Author: Kim Chang-yoon (Plastic Surgery Specialist: CEO, Sheone Plastic surgery)
This content has been prepared in compliance with medical laws and related regulations.
Three Key Points of This Article
• Lower eyelid surgery (vertical width expansion) and lateral canthoplasty (horizontal length expansion) are procedures in different directions, so choosing only one can distort the horizontal and vertical proportions, resulting in awkward eye contours.
• The combined canthoplasty design effect is sufficiently apparent when at least approximately 4mm of space is secured between the eye corner and bone (lateral canthoplasty space).
• Certain eye types such as sanpaekan (three-white eye) or sunken eyes require precise diagnosis before lower eyelid surgery.
Why Ratio Design Considering Both Lower Eyelid and Lateral Canthoplasty Must Be Evaluated Together in Sinsadong
Lower eyelid surgery widens the vertical width of the eye by pulling down the lower eyelid, while lateral canthoplasty extends the eye corner horizontally outward to increase horizontal length. Since these two procedures work in different directions, performing only one can result in distorted horizontal and vertical proportions of the eyes.
According to clinical data, performing only lower eyelid surgery on eyes with short horizontal length can make the eyes larger only vertically, resulting in an overall rounder or unnatural appearance. Conversely, designing lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid surgery together allows balanced expansion in both horizontal and vertical directions, resulting in more refreshing and harmonious eye contours.
However, for lateral canthoplasty to work effectively, approximately 4mm or more of space is needed between where the eye ends and the bone. Additionally, for eyes with sanpaekan (white of the eye exposed in three directions) or sunken features, the suitability must first be determined through precise diagnosis before surgery.
Q. Can beautiful results be achieved with only lower eyelid surgery?
If the horizontal length of the eye is already sufficient, natural results can be expected with lower eyelid surgery alone. However, if the eyes are overall short, enlarging only the vertical dimension can make proportions appear even more unnatural, so combined design with lateral canthoplasty may be considered.
Lower Eyelid and Lateral Canthoplasty Surgery Mechanisms and Causes of Awkward Results
Lower eyelid and lateral canthoplasty surgeries differ in their direction of action and the structures being adjusted. Organizing the key differences between the two procedures based on clinical data:
| Comparison | Lower Eyelid Surgery (Inferior Tarsal Muscle Advancement) | Lateral Canthoplasty (Lateral Canthoplasty) |
|---|---|---|
| Direction of Action | Vertical (lowering lower eyelid) | Horizontal (extending eye corner outward) |
| Adjustment Range | Moving lower eyelid down approximately 2-3mm | Extending eye corner horizontally approximately 2-3mm |
| Main Effect | Expanding vertical width of eye, softening severe eye expression | Extending horizontal length of eye, creating refreshing impression |
| Single Procedure Precaution | If horizontal length is short, eye may appear rounder | If vertical width is narrow, eye may appear sharper |
| Combined Procedure | Designing horizontal and vertical proportions together for balanced eye contours | Designing horizontal and vertical proportions together for balanced eye contours |
East Asians often have both short horizontal and vertical eye lengths. Clinical data reports cases where performing only lower eyelid surgery on such eyes makes them larger only vertically, resulting in overall awkward proportions. Combined lower eyelid and lateral canthoplasty adjusts the balance between horizontal and vertical dimensions, making it a method considered depending on eye condition. However, combined procedures are not suitable for everyone, and the surgical approach must be individually determined based on each person's eye structure and condition.
Sheone Plastic surgery's Canthoplasty Design Approach — Ratio Analysis Dedicated to the Eye
Sheone Plastic surgery, specializing exclusively in eye surgery, approaches design by planning horizontal and vertical proportions of both lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid surgery together. Specialized in all areas including anterior, superior, lateral, and inferior canthoplasty, the clinic maintains a consultation structure that can focus on ratio analysis during complex design.
The biggest reason awkwardness occurs in canthoplasty surgery is determining surgical scope without considering overall facial balance. According to clinical data, customized design that comprehensively analyzes facial shape, current eye proportions, eyebrow shape, and presence of epicanthic folds is identified as key to achieving natural results. Since even a single change in eye corner angle can alter the overall impression of the eyes, a thorough examination of these complex variables before surgery is essential.
Key items examined in Sheone Plastic surgery's canthoplasty design consultation are as follows:
• Measuring current eye horizontal and vertical lengths and setting target proportions
• Confirming availability of lateral canthoplasty space (between eye corner and bone)
• Measuring eye corner angle and degree of elevation
• Reviewing presence of epicanthic folds and whether anterior canthoplasty is needed
• Analyzing overall balance with facial shape and eyebrow line
• Identifying history of canthoplasty restoration (lateral canthoplasty restoration, lower eyelid restoration)
Canthoplasty restoration (lateral canthoplasty restoration, lower eyelid restoration) is also included in the scope of consultation, so those with concerns about previous surgical results or considering revision or restoration procedures can receive consultation.
This May Be Right for You — Self-Check for Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Eyelid Suitability + Precautions
Cases where combined canthoplasty design can be helpful and cases requiring pre-surgery confirmation are organized together.
✔ Combined Canthoplasty Design May Be Right for You If:
• You are concerned about a severe or sharp appearance due to upturned eye corners
• Your eyes are overall short, appearing closed-off or small
• After lateral canthoplasty, only the horizontal width increased but the closed feeling remains
• You desire comprehensive improvement as both horizontal and vertical proportions are unsatisfactory
⚠ These Cases Require Precise Diagnosis Before Surgery:
• Sanpaekan (white of eye exposed in three directions: below and both sides) — According to clinical data, lower eyelid surgery may make the area under the eye appear more swollen or uncomfortable, requiring careful judgment.
• Sunken eyes with thick volume in the lower eyelid — Lower eyelid surgery may actually emphasize the volume under the eyes.
• Previous canthoplasty surgery history — The surgical approach may vary depending on scar tissue or adhesion status.
Reference for Returning to Daily Activities After Surgery
• Alcohol and smoking: Recommended after 4 weeks post-surgery
• Contact lenses: Recommended after approximately 3-4 weeks post-surgery
• According to clinical data, canthoplasty has a tendency to partially revert, so reflecting this during the surgical design phase is important.
Those residing near Gangnam Station, Apgujeong, or Nonhyeon-dong also find access convenient from Sinsadong Station. If you are considering lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid combined surgery near Gangnam Station, lower eyelid surgery in Apgujeong, or canthoplasty design in Nonhyeon-dong, also consider consultation at Sheone Plastic surgery.
Please Feel Comfortable Receiving Consultation. We Will Examine Together.
Please feel comfortable receiving consultation at Sheone Plastic surgery, which focuses on eye surgery specialized care. We will examine together.
The direction of lower eyelid and lateral canthoplasty ratio design is determined through consultation that carefully examines the eye structure and overall facial proportions before surgery. Multiple variables including horizontal and vertical eye proportions, lateral canthoplasty space availability, eye corner angle, and presence of epicanthic folds must be reflected simultaneously to expect natural results, so the process of directly showing your eye condition and discussing it is most important.
Whether it's canthoplasty surgery or considering canthoplasty restoration due to concerns about previous surgery, please feel free to visit. If you share your questions first, we will examine together what direction is right for your current condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do cases where only lower eyelid surgery is needed differ from cases where lateral canthoplasty must be done together?
If the eye's horizontal length is already sufficient, natural proportion improvement can be expected with lower eyelid surgery alone. Conversely, if the eyes are overall short with insufficient horizontal length, performing only lower eyelid surgery can make only the vertical dimension larger, making proportions appear even more awkward. Whether to design horizontal and vertical proportions together will be determined through consultation based on current eye structure and target proportions.
Q2. Does recovery time lengthen if lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid surgery are done simultaneously?
Combined lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid surgery does not increase the number of surgical procedures itself. However, since adjustment in both directions occurs together, initial swelling and recovery progress may vary depending on individual eye condition and surgical scope. During recovery, alcohol and smoking are recommended after 4 weeks, and contact lens wear after 3-4 weeks.
Q3. I heard that canthoplasty results sometimes partially revert. How can this be prevented?
According to clinical data, lower eyelid and lateral canthoplasty have a tendency for the body to return to its original state, so some reversion of surgical results can occur. To minimize this, structural fixation (e.g., periosteal fixation) that accounts for this tendency in advance must be reflected during the surgical design phase. Following post-operative care and precautions during recovery also affects retention.
This content is for informational purposes, and specific diagnosis and treatment must be done through consultation with medical professionals.