Epicanthoplasty

Epicanthoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves working on the skin around the inner corner of the eyes. It is commonly performed on individuals of Asian descent and is often combined with double eyelid surgery or ptosis correction. It’s important to note that epicanthoplasty is distinct from canthoplasty or double eyelid creation, as they target different areas of the eyelids.

Surgical technique in south korea: In South Korea, eyelid surgeries, including epicanthoplasty, are performed with the patient awake. During the procedure, patients are asked to open and close their eyes. This unique technique is believed to achieve maximum symmetry, perfectly tailored to the patient’s eye size and shape. It’s worth mentioning that this approach differs from the use of sedation or general anesthesia commonly used in Russia for similar procedures.

Post-Surgery considerations: Patients, especially women, should be prepared for the fact that after the surgery, they will need to relearn how to apply makeup, as the shape of their eyelids will be permanently altered.

Key information about the surgery

• Duration: The surgery typically lasts around 20 minutes.

• Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia are used.

• Hospitalization: Patients may stay in the hospital for 1-2 hours.

• Recovery: Most patients can return to their normal activities the day after surgery.

• Clinic Visits: Patients may need to visit the clinic 2-3 times.

• Stitches Removal: Stitches are typically removed on the 7th day after surgery.

Why do patients consider epicanthoplasty?

Patients choose to undergo epicanthoplasty due to specific facial features associated with Asian ancestry. Common reasons for the surgery include:

• Narrow and small-looking eyes.

• Eyes that appear too far apart, making it difficult to apply makeup.

• Lack of an epicanthal fold, a feature often absent in both the patient and their parents but common among residents of East and Central Asia.

• The surgery can address issues such as:

• Absence or weak definition of the upper eyelid crease.

• Puffy eyelids with excess fatty tissue.

• Asymmetry in eyelids, including one eyelid being larger or one eyelid crease shorter than the other.

Candidates for epicanthoplasty

Epicanthoplasty is suitable for individuals looking to modify the shape of the inner corner of their eyes. Ideal candidates are those in good overall health, with realistic expectations for the results and no serious eye conditions.

Why South Korea?

South Korea is renowned for its cosmetic procedures, performing more than any other country globally. Local physicians are highly educated and competitive, with only a small percentage of medical school graduates becoming plastic surgeons (0.01%). South Korea’s medical equipment and facilities are on par with those in the United States and Germany, ranking it among the top countries for clinic infrastructure.

All blepharoplasty procedures are carried out in accredited clinics with permission to treat foreign patients, and they employ in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons performing these procedures have 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in blepharoplasty and perform no more than 2 surgeries per day.

Conclusion: Epicanthoplasty in South Korea offers patients an opportunity to enhance the appearance of their eyes and achieve greater symmetry. With the country’s advanced medical technology and experienced surgeons, it has become a top destination for cosmetic eye surgeries.

Preparing for blepharoplasty in South Korea

• Fasting and shower: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

• Medication: Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol should only be avoided for 3 days before the operation.

• Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. Your doctor may recommend quitting smoking before the surgery, as some surgeons refuse to operate on smoking patients due to a high risk of complications. Avoid being near smokers, even in designated smoking areas.

• Medical history: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Do not withhold this information from your surgeon and coordinators.

• Consultation with the surgeon: Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of your desired results. Try to select photos where the person has no makeup on, and their natural eye shape and ethnicity resemble yours.

• Medical tests: If you had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. Otherwise, necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.

• Transportation: Arrange for someone to take you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery, especially if you plan to arrive by car.

• Prepare essentials: Place items near your bed that you may need during your recovery, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.

The process of epicanthoplasty

During the consultation or on the operating table, the surgeon designs and discusses it with the client. Several local anesthesia injections are administered in the surgical area, along with sedative anesthesia.

Primary incisions are made with a scalpel according to the design. At this point, the patient is already asleep and does not feel pain.

During the operation, the surgeon and assistant wake the patient and ask them to open their eyes and look up. After completing the operation, medical threads are used to secure the inner corners of the eyes, which will be removed in 5-7 days. The patient is awakened and escorted to a recovery room.

What to expect after the surgery

After the surgery, a translator and medical nurses will wake you and help you move to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the effects of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills; this will quickly pass. A warming mattress is provided on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There will be minimal pain, as it is alleviated by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel your upper eyelids swelling as the regeneration process begins. Medical patches are attached to your face; do not touch them with your hands or attempt to remove them to see the results, as this is strictly prohibited.

A cold compress will be applied to your eyes shortly after waking up. The more frequently you use the compress during the first week after surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.

You will remain in the clinic for another 1-2 hours after the operation. A catheter will be in your hand, delivering medication through an IV. After the IV is removed and the coordinator and medical nurses check your condition, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, pick up prescribed medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.

In the evening before bedtime, place a few pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the pain-relieving medications prescribed by the surgeon. Tears may flow from your eyes; gently wipe them with a tissue.

Over the next three days, swelling may increase, and there may be swelling in the eyelids and even the forehead. Bruising and blood spots may appear. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply cold compresses and follow the rehabilitation guidelines. After the surgeon removes the stitches on the 5th-7th day after the operation, the swelling will start to subside. Nurses will treat the surgical area, remove scabs, and release you without bandages and patches.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Blepharoplasty recovery process

Immediately after the procedure: Pain is minimal in the first few hours, with tears and slight bleeding from the eyes.

Patients can leave the clinic within 1-3 hours after surgery if they do not experience symptoms like nausea, weakness, or dizziness.

Days 1-2: Apply cold compresses frequently and sleep with your head elevated. Swelling, bruising, a feeling of grittiness in the eyes, and eye fatigue may occur. Patience is required during this phase.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to subside, but it may shift downward, making cheeks and cheeks appear swollen. Avoid sports and activities that require bending the head down. On the 5-7th day, the surgeon removes stitches, and nurses treat wounds and gently remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling decreases, any bruises disappear, and daily life returns to normal. Regular long walks are recommended for faster recovery. Use healing ointment to aid stitch dissipation.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Stitches start to fade and can be easily concealed with makeup.

Days 21-30: Eyes may still swell, especially in the mornings. Eyelids may appear different and asymmetrical, depending on head position during sleep. This is normal and will subside.

Days 31-60: Gradual reduction of remaining swelling, restoration of symmetry, and eyelids settle into their final position and shape.

Days 60-90: Swimming and sunbathing are allowed, but avoid diving and rubbing eyes to prevent trauma to healing tissues. Always apply sunscreen.

1 year after the surgery: Complete recovery.