epicanthoplasty releases the epicanthal fold to open the inner corner and widen the eye horizontally. Upper canthoplasty adjusts the skin and tissue on the inner part of the upper eyelid to widen the eye vertically, and is often planned together with double eyelid surgery or ptosis correction. How much to widen is decided based on the space between the eyes, the horizontal width of the eye, and the balance of the whole face.
Canthoplasty is not a surgery where wider is better. Overdoing epicanthoplasty exposes the pink tissue at the inner corner (the caruncle), which looks unnatural, and the incision line can become noticeable. At Atelier Plastic Surgery we check the space between the eyes, the thickness of the epicanthal fold, and the look you want, widen only as much as needed, and place the incision in a position and direction that leaves less scarring. Consultation, surgery, and follow-up are handled personally by the director.
The skin of the epicanthal fold is released through a small incision to open the inner corner, then closed. The incision design varies with the thickness and direction of the fold, and the incision line is placed within the natural skin crease at the inner corner.
The skin and conjunctival area on the inner part of the upper eyelid are adjusted so that more of the eye is exposed above. When performed with double eyelid surgery, the line continues naturally to the front.
If the epicanthal fold has re-adhered or a scar remains after a previous epicanthoplasty, the scar is tidied and the corner reopened. Conversely, if the eye was opened too widely, reversal surgery restores the skin to narrow it.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
The width of epicanthoplasty is set within a range where the space between the eyes suits the whole face. If the eyes are already close together, we do not recommend epicanthoplasty and instead suggest enlarging the eyes with upper canthoplasty or double eyelid surgery.
Epicanthoplasty leaves an incision line on the skin at the inner corner of the eye. We align the incision design with the direction of the skin creases so that it is less noticeable, and check at consultation whether you are prone to scarring.
Canthoplasty done on its own can look out of step with the line. We design so that the starting point of the double eyelid line and the end point of the epicanthoplasty connect naturally, and if the vertical opening is the issue, we consider ptosis correction first.
Releasing the epicanthal fold too far exposes the pink tissue at the inner corner and looks unnatural. We check how much is exposed while you are sitting and finish within an appropriate range.
Begin cold compresses and rest with your head elevated. You go home the same day and take the prescribed medication. Avoid touching the inner corners of your eyes.
Swelling is at its peak. The epicanthoplasty site may look red and firm. Continue cold compresses.
Stitches are removed. You can wash your face after stitch removal, and swelling decreases noticeably.
Major swelling subsides and daily activities are possible. Light makeup is possible; start wearing contact lenses after discussing it with the director.
The incision line may look red and feel firm, but it gradually fades and softens. Scar care is added if needed.
The scar stabilizes and the final shape settles. Recovery speed and results vary from person to person.
Bleeding, infection, swelling, and bruising may occur. Epicanthoplasty leaves an incision line on the skin at the inner corner of the eye; it may look red or firm at first, and if you are prone to scarring a noticeable scar may remain. Asymmetry, re-adhesion of the epicanthal fold, and an unnatural look from over-opening, with the pink tissue at the inner corner exposed or the eyes looking too close together, may occur. Tear pooling, difficulty with tear drainage, conjunctival irritation, and a foreign-body sensation may occur, and with upper canthoplasty eye closure may be temporarily incomplete, causing dry eye. Revision or reversal surgery may be needed depending on the result, and reversal can be more difficult than the first surgery. Outcomes vary from person to person, and we explain the risks and limitations fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Double eyelid surgery and ptosis correction, with the extent of incision chosen by eyelid thickness and opening strength
Learn more Related Upper BlepharoplastyUpper blepharoplasty that removes only as much loose upper-eyelid skin as needed to improve both vision and appearance
Learn more Related Eye Surgery GuideA guide to choosing eye surgery by sagging, opening strength, and eye exposure
Learn more Related Academic ActivityPapers · books · conference lectures and chairs · society positions · ORCID
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
