Posterior Epicanthoplasty Restoration (Reconstruction): Why Eyes Appear Smaller and Improvement Methods
As time passes after posterior epicanthoplasty surgery, if the eye appearance feels burdensome or side effects occur, an increasing number of people are considering posterior epicanthoplasty restoration (reconstruction) to return to the original eye state. However, after restoration, many people experience the feeling that 'the eyes have become smaller' or 'the expression appears stronger,' which requires accurate understanding. This article organizes the concept of posterior epicanthoplasty restoration, the principles of eye appearance changes, and recent surgical trends from an educational perspective.
Concept of Posterior Epicanthoplasty Restoration (Reconstruction)
Posterior epicanthoplasty restoration refers to a corrective surgical technique that returns the eye to its original state before the posterior epicanthoplasty procedure.
The word restoration (復元) means 'returning to the original state.' Therefore, posterior epicanthoplasty restoration (reconstruction) aims to return the eye appearance changed by posterior epicanthoplasty to a state close to before the procedure. It has been reported that when side effects such as conjunctival exposure and eye shape deformities are observed after posterior epicanthoplasty, these can be improved through restoration.
The overall changes in eye appearance after posterior epicanthoplasty restoration are generally known to be somewhat predictable at approximately 2-3 months post-procedure, though there may be differences depending on individual recovery speed.
Suture removal is generally performed within approximately 7-10 days after the procedure, and it is reported that it takes approximately 2-4 weeks for swelling to subside considerably. However, the final eye shape can vary depending on individual tissue condition and recovery progress.
Reasons Why Eyes Appear Smaller After Restoration
As the eye corner that was opened by posterior epicanthoplasty returns to its original position through restoration, the eyes can appear relatively smaller.
Posterior epicanthoplasty opens the conjunctiva at the eye corner, creating an effect that makes the eyes appear wider horizontally while sometimes giving the impression that the eye corner appears somewhat drooped. Through restoration (reconstruction), this area returns to its original state, which can result in a reduced horizontal length of the eye and a relatively elevated eye corner height.
After posterior epicanthoplasty restoration, while there are individual differences in eye corner height, changes are reported to be observed within a range of approximately 1-3mm.
Due to these changes, the eyes can appear smaller and the expression somewhat stronger than before restoration. This can be understood as a natural result of the restoration process returning to the original eye state before posterior epicanthoplasty. Rather than a surgical side effect, this can be viewed as a characteristic accompanying the restoration-to-original state process.
Trend of Combining Posterior Epicanthoplasty Restoration with Eye Corner Height Adjustment
Recently, to compensate for the limitation that eyes may appear smaller, cases of combining posterior epicanthoplasty revision surgery with eye corner height adjustment are increasing.
Traditional posterior epicanthoplasty restoration (reconstruction) has the advantage of returning to the original eye appearance but also carries the limitation that eyes may appear smaller, as previously explained. To address this, rather than stopping at simple restoration, an increasing trend is to perform posterior epicanthoplasty revision surgery or eye corner height adjustment together to balance the eye appearance.
Among recent consultation cases, a considerable portion (approximately 60-70%) are proceeding with a method combining eye corner height adjustment rather than simple restoration.
Below is a comparison table of sole posterior epicanthoplasty restoration and the method combining eye corner height adjustment. Each method's suitability can vary depending on eye condition and individual goals.
| Classification | Posterior Epicanthoplasty Restoration Alone | Combined with Eye Corner Height Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Appearance Change | Returns to original eye appearance; eyes may appear relatively smaller | Original restoration possible while simultaneously complementing eye appearance balance |
| Recovery Period | Initial recovery within approximately 2-4 weeks; stabilization within approximately 3 months | Initial recovery within approximately 3-5 weeks; stabilization within approximately 3-4 months |
| Suitable Candidates | Cases desiring simple return to original eye appearance | Cases wishing to improve expression changes together with restoration |
| Considerations | Method focusing entirely on restoration (focused on restoration success possibility) | Since the surgical technique is complex, precise pre-diagnosis is important for determining feasibility |
Which method is suitable depends on eye condition, the form of existing posterior epicanthoplasty, and individual desired eye appearance, so it is recommended to make a decision through sufficient consultation with a specialist.
Sheone Plastic surgery's Treatment Approach
Sheone Plastic surgery establishes customized surgical plans based on 1:1 consultations that individually analyze eye condition.
Sheone Plastic surgery (a specialized treatment facility for eye revision surgery and epicanthoplasty restoration) provides specialized treatment in the field of eye revision surgery, including not only epicanthoplasty restoration such as posterior and anterior epicanthoplasty restoration, but also eye appearance correction and double eyelid revision surgery. At our clinic, through approximately 20-30 minutes of 1:1 consultation before surgery, we comprehensively examine the eyelid and conjunctival condition, existing surgical history, and other factors, then review treatment plans suited to individual eye conditions together.
Even when posterior epicanthoplasty restoration is necessary, the same method is not applied to all cases; there may be differences in approach depending on existing tissue condition and side effect type. For this reason, precise pre-diagnosis is considered an important factor in increasing the predictability of results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who needs posterior epicanthoplasty restoration (reconstruction)?
After posterior epicanthoplasty, if side effects such as conjunctival exposure or eye shape deformity occur, or if you wish to return to the original eye appearance before the procedure, you can consider posterior epicanthoplasty restoration. However, since suitability varies depending on individual eye condition, prior consultation is necessary.
Does the appearance of smaller eyes after restoration continue to persist?
After restoration, as the eye corner height returns to its original position, the eyes may initially appear smaller. This change is a natural phenomenon occurring during the restoration-to-original state process, and the degree of expression change may differ among individuals.
Is restoration possible even with posterior epicanthoplasty side effects (conjunctival exposure, shape deformity)?
Even with side effects such as conjunctival exposure or eye appearance deformity, a precise diagnosis of tissue condition can be performed to determine whether to proceed with restoration. However, depending on the degree of side effects and tissue condition, the restoration method or whether to perform concurrent surgical techniques may differ, so individual consultation is necessary.
Can posterior epicanthoplasty restoration and eye corner height adjustment be performed together?
Recently, to compensate for the limitation of 'eyes appearing smaller' that can occur with simple restoration, cases of performing eye corner height adjustment together are increasing. Whether to perform concurrent procedures depends on existing eye appearance condition and individual goals, so it is recommended to make a decision through consultation with a specialist.
How long does the recovery period take?
Generally, suture removal is performed within approximately 7-10 days after the procedure, and it is reported that swelling reduction takes approximately 2-4 weeks. The final eye appearance is typically somewhat predictable at around the 2-3 month point, but there may be differences depending on individual recovery speed.
Treatment results may vary depending on individual health condition, so be sure to consult with a specialist.