Lateral Canthoplasty (Lateral Canthoplasty)
Lateral canthoplasty incises outside the outer corner to extend horizontal width and open up the eye area. It suits a short outer corner or a heavy-looking eye area, and we also cover combining it with medial canthoplasty or double-eyelid surgery, and recovery.
Lateral Canthoplasty, In short?
Lateral canthoplasty incises outside the outer corner to extend the horizontal width of the eye and open up the eye area. Where the outer corner is short or looks heavy and space remains beside the eye, the aim is to carry the eye area outward naturally for a clearer, more open impression. It is sometimes performed alongside medial canthoplasty, double-eyelid surgery or ptosis correction, and how far it can be extended depends on the laxity of skin and conjunctiva at the outer corner and on facial proportion — the intercanthal width and the space beside the eye. Because tissue tends to revert somewhat over time, careful design is needed. Results and the pace of recovery vary from person to person.
Source: SM Plastic Surgery Lee Mooyoung Director (board-certified plastic surgeon, clinical experience 24 years)
Key Facts
| Procedure time | Approx. 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia Method | Local / sedation |
| Return to daily life | After 5–7 days |
| Suture Removal | After 5–7 days |
| Follow-up visits | 1–2 times |
Procedure Information
Treatment Area: Eyes
Procedure Type: Surgical procedure
Attending Physician: Director Lee Mooyoung
SM's approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How do lateral and medial canthoplasty differ?
Medial canthoplasty refines the epicanthal fold to open the eye forward; lateral canthoplasty widens the outer corner to extend the eye sideways. Which suits depends on where the eye area has room, and the two are sometimes done together for balance. The decision follows a detailed assessment.
How much larger do the eyes get with lateral canthoplasty?
How far it can be extended differs from person to person, with the laxity of skin and conjunctiva at the outer corner and facial proportion — the intercanthal width and the space beside the eye. Rather than forcing it, the aim is to carry the eye area naturally within a range that suits the proportions; the degree of change and the result vary from person to person.
Does lateral canthoplasty revert over time?
Lateral canthoplasty is known as an operation where the widened area tends to revert somewhat as it heals. The incision and suturing are designed with this in mind, working to reduce re-adhesion; but how far it reverts varies with tissue and constitution, so detailed assessment is needed.
Does a scar remain after Lateral Canthoplasty?
A mark can remain at the incision outside the outer corner, but fine suturing keeps it down and it tends to become less noticeable with time. How well it heals differs with constitution and care, and the redness fades gradually through recovery.
Should lateral canthoplasty be done with double-eyelid surgery?
They need not be combined. Doing it with double-eyelid surgery or ptosis correction, however, lets the vertical and horizontal proportions be adjusted together, so they sometimes are. The necessary extent is decided at consultation, by the eye and the impression you want.
Consultation guide
Phone: +82-2-537-3707
Location: 9F, 435 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Gangnam Station)