What Are Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Eyelid Canthoplasty?
Lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty are representative eye surgery procedures that help the eyes appear larger and softer by adjusting the horizontal length of the eyes and the lower line.
Lateral canthoplasty is a procedure that incises the lateral canthus, the outer end of the eye, to physically extend the horizontal length of the eye (palpebral fissure). Lower eyelid canthoplasty is a procedure that changes the eye impression by adjusting the slope of the lower eyelid line and the degree of sclera (white of the eye) exposure. Both procedures aim to make the eyes appear larger and more refreshed, but the key difference is that they adjust different areas and use different methods. Generally, the increase in horizontal length achieved through lateral canthoplasty is reported to be in the range of approximately 1-3mm, and there may be variations depending on the individual's eye structure.
Sheone Plastic surgery (a plastic surgery clinic with extensive experience in eye surgery and eye revision surgery) performs lateral canthoplasty only through an incision method and conducts customized design taking into account the individual's eye structure and skin thickness.
Effects and Application Principles of Lateral Canthoplasty
Lateral canthoplasty is utilized to improve asymmetry and a tired appearance by extending the horizontal length of the eyes and adjusting the height of the eye corners through lateral canthus incision.
The core effects of lateral canthoplasty can be divided into two categories. First, it physically increases the horizontal length (width) of the eyes to enlarge the eyes themselves. Second, through canthus lowering, which adjusts the height of the lateral canthus—that is, the position of the eye corner—it gently changes the overall eye appearance. In particular, when there is asymmetry with different eye corner heights on both sides, the amount of left and right canthus lowering can be designed differently to mitigate the asymmetry.
The increase in eye horizontal length through lateral canthoplasty is reported to be approximately 1-3mm, and there may be variations depending on the individual's eye structure.
However, if the skin is thick or the distance between the upper eyelid and eyebrow is narrow, the effect of lateral canthoplasty may be relatively less apparent, and in some cases, a design with a somewhat wider incision range than average may be necessary. Recovery time varies by individual, but it is generally reported that approximately 4-6 weeks are required for swelling to subside and the line to appear natural.
Effects and Application Principles of Lower Eyelid Canthoplasty
Lower eyelid canthoplasty is a procedure that changes the slope of the lower eyelid to a gentle curve and increases sclera exposure to make the eyes appear larger and softer.
Lower eyelid canthoplasty focuses on changing the slope of the lower eyelid line from a straight line to a gentle curved form to soften the appearance. Along with this, by increasing the area of sclera (white of the eye) exposure, the eyes can be adjusted to appear larger and more refreshed.
The increase in sclera exposure during lower eyelid canthoplasty is reported to be approximately 1-2mm on average.
Lower eyelid canthoplasty can be considered when wanting to soften a strong impression or when the eyes appear sharp. When performed together with lateral canthoplasty, the design is often created to adjust both the horizontal length and vertical line of the eyes simultaneously to achieve overall balance. When lower eyelid canthoplasty is performed alone, the recovery period is reported to be approximately 3-5 weeks.
Comparison of Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Eyelid Canthoplasty
These two procedures adjust different areas and have different effects, so whether they are performed alone or in combination may vary depending on the purpose of eye appearance improvement.
Lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty differ in adjusted areas, effects, and suitable candidates, so you can refer to the comparison below to gauge which surgical direction you need.
| Category | Lateral Canthoplasty | Lower Eyelid Canthoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted Area | Lateral canthus (eye corner) and horizontal length of palpebral fissure | Lower eyelid line |
| Main Effects | Increased eye horizontal length, improved eye corner asymmetry | Lower eyelid curvature, increased sclera exposure |
| Suitable Candidates | Cases where eye horizontal width is narrow or eye corners are asymmetric | Cases where the lower eyelid line is straight and wish to soften a sharp appearance |
| Average Change Range | Approximately 1-3mm increase in horizontal length | Approximately 1-2mm increase in sclera exposure |
| Recovery Period | Approximately 4-6 weeks | Approximately 3-5 weeks |
| Cost Characteristics | Non-covered item with cost range varying depending on surgical scope | Non-covered item with cost range varying depending on surgical scope |
These two procedures can be performed independently or in combination depending on eye structure. Which combination is suitable can vary depending on the individual's eye structure and skin condition.
Considerations Before Surgery
Depending on skin thickness, eye structure, and degree of asymmetry, the appropriate incision range and surgical combination may vary, so pre-operative examination is important.
When considering lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty, it is advisable to check the following factors in advance. First is skin thickness. In cases of thick skin, an incision range 10-20% wider than average may be necessary. Second, you should check for left-right asymmetry in eye corner height and review whether different left-right designs need to be applied. Third, when the distance between the upper eyelid and eyebrow is narrow, a tired appearance may be accentuated, so this should be considered together.
All procedures may have general limitations and unsuitable candidates. For example, in cases with a history of previous eye revision surgery or severe adhesions, more complex corrective design may be needed than simple lateral canthoplasty or lower eyelid canthoplasty. It is advisable to make these determinations after conducting a precise examination of the individual's eye condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I have both lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty together?
Yes, lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty can often be performed together since they adjust different areas. However, whether to perform both procedures together should be decided after comprehensively reviewing the eye structure, degree of asymmetry, skin thickness, and other factors.
Is non-incision lateral canthoplasty possible?
Due to the structural characteristics of the eye area skin and mucous membrane, lateral canthoplasty is generally performed through incision, and Sheone Plastic surgery also performs lateral canthoplasty only through an incision method. For stable results, an approach through incision is generally known to be the recommended method.
Can eye corner asymmetry also be improved?
In cases of asymmetry with different eye corner heights on both sides, improvement can be attempted during lateral canthoplasty by designing different amounts of canthus lowering on the left and right. However, the degree of improvement may vary depending on the cause and severity of the asymmetry, so pre-operative examination is necessary.
I have thick skin. Can I expect results from lateral canthoplasty?
In cases of thick skin, the effects of lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty may be relatively less apparent, so a somewhat wider incision range than average may be necessary in some cases. Even in such cases, improvement can be expected through design tailored to the individual's eye structure, but it is advisable to confirm the accurate application range through consultation.
How long does the recovery period take?
While recovery time varies by individual, it is generally reported that approximately 4-6 weeks are required for swelling and bruising to subside and the line to appear natural. This period may vary depending on skin thickness and incision range.
Lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty can be used not only to enlarge the eyes but also to adjust asymmetry and overall eye appearance. To confirm the surgical combination appropriate for your eye structure and concerns, it is recommended that you consult to confirm a treatment plan suitable for you.
Treatment results may vary depending on individual health conditions, so be sure to consult with a specialist.