Canthoplasty and canthopexy

Canthoplasty and canthopexy are essentially different techniques used to perform the same surgery, aimed at altering the shape and size of the eyes. The decision on which technique is suitable for you can only be made by a plastic surgeon. In Russia, this procedure is usually considered age-related and is done to lift a drooping outer corner of the eye. In Korea, however, canthoplasty is viewed as a surgery to increase the size and change the shape of the eyes and is performed on patients from the age of 20.

Medial canthoplasty can change the position of the inner corner of the eye, while the three types of lateral canthoplasty can modify the outer corner. It can be lifted up, made longer, or lowered down (one of the techniques used to enlarge the eyes during Asian blepharoplasty).

Thus, the surgery is used not only to correct age-related or postoperative changes but also to adjust closely set (by extending the outer tip) or widely set (by correcting the inner corner) eyes.

There’s a common misconception that canthoplasty can help get rid of “crow’s feet” around the outer corners of the eyes. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Botox and special fillers with tiny molecules to fill in wrinkles are effective in dealing with this problem.

You can watch our videos about blepharoplasty and canthoplasty here YouTube.

Short surgery information

• Surgery Time: 20-40 minutes

• Type of Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia

• Hospitalization: 1-2 hours

• Returning to Normal Life: The next day

• Clinic Visits: 2-3 times

• Stitches Removal: On the 7th day

Why are patients considering canthoplasty in South Korea?

• Asymmetric eye slits. One eye may be larger than the other or more significantly drooping. These issues can easily be addressed through blepharoplasty.

• Protruding eyes or eyelid eversion. In some cases, if asymmetry occurs during cheek lifting or SMAS lifting and the tips of the eyes are no longer at the same level, visually symmetrical eyes can be achieved without a repeat lift through canthoplasty or canthopexy.

• Drooping eye corners. This age-related change is usually corrected with a temporal lift, but as a less invasive alternative, blepharoplasty can also be performed.

Who is a good candidate for surgery?

Canthoplasty is ideal for individuals looking to alter the shape of their eyes, particularly in cases where the eyes appear too small, close-set, or narrow. This procedure can be recommended for patients seeking a clearer, more open look, as well as those wanting to correct eyelid defects caused by aging, injury, or previous surgeries.

Why South Korea?

South Korea conducts more cosmetic procedures and surgeries annually than any other country in the world. Local doctors are among the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons here. Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the United States and Germany, placing it in the top three countries for the best technical equipment in clinics.

All blepharoplasty surgeries are performed in accredited clinics, licensed to work with international patients and staffed with anesthesiologists. Surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in blepharoplasty, and do not operate on more than two patients a day.

Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE so that we can calculate the cost of your treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for your surgery.

How to prepare for canthoplasty in South Korea

• Refrain from eating and drinking for 6 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

• Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that can increase the risk of heavy bleeding for two weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is only prohibited for the three days prior to the operation.

• Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the healing process. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to operate on smoking patients due to a high risk of complications. It’s also unsafe to be around smoking family members or friends or in public smoking areas.

• Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Tell about any medications you are currently or have recently taken. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

• Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of the desired outcome. When selecting these photos, try to choose ones where the eyes are makeup-free, and the natural size and ethnicity of the owner are similar to yours.

• If you had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will conduct all necessary tests in Korea.

• Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to come by car.

• Keep items you might need while resting, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone, next to your bed.

Surgery process: what the surgeon does

The canthopexy or canthoplasty procedure typically involves two stages. After administering anesthesia to the patient, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the fold above the upper eyelid to adjust the size or position of the tendon. The size and shape of the eye corners are then altered. Tiny pieces of tissue are removed, and non-absorbable sutures are applied, which are removed 5-7 days post-operation.

During the surgery, if necessary, the surgeon may awaken the patient and ask them to open and close their eyes or look upwards. Nurses then assist the patient in moving to a ward from the operating room for further observation and rest.

What to expect after the surgery

Post-operation, a translator and nurses will awaken you and assist you in moving to the ward. Most patients don’t recall this moment, as they often feel they woke up in a warm bed, which is an effect of the anesthesia. In the first 10-20 minutes after waking, you may experience chills, which quickly pass. A warming mattress is provided on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There will be minimal pain, subdued by pain-relief injections and medications used during the operation. However, you may feel your upper eyelids swelling as your body begins regeneration. Medical plasters will be fixed on your face; do not touch or remove them to see the results, as this is strictly prohibited.

A few minutes after awakening, a cold compress will be brought to you to place on your eyes. Frequent use of the compress in the first week post-operation helps reduce swelling more rapidly.

You will remain in the clinic for 1-2 hours post-operation, with a catheter in your arm administering medications. Once the IV drip is completed and the catheter is removed, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. If you’re free from symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: getting dressed, collecting medications, and post-operative instructions.

In the evening before sleep, place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the prescribed pain medication. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Tears may secrete from your eyes; gently wipe them with a tissue.

Over the next three days, swelling may increase, affecting the eyelids and even the forehead, with bruises and hematoma appearing. Don’t be alarmed; continue applying cold compresses and follow rehabilitation rules. After the stitches are removed by the surgeon on the 5-7th day post-operation, swelling will start to reduce. Nurses will treat the surgical area, remove crusts, and allow you to go home without bandages or plasters.

Book a consultation with a clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!

Consultations can be scheduled by filling out a QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us at +82-10-4214-9603 through any messenger.

Blepharoplasty recovery process

Immediately after the procedure: In the initial hours post-surgery, pain is typically minimal. It’s normal to experience some tearing and slight bleeding from the eyes. Patients are usually allowed to leave the clinic 1-3 hours after the operation, provided they are not experiencing nausea, weakness, or dizziness.

Days 1-2: It’s crucial to frequently apply cold compresses and to sleep with your head elevated during this phase. Swelling and bruising at the site of the surgery are common, along with a sensation of grittiness in the eyes. Fatigue in the eyes towards the evening is normal. Patience is key as these are all standard symptoms.

Days 3-7: The swelling begins to subside but may move down the face, causing the cheeks and jaw to appear puffy. Avoid sports and activities that require bending over. On days 5-7, the surgeon will inspect and remove the stitches. Nurses will treat the incision sites and carefully remove any crusts.

Days 7-14: This period sees a decrease in swelling and the disappearance of any hematomas. Resuming regular activities is typically safe. Regular, prolonged walks are recommended for faster recovery. Continue applying healing ointment to help dissolve the stitches, making the surgery virtually unnoticeable.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. It’s still advisable to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. The stitches will start to fade and can be easily concealed with makeup.

Days 21-30: Expect some swelling, especially in the mornings. The eyelids may appear different and asymmetrical daily, depending on sleep positions. This is normal and will resolve soon.

Days 31-60: Residual swelling gradually diminishes, and symmetry is restored. The eyelids will settle into their permanent position and shape.

Days 60-90: You may swim in the sea and sunbathe, but try to avoid diving and rubbing your eyes to protect the healing tissues. Always apply sunscreen.

1 year post-operation: Complete rehabilitation is typically achieved by this time.