This content has been prepared in compliance with relevant laws including the Medical Service Act.
When first considering anterior epicanthoplasty, the first concern that comes to mind is "What if side effects occur?" To answer directly: most anterior epicanthoplasty side effects stem from 'overcorrection' and 'surgical method mismatch.' Whether proper design tailored to your eye structure has been performed is the key to safety, and this judgment begins during the pre-operative diagnostic stage.
If you're first considering anterior epicanthoplasty in Apgujeong, check this before worrying about side effects
Anterior epicanthoplasty is not simply a surgery to make eyes 'bigger.' The medically recommended approach is to comprehensively evaluate the thickness of the Mongolian fold, intercanthal distance, and amount of lacrimal caruncle exposure before determining the amount of opening. HiDoc expert column identifies overcorrection and surgical method mismatch as the key causes of anterior epicanthoplasty side effects, and related plastic surgery medical information advises that the amount of opening should be designed considering both Mongolian fold thickness and intercanthal distance.
Particularly in cases where there is almost no Mongolian fold or the intercanthal distance is already narrow, anterior epicanthoplasty may actually harm eye appearance balance, making precise pre-operative diagnosis absolutely necessary. If you want to "receive anterior epicanthoplasty safely in Apgujeong," the first thing to do is confirm whether your eye structure is suitable for anterior epicanthoplasty.
▪ Frequently asked questions
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Q. What should I check first to have anterior epicanthoplasty without worrying about side effects?
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A. The first step is to have a specialist diagnose whether the thickness of your Mongolian fold and intercanthal distance fall within the suitable range for surgery. If these two criteria are not met, the surgical method itself must be reviewed differently.
What is anterior epicanthoplasty and why do side effects occur?
Anterior epicanthoplasty is a surgery that incises and repositions the Mongolian fold (medial epicanthic fold) at the inner corner of the eye, increasing the horizontal length of the eye. According to related plastic surgery medical information, approximately 40-60% of East Asians have Mongolian folds, and the purpose of surgery is to correct this to make the eye appear clearer and more distinct.
Why do side effects occur? Problems begin when the surgical direction and angle do not match the eye structure. It is confirmed in professional medical materials that designing at an angle tailored to eye structure rather than simply horizontal excision reduces excessive lacrimal caruncle exposure and scar side effects. HiDoc expert column specifically states that scars, excessive lacrimal caruncle exposure, dry eye, and re-adhesion may occur after incorrect anterior epicanthoplasty, and there are cases where time alone does not resolve these issues.
Representative side effects are summarized below.
Side effect type | Cause of occurrence | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Scarring | Inappropriate incision direction and suturing method | Scars can be prominent due to thin skin at the inner eye |
Excessive lacrimal caruncle exposure | Overcorrection, opening amount exceeds eye structure | Lacrimal punctum becomes excessively exposed, creating foreign sensation |
Re-adhesion | Skin tension and scar contracture | Opening effect decreases over time |
Dry eye | Changes in eyelid structure | May worsen if dry eye condition existed before surgery |
Related plastic surgery medical information also emphasizes that establishing a conservative plan for the first surgery is the most practical prevention of side effects. Rather than trying to open too much at once, designing within the range suitable for your eye structure is much safer in the long term.
Why Sheone Plastic surgery takes a different approach in anterior epicanthoplasty design
One of the most difficult aspects when first considering anterior epicanthoplasty is "Which hospital and what criteria should I choose?" Related plastic surgery medical information advises confirming whether the medical staff holds plastic surgery specialist credentials by checking the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons website before deciding on surgery.
Sheone Plastic surgery, which exclusively treats eye surgery, reviews restoration feasibility along with the opening amount from the surgery planning stage, and designs the opening to match your eye structure without overcorrection. Since it specializes in not only anterior epicanthoplasty but also anterior and posterior canthoplasty restoration, it is possible to clearly set the limit line of "beyond this point, restoration becomes difficult later" in the first surgery. Because it operates exclusively as an eye surgery clinic without performing concurrent procedures on other areas, it is possible to focus entirely on designing a single anterior epicanthoplasty case.
The differences from general approaches are summarized in the table below.
Item | General approach | Sheone Plastic surgery approach |
|---|---|---|
Surgery design standard | Patient request-centered | Eye structure suitability evaluated first |
Restoration feasibility consideration | Unclear whether reflected at first surgery stage | Restoration feasibility reviewed together from first surgery planning stage |
Treatment scope | Various cosmetic surgeries performed concurrently | Eye surgery exclusively |
Opening-related experience | Some focus on opening or restoration | All of anterior canthoplasty, posterior canthoplasty, and restoration specialized |
Whether anterior epicanthoplasty suits your eyes — three conditions to check before surgery
There are three key criteria you can check yourself before surgery: presence and thickness of Mongolian fold, intercanthal distance, and scar-prone tendency. These three factors are the practical judgment criteria that determine anterior epicanthoplasty suitability.
According to related plastic surgery medical information, an intercanthal distance of 40mm or more is considered compliant with surgical principles, and when the distance is already narrow at 36-37mm or less with only a Mongolian fold present, surgery should be carefully considered. The narrower the intercanthal distance, the more the opening amount increases, and the closer the two eyes may appear, creating visual imbalance that requires caution.
A checklist you can verify yourself before surgery is organized below.
▪ Is the Mongolian fold distinctly present? (If absent or very thin, anterior epicanthoplasty effect may be limited)
▪ Is the distance between the two eyes sufficient? (If eyes are already close, professional consultation needed to decide on surgery)
▪ Do you have keloid-prone tendency or scar easily? (Scar tendency must always be disclosed before surgery)
▪ Do you have ophthalmologic conditions like dry eye or glaucoma? (Related medical information specifies pre-operative disclosure obligation to specialist)
▪ Is lifestyle adjustment possible during the post-operative recovery period? (Initial swelling and bruising may persist for approximately 1-2 weeks)
▪ Is the desired result achievable within the range possible for your eye structure? (Excessive expectations may lead to overcorrection)
Those residing in nearby areas such as Gangnam, Cheongdam, and Sinsadong can also visit Sheone Plastic surgery located in Apgujeong. Those searching for "Gangnam anterior epicanthoplasty," "Cheongdam eye surgery," or "Sinsadong plastic surgery" can also receive consultations with the same accessibility.
Why the first surgery is most important — the standard for deciding on eye surgery in Apgujeong
There is a fact that those first considering anterior epicanthoplasty often overlook: revision surgery is much more difficult than the initial surgery. HiDoc expert column consistently emphasizes that revision surgery involves reduced tissue availability compared to the initial surgery, limiting the scope of correction, and requires more detailed diagnosis of scar condition and skin tissue to establish customized plans. The more conservative the initial surgery design, the fewer situations requiring restoration arise, and consequently, long-term satisfaction increases.
When selecting a hospital before surgery, checking not just the post-operative results but also "Can this hospital handle restoration as well?" becomes a practical standard. At Sheone Plastic surgery, which specializes in both anterior epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty restoration, it is recommended to first confirm whether the design actually suits your eye structure. Carefully reviewing the design direction before your first surgery is the most realistic way to reduce side effect concerns.
Frequently asked questions when first considering anterior epicanthoplasty
Q1. How long does anterior epicanthoplasty surgery take and what is the recovery period?
Anterior epicanthoplasty is generally performed under local anesthesia for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, and suture removal usually occurs 5-7 days later. Initial swelling and bruising subside within 1-2 weeks, but scars may take several months to stabilize naturally, so it is good to plan your schedule considering the overall recovery process.
Q2. Can anterior epicanthoplasty be done even with very little Mongolian fold?
If anterior epicanthoplasty is performed with almost no Mongolian fold, the expected effect is difficult to achieve, and conversely, the risk of excessive lacrimal caruncle exposure or scarring may increase. The presence and thickness of the Mongolian fold are key criteria for determining surgical suitability, so it is important to first confirm through professional medical diagnosis whether this method suits your eye structure before surgery.
Q3. What happens if re-adhesion occurs after anterior epicanthoplasty surgery?
Re-adhesion is a phenomenon where the opening effect decreases due to skin tension or scar contracture after surgery. If it occurs, revision surgery (restoration or re-opening) should be considered, but since tissue availability is reduced after the first surgery, the scope of correction may be limited. This is why it is important to design conservatively from the first surgery and, if re-adhesion occurs, immediately consult with your attending specialist to establish an appropriate response.
This content has been prepared in compliance with Article 56 of the Medical Service Act and Article 23 of its Enforcement Decree, and results may vary depending on individual circumstances.