How long is the downtime for medial and lateral epicanthoplasty?

Doctor's Answers 2

Photo of Dr Terence Goh
Dr Terence Goh

Plastic Surgeon

Let me begin by explaining to you the difference between the two. Epicanthoplasty is probably a procedure that originated in South Korea and Japan as this is a condition unique to Asians, especially Singaporeans and not Caucasians.

Since I returned from my fellowship in Seoul, I have noticed more demand for this procedure from the small-eyed young women of South-east Asia. This procedure is most commonly performed on the medial or inner part of the eye (medial epicanthoplasty) and aims to remove the inner corner fold or the Mongolian fold.

The objective of this surgery is to extend the width of the eyes, make them appear bigger and more attractive. And you are absolutely right - there is also a procedure to deal with the outer part of the eye and that’s called a lateral epicanthoplasty. The lateral epicanthoplasty aims to make the eye aperture wider and larger.

This can also be combined with a canthoplasty procedure to change the position and slant of the eye. Epicanthoplasty surgery can be done in combination with eyelid crease creation or it can be done as a standalone procedure. This is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes about 30-60 mins.

Who will benefit from a medial epicanthoplasty?

The following individuals may benefit from a medial epicanthoplasty:

1. Anyone who has an inner or Mongolian fold and wants bigger or wider eyes

2. Anyone who is unhappy with the overall “roundness” of their eyes

3. Anyone who finds their eyes (intercanthal distance) too far apart (the normal distance is about the width of one eye)

4. Anyone who had previous upper bleph surgery but finds theirs eyes still too small

5. This can be done with double eyelid crease creation procedure or as a stand alone procedure

Korean style epicanthoplasty - Skin redraping method

There are many different ways to perform a medial epicanthoplasty. My preferred method is the skin-redraping method. Speak to your surgeon and ask what method he will be using. The advantage of this method is that the scars are hidden near the eyelashes or along the double eyelid crease hence once the scars are well healed, they are hardly noticeable.

Who needs lateral epicanthoplasty ?

A lateral epicanthoplasty is a procedure done to widen the eye and extend the length of the eye towards the corner of the face. It can be done to give a subtle effect such that the whites (sclera) of the eye becomes more visible or more deliberately.

Now back to your question - What is the downtime ?

The downtime of the procedure depends if it’s done with any upper eyelid procedure. If done singly the recovery will be slightly faster. I usually do it in combination with an upper eyelid procedure. There will be mild swelling and bruising which usually increases from day 1 to 3 before it starts to settle. I usually review my patients on the 5th post-operative day to remove the stitches. If there are bruises these will take about 1 week to settle. After a week most of the swelling would have resolved. Patients are allowed to wear makeup after the 10th day and this can help to camouflage any residual swelling or bruise. Exercise is resumed after 3 weeks.

Eyelid surgery aftercare

After care is extremely important and here’s what I tell my patients routinely:

1. No hot drinks/food immediately after surgery for 4 hours

2. Use cold compress on the eyes and the eyedrops, antibiotic cream and pain medication prescribed

3. Avoid smoking; this will prolong your healing

4. Once stitches are removed (5th day) to apply the scar cream and sunblock as prescribed

5. Avoid swimming, sauna for at least 2 weeks

6. Do not use contact lenses, fake lashes for at least 2 weeks

If you desire epicanthoplasty surgery, speak to a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon before you commit to any surgery. Make no compromises! I hope I answered your questions and all the best!

Medial and lateral canthoplasty are done by incising the inner (medial) or outer (lateral) corners of the eyes to give them an elongated look. In certain cases, excess skin may be removed if required. Where incision is concerned, swelling and bruising is expected as your skin will need time to heal. The stitches are usually removed 1 week after the procedure.

Generally, the downtime for both medial and lateral canthoplasty is around 1 week and patients can start applying make-up 1 to 2 days after stitches are removed.

I hope my reply helps.

Warmest regards,

Dr Por Yong Chen

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