After lateral canthoplasty or lower eyelid canthoplasty surgery, many patients initially show no apparent problems but later visit the clinic complaining of various discomforts as time passes. Among them, the most commonly experienced symptoms are redness in the lateral canthus area, frequent eye irritation, and persistent dryness.
The case introduced this time is also an example of the formation of red scars in the incision area after lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty, with progressively worsening eye irritation and dry eye sensation, causing inconvenience in daily life. Since functional problems accompanied the simple aesthetic issue, it was an important case that required a structural understanding and approach to the cause.
Three Major Problems Confirmed at Initial Consultation
Discomfort symptoms occurring after lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty often stem from structural causes such as ectropion, conjunctival exposure, and restricted lower eyelid movement, rather than simple scarring, so accurate differential diagnosis should precede treatment.
The problems confirmed at the initial consultation can be largely organized into three categories.
① Red scar in the lateral canthoplasty incision area
Post-operative hyperpigmentation caused pigment changes rather than scarred tissue itself to be more prominent. Although it appears like a scar to the naked eye, the mechanism of occurrence may be somewhat different, requiring accurate evaluation.
② Conjunctival exposure due to ectropion
The conjunctival tissue in the lateral canthus area was observed to be exposed outward, appearing reddened. Many people mistake this for a simple scar and visit the clinic, but the treatment approach to these two conditions differs. When ectropion is present, correction of the ectropion should take priority over scar treatment.
③ Restricted lower eyelid movement due to excessive lower eyelid fixation
When lower eyelid fixation becomes excessively tight, the movement of the lower eyelid can become restricted and the eye may not close completely. If this condition persists, the duration of exposure of the ocular surface to the external environment increases, and dry eye and eye irritation can progressively worsen.
If restricted lower eyelid movement persists after lower eyelid canthoplasty, the eyelid cannot close completely, increasing ocular exposure time and exacerbating dryness and irritation symptoms.
Thus, this was a case where functional problem resolution took priority over aesthetic improvement. After accurately identifying the cause, lateral canthoplasty restoration and lower eyelid canthoplasty restoration were planned comprehensively.
Treatment Approach Principles for Lateral Canthoplasty Restoration and Lower Eyelid Canthoplasty Restoration
The approach of removing only the scar has a high risk of recurrence as long as structural causes remain, and a comprehensive approach that addresses both ectropion and lower eyelid function recovery can be expected to produce more effective results.
Limitations of Scar-Only Treatment
If only the scar is treated while structural problems such as ectropion remain unresolved, similar problems may recur through the same mechanism. In this case as well, structural restoration was performed first, with scar treatment as a subsequent step.
Surgical Approach Components Implemented
The surgical approach implemented in this case was composed as follows:
-
Lateral canthoplasty restoration (lateral canthus reconstruction): Recovery of the incision structure on the lateral side of the lateral canthus to the original anatomical position
-
Lateral canthus contouring (lateral canthus height adjustment): Balance correction of the lateral canthus line
-
Scar removal (lateral canthoplasty incision scar): Treatment of hyperpigmentation and scarred tissue
-
Lower eyelid canthoplasty restoration (lower eyelid reconstruction): Improvement of the excessively fixed lower eyelid structure to facilitate recovery of normal eyelid movement
Lateral canthoplasty restoration and lower eyelid canthoplasty restoration aim to recover the anatomical structure of the eyelid prior to aesthetic correction, and it is important to consider functional elements together during the surgical design phase.
Lateral Canthoplasty Restoration vs. Simple Scar Removal — Comparison of Approaches
The table below organizes the characteristic differences according to surgical treatment approaches.
| Comparison Item | Simple Scar Removal | Structural Restoration (Including Lateral Canthoplasty Restoration) |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Goal | Skin surface scar removal | Anatomical structure recovery + scar improvement |
| Ectropion Correction | Not included | Included |
| Lower Eyelid Function Improvement | Not included | Can be conducted in parallel through lower eyelid restoration |
| Recurrence Possibility | Relatively high when structural problems persist | Can reduce recurrence possibility by resolving cause |
| Surgical Complexity | Relatively simple | High difficulty, requires meticulous design |
| Expected Effect Range | Focused on aesthetic improvement | Expecting complex functional and aesthetic improvement |
| Suitable Subjects | Simple scarring without structural problems | Cases accompanied by ectropion and lower eyelid restriction |
Sheone Plastic surgery (eye plastic surgery and eye revision surgery specialized plastic surgery clinic) plans surgical composition suitable for individual cases through pre-operative state evaluation.
Two-Month Post-operative Progress Results
Approximately 2 months after lateral canthoplasty restoration and lower eyelid canthoplasty restoration, hyperpigmentation and scars in the incision area were noticeably alleviated, and with recovery of lower eyelid movement, dry eye and irritation symptoms also showed significant improvement.
The progress confirmed approximately 2 months post-operatively can be summarized as follows:
-
Hyperpigmentation and scarring in the lateral canthoplasty incision area were alleviated to a level visibly confirmed.
-
Conjunctival exposure due to ectropion improved, and the reddened appearance in the lateral canthus area decreased.
-
With recovery of lower eyelid movement, the eye closed more naturally, and accordingly, dry eye and irritation symptoms showed significant reduction.
When lateral canthoplasty restoration and lower eyelid canthoplasty restoration are performed together, approximately 2 months post-operatively, alleviation of hyperpigmentation, improvement of conjunctival exposure, and recovery of lower eyelid function can occur in combination, though progress may differ depending on individual recovery speed and condition.
Bruising and swelling in the surgical area gradually subside over time, and the final result is typically evaluated after sufficient recovery time has elapsed. Progress may differ depending on individual skin condition, recovery ability, and surgical scope.
Important Considerations When Considering Lateral Canthoplasty Restoration
Lateral canthoplasty restoration should be performed after precisely evaluating the structural state of the eyelid rather than as simple revision surgery, and if performed without cause diagnosis, identical problems may recur, making pre-operative consultation extremely important.
Three Things That Must Be Confirmed Before Surgery
First, differentiation is necessary as to whether the reddened appearance is due to scarring or conjunctival exposure.
The two may appear similar to the naked eye, but treatment approaches differ. When conjunctival exposure (ectropion) is present, ectropion correction should be prioritized over scar treatment.
Second, the functional status of the lower eyelid should be evaluated.
If there is a sensation that the eye does not close completely, symptoms of the eye slightly opening during sleep, or persistent dry eye, it is necessary to check the degree of lower eyelid fixation.
Third, the scope and goals of restoration surgery should be set realistically.
Lateral canthoplasty restoration is classified as high-difficulty surgery, with anatomical recovery as the primary goal, and aesthetic results may vary differently depending on individual conditions. It is important to clearly understand expected results through sufficient pre-operative consultation.
Lateral canthoplasty restoration is classified as high-difficulty surgery, and the approach differs depending on the existing incision scar and tissue deformation state, so precise pre-operative state evaluation and sufficient consultation should precede surgery.
Sheone Plastic surgery (eye plastic surgery and eye revision surgery specialized plastic surgery clinic), which operates eye revision surgery and canthoplasty restoration as main clinical fields, establishes individualized treatment plans based on pre-operative state evaluation for lateral canthoplasty restoration and lower eyelid canthoplasty restoration. Those curious about their condition and appropriate treatment direction are encouraged to confirm directly through consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is restoration possible if my lateral canthus shape became abnormal after lateral canthoplasty surgery?
Shape changes in the lateral canthus after lateral canthoplasty can occur from various causes. Multiple factors may work together, including deformity from incision line scars, conjunctival exposure due to ectropion, or adhesion during tissue healing. Whether restoration is possible and its scope are determined after comprehensively evaluating the current eyelid's structural state, degree of scarring, and available tissue volume. Generally, restoration surgery is considered approximately 6 months after surgery when tissue stabilizes, and it is recommended to confirm an approach suited to your individual condition through consultation.
How should I prepare for lateral canthoplasty restoration consultation in the Gangnam and Apgujeong area?
When preparing for lateral canthoplasty restoration consultation, it is helpful to organize in advance the timing of previous surgery, type of procedure performed (lateral canthoplasty, lower eyelid canthoplasty, etc.), and current discomfort symptoms (dryness, irritation, scars, conjunctival exposure, etc.). If possible, pre- and post-operative photos or surgical records should also be brought for better condition assessment. Sheone Plastic surgery (eye plastic surgery and eye revision surgery specialized plastic surgery clinic) is located in the Apgujeong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and specializes in eye revision surgery and canthoplasty restoration, so related consultation is available.
Is the redness after lateral canthoplasty due to scarring or conjunctival exposure?
The two appear similarly to the naked eye and are easily confused. Scarring (including hyperpigmentation) is caused by discoloration of skin tissue or thickened scar tissue, while conjunctival exposure is a phenomenon where the inner conjunctival tissue of the eyelid is turned outward due to ectropion, appearing reddened. If only scar treatment is performed on either condition without cause differentiation, the same problem may recur. When ectropion is confirmed, correcting the ectropion prior to scar treatment is known to be the appropriate treatment approach.
After lower eyelid canthoplasty, I feel like my eye doesn't close well. What should I do?
Temporarily feeling like the eye doesn't close completely immediately after surgery can occur due to swelling or tissue tension. However, if this symptom persists several weeks or more after surgery, or if accompanied by worsening dry eye and irritation symptoms, the lower eyelid movement may be structurally restricted. If left unattended, symptoms can worsen, so consultation with the operating surgeon or medical staff with eye revision surgery experience is recommended to check the condition.
Must lateral canthoplasty restoration and scar removal surgery always be performed together?
They do not necessarily need to be performed together, and surgical composition varies depending on individual conditions. However, if only scarring is treated while structural problems such as ectropion remain, similar problems may recur due to the same cause. A phased approach with structural restoration preceding scar treatment may be more effective in reducing recurrence possibility, and the specific composition is determined through pre-operative state evaluation.
Treatment results may vary depending on individual health conditions, so consultation with a specialist is essential.