DI PLASTIC SURGERY · SEOUL
Canthoplasty
Explore medial, lateral and lower canthoplasty at DI Plastic Surgery in Seoul. Learn how eye shape and anatomy guide consultation and treatment planning.
Medically reviewed by: JUNG YUN IKReviewed on: Content updated:
01
Overview
What is Poten Canthoplasty?
Depending on the location, techniques include medial, upper, lateral, and lower canthoplasty, which increase horizontal eye length and the space at the inner or outer corners. These procedures open up the eye contour.
DI's specialized surgical techniques create a more open eye appearance.
Surgery at a glance
- Surgery duration
- 30 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia / sedation
- Hospital admission
- Not usually required
- Initial recovery
- 1 week
- Suture removal
- Required
- Follow-up visits
- Individual follow-up plan confirmed by the surgical team
Published procedure information is a guide. Your surgeon confirms the method, anesthesia, recovery and follow-up for your individual plan.
DI PROCEDURE GUIDE
Anatomy & planning
A simplified illustration for understanding the area discussed. It shows anatomy in broad terms and is not a surgical placement guide or a prediction of results.
- 01
- Inner eye corner
- 02
- Outer eye corner
01
Lateral canthoplasty
Epicanthal folds can make the inner corners look less open. DI's medial and upper epicanthoplasty reshape this area. Planning takes into account the width of the nasal base, the direction of the fold, how much of the lacrimal caruncle is exposed, and the distance between the eyes.
For upturned outer corners or a short horizontal eye opening, lateral canthoplasty extends the outer corner by approximately 3–5 mm to lengthen the eye opening.
Dual canthoplasty
This technique combines lateral and lower canthoplasty. It addresses limits in outward extension and the tendency of remaining mucosal tissue to reattach during healing. DI's dual canthoplasty aims to soften the eye shape without excessive horizontal extension.
02
Features of DI Canthoplasty
Balance between face and eyes is considered in the design, creating natural and attractive changes to the eyes
Meticulous incisions and careful suturing reduce concern about postoperative scars
DI's specialized techniques mean less swelling and a faster return to daily activities
Firm fixation reduces concern about re-adhesion
03
Medial canthoplasty
With the skin gently stretched, the desired line is designed.
At the inner eye corner, the epicanthal fold is incised.
Around the incision, unnecessary skin is removed, followed by meticulous closure.
A more open eye appearance
For widely spaced or heavy-looking eyes, removing the epicanthal fold creates a larger, more open appearance.
Improved horizontal eye length
Less scarring, faster return to daily activities
Illustrative image explaining the surgical process.
04
Upper epicanthoplasty
With the skin gently stretched, An upward design
A more open, gentle eye appearance
Opening the upper inner eye corner at a 45-degree angle increases vertical eye length, creating rounder, larger eyes with a softer appearance.
A defined eyelid fold
Improved vertical eye length
Adjusting inner-corner exposure
05
Lateral canthoplasty
The lower eye contour and outer corner are designed to suit the eye shape.
An incision is made in the outer-corner skin and conjunctiva, creating a skin flap to extend the actual outer-corner length.
Longer, more open-looking eyes
For upturned outer corners or eyes needing greater horizontal length, an incision at the outer corner extends the eye and adjusts corner position for a softer impression.
Increased horizontal eye length
Softening a sharp eye appearance
06
Lower canthoplasty
At the lower outer eye, the area to be lowered is marked with a customized design.
An incision inside the lower eyelid's conjunctiva allows the outer corner to be lowered.
The outer corner is lowered as needed, then firmly fixed to the lateral ligament.
Larger eyes with a softer appearance
For upturned corners that create a sharp impression, adjusting their angle produces a softer, more open eye appearance.
Increased vertical eye length
A soft, open eye appearance
03
Before & after
Original DI clinic photographs. Results and recovery vary. Cases may include combined procedures; the listed treatment and follow-up refer to that individual case.
Drag left or right to compare
Incisional double-eyelid surgery · Upper canthoplasty
Drag left or right to compare
Forehead lift · Incisional double-eyelid surgery · Ptosis correction · Medial canthoplasty · Dual canthoplasty
Drag left or right to compare
Incisional double-eyelid surgery · Ptosis correction · Medial canthoplasty · Dual canthoplasty
Drag left or right to compare
Incisional double-eyelid surgery · Ptosis correction · Medial canthoplasty
Drag left or right to compare
Incisional double-eyelid surgery · Medial canthoplasty
Drag left or right to compare
Incisional eyelid revision · Ptosis correction · Upper canthoplasty · Dual canthoplasty
04
Recovery & care
Eye surgery aftercare
Follow your surgical team’s individual instructions. Recovery and follow-up schedules vary.
Washing
If you have stitches, keep the surgical area dry and clean until removal. On the day stitches are removed, wash gently with water only. Use soap from the following day.
Compresses
Use cold compresses for the first 3 days, then warm compresses from day 4. Cold helps reduce bleeding and swelling; warmth supports circulation and helps bruising and swelling subside.
Prescribed medication
Take the medication prescribed by the clinic. Apply a thin layer of the prescribed eye ointment to the stitch area with a cotton swab 2–3 times daily.
Eye drops, if prescribed
For procedures involving the inner lining of the lower eyelid, such as lower blepharoplasty, outer or lower canthoplasty, or under-eye fat repositioning, antibiotic eye drops may also be prescribed. Apply one drop 2–3 times daily before the eye ointment.
Activity
For about 1 week, avoid bending your head down, lifting heavy objects, or other activities that increase pressure in the face.
Contact lenses
Resume contact lenses approximately 2 weeks after surgery.
Makeup
Light makeup is possible after stitch removal. Wait at least 2 weeks before eyeliner, mascara, or other makeup that may irritate the eye area.
Alcohol & smoking
Avoid alcohol and smoking for 1 month. Avoid strenuous exercise and stress.
Complications may include bleeding, infection, inflammation, bruising, swelling, and pain. Satisfaction with surgery varies by individual.
This is an initial recovery estimate, not a guarantee of complete healing. Your recovery and return to activities depend on the procedure and your condition; follow your surgical team’s instructions.
Treatment suitability, recovery and results vary by individual. Your doctor will explain the expected benefits, limitations and possible risks.
CONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
Questions to discuss before surgery
Before deciding on a procedure, meet Dr. Jung Yun Ik and review his published training. Your consultation should address the proposed approach, alternatives, risks and expected follow-up. Read the consultation guide for this procedure to prepare more specific questions.
For travel planning, read about recovery and travel planning. These general guides do not establish your personal recovery schedule. Understand the factors behind a plastic surgery estimate and learn how the consultation process works before sending an inquiry or booking travel.
DI PLASTIC SURGERY
Discuss your options
Tell us the procedure you are interested in, your preferred language and your planned visit dates.