Everything About Canthoplasty, Explained by IHO

Hello.

This is IHO Plastic Surgery, where you can become brighter again.

Many people make an effort to improve their appearance beyond how they look now in order to increase their likability. First impressions are formed in just a few seconds, and making changes takes a lot of time. That is why, to avoid negative feedback, people try to improve through eye surgery. Double eyelid surgery can change the shape of the eyes, but because the eyes determine the harmony of our face, people sometimes also undergo canthoplasty at the same time for a clearer eye shape. The methods used for canthoplasty are also divided into several types, and I will explain each one.

What is canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is a surgery that makes the eyes larger horizontally and vertically.

Types of canthoplasty

Canthoplasty can be divided into inner canthoplasty, upper canthoplasty, outer canthoplasty, and lower canthoplasty.

Inner canthoplasty is a surgical method that removes the epicanthal fold covering the inner corner of the eye.

Upper canthoplasty is a surgery that lifts the 45-degree area of the upper eyelid connected to the inner corner of the eye.

Outer canthoplasty is a surgery that moves the eye corner in three directions: outward, downward, and toward the back of the eye (toward the ear).

Lower canthoplasty is a surgery that makes a minimal incision in the lower conjunctival area and pulls it downward.

Differences between inner canthoplasty and upper canthoplasty

In the case of inner canthoplasty and upper canthoplasty, many people think they are similar surgeries because both improve the inner corner of the eye. However, since different methods must be applied depending on the eye shape, it is important to choose medical staff who can apply the right method for the intended purpose.

Inner canthoplasty is a procedure that makes the lacrimal caruncle more visible. You can think of it as making a right-angled incision by cutting the band of the epicanthal fold toward the nose.

Upper canthoplasty is suitable for people who do not have enough space for inner canthoplasty, and it opens the area in a 45-degree direction rather than a right angle. It is also applied to create a more attractive in-out line.

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Are outer canthoplasty and lower canthoplasty a set?

Outer canthoplasty and lower canthoplasty do not have to be done together, but they are often performed at the same time.

When performed together, they can be applied to people whose eye corners are raised or whose impression looks sharp, lowering the corners of the eyes to create a softer impression. However, please keep in mind that there is a limit to how much the eye corners can be lowered.

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Just because the eye corners are raised does not mean outer canthoplasty and lower canthoplasty should always be done.

Even if the outer corners are raised, if that shape suits you, there is no need to undergo canthoplasty.

Not always

surgery is the answer!!

It is most important to choose the surgical method that suits you. That is the only way to achieve the result you want.

Are there cases where canthoplasty has a dramatic effect?

Of course.

If the eyes are large and attractive but the eyelids are covering them, if the skin tissue is not thick but thin while the eyelids are still covered, or if there is a lot of fat causing the eyes to be covered, then combining canthoplasty with double eyelid surgery can remove the heavy-looking eyelids and make the eyes look much larger, creating a bigger, brighter, and more appealing eye shape.

Does canthoplasty leave scars?

Scars always remain!!

However, the issue is how much of a scar remains and how noticeable it is. Because the surgery is performed along the skin texture, it becomes less noticeable over time. But scars can remain if a large amount of incision is needed depending on how much the eyelid is covering the eye, or if the skin has a strong pulling force and a lot of tension is generated after surgery. Also, even if the surgery goes well, scars can still remain if you keep using your forehead muscles.

Scars may appear as a widened scar or a scar that curves downward like a small hook.

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Is there a way to address scars?

In some cases, a process is needed to reduce the pulling force from inside so that the area is not under too much tension, and if the incision is made appropriately to allow the area to open properly, it may not be noticeable.

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Does the outer canthus reattach after outer canthoplasty?

Outer canthoplasty requires an anatomical approach.

A simple outer canthoplasty would simply cut the inner band from the skin side and the conjunctival side and then reattach them. In that case, the eyes become larger and the conjunctival side and skin side become connected. As time passes, or if you rub your eyes or receive an impact, the connected area can open up. At this point, the conjunctival side also tears, and as the conjunctiva adheres and stabilizes, a lot of red scarring may remain, or it may remain in a U-shape. That is why it looks as though it has reattached.

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If the conjunctiva is simply cut during outer canthoplasty, the procedure may take a short time, but there will inevitably be a lot of scarring. For that reason, overly simple surgery is not recommended.

Dr. Park Byung-ho of IHO Plastic Surgery corrects the eye shape into a natural and soft look by considering the angle and appearance of the outer corner of the eye, allowing you to achieve a natural result.

When performing outer canthoplasty and lower canthoplasty, doing it appropriately is more important than anything else.

Along with the surgical method itself, the ratio of visible white of the eye is also important. A slight amount of three-white-eye appearance, where about 0.5 mm to 1 mm of white is visible below the iris, is acceptable. Of course, it can be lowered more than that, but the reason it should not be overdone is that excessive three-white-eye appearance looks unattractive aesthetically. To create a beautiful eye shape, it should be adjusted in comparison with the size of the dark pupil.

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It is important to

perform surgery according to the degree and condition of the eyes.

When considering canthoplasty, some people mistakenly believe that the eyes will become enormously larger.

It is important to remember that this is absolutely not the case when undergoing surgery.