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If you're looking for "non-incision lateral canthoplasty," here's what you should know first

Many people first look into non-incision methods because they're concerned about scars and recovery. That's a natural concern. However, Sheone Plastic surgery only performs lateral canthoplasty using the incision method. This is because we believe it's difficult to achieve and maintain the desired changes with lateral canthoplasty using a non-incision approach.

I'll explain why this is the case and how we actually address scar concerns.

What lateral canthoplasty actually does — "relocating" rather than "pulling"

Lateral canthoplasty is often misunderstood as a surgery that widens the horizontal length by cutting and removing the skin at the eye corner. In reality, it involves relocating the position where the lateral canthal ligament located inside the eye corner is attached to the bone (periosteum) and re-fixing it at a new location.

In other words, the key is not cutting but fixing. The shape is maintained only when the ligament is moved in the desired direction and height and sufficiently attached to the periosteum.

That's why incision is necessary

The lateral canthal ligament is located in a deep layer inside the eye corner skin. To confirm its position, detach it, and fix it with sutures at a new location, we must directly visualize and access that layer. Without opening the skin, it's difficult to see the ligament clearly, and fixation will only catch near the surface.

If fixation isn't deep and secure, tissues return to their original position over time. This is reattachment, the most common complaint heard after lateral canthoplasty. The eye corner reattaches and returns to its pre-surgery appearance.

This is why Sheone Plastic surgery performs lateral canthoplasty only with the incision method. Changes that aren't maintained simply waste the recovery period and return to the original state.

"But what about scars?" — Let's divide the concerns into two categories

The reason people usually look for non-incision methods is scars. However, scar concerns with lateral canthoplasty actually involve two different issues.

  • Marks left by the incision line itself — When designed to follow the wrinkle direction on the outer eye corner, it often blends into the surrounding skin texture over time.

  • Changes in shape — When the eye corner spreads in a ㄷ shape or red mucous membrane is exposed. This isn't a scar but an issue with design and fixation.

The second one is harder to reverse. If fixation isn't sufficient, it can lead to revision surgery, and revision surgery begins with worse tissue conditions than the first surgery.

Three things to check before choosing the method

Before choosing between incision and non-incision, first confirm whether your eyes can actually change with lateral canthoplasty.

  • Whether the eye corner is actually short or appears short because the skin covering the eye corner is drooping — if it's the latter, changes with lateral canthoplasty alone will be limited.

  • Whether there's adequate space to the outer boundary of the orbit — we cannot extend beyond the bone boundary.

  • Whether the eye-opening strength is sufficient — if ptosis is present, eye opening correction should be considered before canthoplasty.

All three are confirmed during consultation. Results can vary depending on eye structure and tissue condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some clinics say they do non-incision lateral canthoplasty?

Procedure names and methods may be used differently by different hospitals. We believe that the shape is maintained only when we directly confirm the lateral canthal ligament and go through the process of fixing it to the periosteum, and we perform it only with the incision method that allows this process. We're not in a position to judge other hospitals' methods.

Does incision take much longer to recover?

It takes several days for sutures to be removed, and swelling and redness subside gradually afterward. The timeframe varies by individual. However, the difference between the two methods is more about durability than recovery time.

I heard that doing just lateral canthoplasty looks unnatural?

If only the eye corner is lengthened, the overall eye proportions may look off. Whether to consider lower canthoplasty or eye opening correction together is decided after confirming the eye shape and opening strength. It doesn't necessarily have to be done together.

I had non-incision canthoplasty done elsewhere but it didn't work.

If the eye corner returned to its pre-surgery state, fixation may not have been maintained. We determine the revision surgery scope after checking tissue condition and scar degree. However, as the number of surgeries increases, tissue availability decreases and access becomes more complicated.

Consultation Information

Sheone Plastic surgery is located on the 2nd floor of Hanick Building, 19 Apgujeong-ro 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. You can walk from Apgujeong Station, and valet parking is available if you drive. You can make consultation appointments and inquire about medical hours at 02-512-1889.

Whether lateral canthoplasty is the right surgery for your eyes and what extent is possible can only be determined after direct consultation. We recommend making a reservation before visiting.

This content has been created in compliance with Article 56 of the Medical Act and Article 23 of the Enforcement Decree, and results may vary depending on individual conditions.