Eye surgery enjoys high popularity and satisfaction. This is because the eyes are an area where even small differences can significantly alter one's image. In particular, with the continued use of face masks, the eyes have come to dictate one's overall impression, leading to a rising trend in interest in double eyelid surgery and epicanthoplasty.

What are the types and characteristics of eye widening surgery? Eye widening surgery, as the name suggests, is a procedure that opens up the eyes and is typically classified into medial canthoplasty, lateral canthoplasty, upper canthoplasty, and lower canthoplasty. Medial canthoplasty is a surgical method that removes the epicanthal fold, which is common among Koreans. Since the part of the eye obscured by the epicanthal fold can make it look somewhat constricted, opening it up can create a larger and more refreshing eye shape. Medial canthoplasty is recommended when the interocular distance (gaze) is relatively wide. It is important to note that if performed in cases where the interocular distance is narrow, the eyes may appear to be pulled towards the center. We recommend receiving a design consultation from a medical professional that takes into account your existing eye shape and proportions. Upper canthoplasty is a surgery that opens the eye at a 45-degree angle from the starting point of the eye. Opening up the upper part of the eye lengthens it vertically, making it appear rounder and larger. In cases where the interocular distance is narrow or the starting point of the double eyelid line needs to be altered, upper canthoplasty is more effective than medial canthoplasty, which increases the horizontal length of the eye.
I often see patients who wish to undergo only epicanthoplasty without double eyelid surgery. While I understand the patient's feelings, epicanthoplasty alone cannot make the eyes appear larger, so I recommend combining it with other eye surgeries such as double eyelid surgery or eye shape correction. If your eyes are on the smaller side, it is advisable to combine double eyelid surgery with epicanthoplasty to lengthen the horizontal length of the eyes and improve the eye shape.

How to restore a failed eyelid surgery? There are more cases than one might expect where patients attempt revision surgery after epicanthoplasty. Typical examples include cases of "over-opening" or reconstructive surgery performed improperly. Performing epicanthoplasty with excessive ambition can lead to scarring or a narrowed interocular distance that actually harms one's appearance, while functional side effects such as excessive exposure of the lacrimal caruncle or dry eye syndrome may occur. Revision surgery is not only more financially burdensome than the initial procedure but also tends to be more difficult. It is important to remember that the focus of reconstructive surgery is to "properly reposition the excessively exposed medial epicanthal fold." It is advisable to avoid the mindset of unconditionally restoring the eye to its previous state. In addition, you must consult with a medical professional to determine if there is sufficient excess skin for restoration, as tissue surplus is often insufficient during epicanthoplasty reconstructive surgery. Furthermore, it is necessary to keep in mind that the shape of the anterior part of the double eyelid line may change after the reconstructive surgery. It is recommended to decide whether to undergo revision eye surgery at least six months after the initial procedure. This is because performing revision surgery too early makes it difficult to properly realize the intended design and can result in indistinguishable from normal tissue. Since every patient has different eye shapes, double eyelid lines, and skin thickness, the method and timing of the revision surgery must be determined while taking these factors into account.

The eyes are the part that determines our impression. Even a difference of just 1mm can drastically change the atmosphere or feeling.
Eyelid widening and double eyelid surgery must be performed according to your specific eye characteristics and shape. If you undergo double eyelid line or widening surgery that does not suit your eyes, it may be difficult to achieve results that harmonize with your overall face, and post-operative satisfaction may be low. Furthermore, if the skin around the epicanthal fold is not properly excised or is excessively removed, functional side effects may occur, or the red tissue at the inner corner of the eye may be significantly exposed, potentially requiring revision surgery. Therefore, please ensure you consult thoroughly with experienced medical professionals before deciding on surgery.

Written by Director Do Eon-rok (Plastic Surgeon)