Everything about canthoplasty surgery in Korea

Canthoplasty, or outer eyelid surgery, is the most popular cosmetic surgery to get with double eyelid surgery in Korea. Because many Asians have small and slanted eyes, so sometimes, just a double eyelid surgery alone is not enough to get those beautiful almond-shaped or dolly eyes.

So, what is canthoplasty? Simply put, canthoplasty alters your eye shape by reshaping the inner or outer or inner and outer corners of your eyes, making your eye shape bigger and softer looking. And as a result, you look younger and more refreshed!

In fact, one of the most popular surgery combination is double eyelid + epi + dual, followed by double eyelid + epi. Find out if canthoplasty surgery is for you in this guide!

Should I get canthoplasty surgery?

Yes, if you want to change or improve your eye shape and enlarge the size of your eyes. However, everyone has different eye shape and face shape. So the key to beautiful eyes is finding the balance between your eyes, nose and face shape. Here is a guide to finding your ideal ratios:

1:1:1 is the ideal ratio for length of eyes and distance between the eyes.

The inner corner of your eyes and corner of nose should be vertically aligned while the outer tail of your eyes and corner of nose should be diagonally aligned.

The ideal degree of eye slant from the inner corner of your eye to the tail of your eye is 5~8°.

Canthoplasty must be done by a skillful eyelid surgeon as eye corners are very delicate!

What are the types of canthoplasty procedures?

Essentially, canthoplasty surgery improves your eye shape by altering the horizontal and/or vertical width of your eyes. There are 4 types of canthoplasty procedures in Korea – lateral canthoplasty, epicanthoplasty, dual canthoplasty and lateral hotz (aka lower canthoplasty).

1. Lateral canthoplasty

Lateral canthoplasty, aka outer eyelid surgery, is performed by extending the tail of your eyes horizontally. Incisions are made at the tail of your eye to expose more sclera (whites of eye), hence making your eyes look wider.

Unfotunately, lateral canthoplasty procedure is only suitable for certain eye shapes.

2. Lateral hotz (lower canthoplasty)

Lateral hotz, aka lower canthoplasty, is performed by extending the tail of your eyes vertically downward. Incisions are made at the outer corners to reposition the tail of your eyes downward, hence making your eyes appear wider yet softer looking.

3. Dual canthoplasty

Dual canthoplasty is a combination of lateral and hotz surgery. It is done by reshaping the outer corner of your eyes both horizontally and vertically, and is a favourite among those who want big dolly eyes.

Incisions are made at the outer corners to reshape the tail of your eyes horizontally and vertically downward, hence, creating big dolly eyes.

4. Epicanthoplasty

Epicanthoplasty, aka medial canthoplasty or lateral epicanthoplasty, is done by reshaping the inner corner of your eyes. Incisions are made at the inner corners of your eyes to remove excess mongolian folds (epicanthal folds), hence, making your eyes wider and clearer.

This procedure also corrects the distance between your eyes, and straighten slanted eyes. But epicanthoplasty must be done by a surgeon who is experienced in eyelid surgeries as the inner eye is very sensitive.

Which canthoplasty procedure is best for me?

The most suitable method for you depends on several factors such as your eye anatomy, distance between your eyes, sharpness of your eye corners and your degree of eye slant. That said, here’s a rough guide for you:

Always consult a professional to find out which procedure is right for you!

How long does canthoplasty surgery take?

Canthoplasty surgery lasts merely 30 mins, and is performed under local anesthesia so you will not feel any pain.

When can I see results?

Major swelling and bruising for all canthoplasty procedures lasts up to 3 weeks but pretty accurate results are visible after 1 month. The complete healing process takes time so final results can be seen after 6 to 12 months.

Do take note that the success of your eyelid surgery not only lies in the hands of your surgeon but also how you well you recover after surgery. So learn how to properly care for yourself during the recovery period by reading our article on eyelid surgery aftercare and post-op instructions.

Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.

How long should I stay in Korea?

Hospitalization is not required as canthoplasty surgery in Korea is considered a simple procedure. But do stay until your stitches are removed. And go shopping in the meantime!

Stitch removal

Stitches are usually removed 7 days after surgery.

Cautions on stitch removal

If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, there is a high chance of reverting back. And if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation.

Sometimes due to time constraints, you might consider having your stitches removed at the local hospitals in your home country.

Although that is possible (but not recommended), it depends on how well you have been healing and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.

Should I get eyelid surgery or lasik first?

If you are planning to get lasik as well, read our writeup on whether to get eyelid surgery or lasik first for helpful insights before deciding which surgery to get first.

What other eyelid surgery complements canthoplasty surgery?

1. Double eyelid surgery

For those who have monolids or want more defined double eyelids, find out how double eyelid surgery can make your eyes bigger and adorable!

2. Under eye fat repositioning

Get rid of eye bags which are making you look tired and older! Discover how to remove eye bags by under eye fat repositioning surgery.

3. Ptosis Correction

If you’re also dealing with droopy eyelids and sleepy eyes, you should fix that! Learn how ptosis correction surgery can fix droopy eyelids and enhance your canthoplasty results.

4. Endotine forehead lift

Endotine forehead lift can lift your saggy upper face and eyebrows for a younger and more feminine look. And the best thing is that there is no scarring.

4. Fat grafting surgery

Restore volume to your face to look younger than before with non-surgical fat grafting surgery.