Lateral Canthoplasty (Outer Corner Surgery) Explained
Lateral Canthoplasty (Outer Corner Surgery) Explained
Lateral canthoplasty, also known as outer corner eye surgery, is a specialized eye procedure in Korea designed to lengthen the eyes horizontally, adjust eye tilt, and create a softer, more balanced eye shape. Unlike double eyelid surgery, which focuses on the upper lid crease, lateral canthoplasty reshapes the outer corner of the eye to change overall eye proportions.
In Korea, this surgery is commonly used as part of custom eye enlargement or eye shape correction, rather than as a standalone “bigger eyes” procedure.
What Is Lateral Canthoplasty?
Lateral canthoplasty modifies the lateral canthus, the outer junction where the upper and lower eyelids meet.
The procedure can:
- Extend the visible length of the eye
- Reduce a sharp or upturned eye tail
- Soften a harsh or narrow eye shape
- Improve eye symmetry
Rather than dramatically changing eye size, lateral canthoplasty focuses on proportion and balance.
What Problems Lateral Canthoplasty Addresses
This procedure is commonly chosen by patients who feel that:
- Their eyes look short or narrow horizontally
- The outer corners are too lifted or sharp
- The eye shape looks stern, tired, or unbalanced
- Double eyelid surgery alone did not make the eyes look larger
- Eye width does not match facial proportions
In Korea, surgeons emphasize subtle adjustments to avoid an artificial or droopy appearance.
How Lateral Canthoplasty Works
During surgery:
- A small incision is made near the outer eye corner
- The outer canthal tendon is released and repositioned
- The eye corner is extended slightly outward and stabilized
- Sutures secure the new position to prevent relapse
The amount of extension is carefully planned—over-extension can look unnatural, which is why conservative design is key.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Lateral canthoplasty may be suitable if you:
- Have sufficient outer eye corner tissue and support
- Want a wider, softer eye shape rather than a dramatic change
- Have realistic expectations about subtle enhancement
- Do not have severe lower eyelid laxity
Not everyone is anatomically suitable. Some eye shapes cannot be safely extended without risking instability, which is why pre-surgical evaluation is essential.
Lateral Canthoplasty vs Other Eye Corner Surgeries
Lateral canthoplasty focuses on the outer corner only. It is often combined with other procedures for balanced results:
- Epicanthoplasty addresses the inner corner
- Lower (vertical) canthoplasty increases vertical eye exposure
- Double eyelid surgery enhances upper eyelid definition
In Korea, surgeons frequently combine techniques rather than relying on a single procedure.
Recovery and Healing
- Surgery usually takes about 30–60 minutes
- Performed under local anesthesia with sedation
- Swelling and bruising are common in the first 1–2 weeks
- Stitches are usually removed around day 5–7
- Final shape continues to refine over several months
Early tightness or asymmetry often improves as swelling subsides.
Risks and Considerations
As with any eye surgery, lateral canthoplasty requires precision.
Potential concerns include:
- Over-extension causing unnatural eye shape
- Relapse if fixation is weak
- Temporary dryness or irritation
- Visible scarring if not properly designed
Experienced Korean surgeons focus heavily on stable fixation and conservative extension to minimize these risks.
Why Lateral Canthoplasty Is Popular in Korea
Korea is known for advanced eye shape surgery because surgeons:
- Specialize in eye corner anatomy
- Use conservative, stability-focused techniques
- Customize designs to individual facial proportions
- Avoid exaggerated or Westernized results
This approach makes lateral canthoplasty a refinement tool rather than an aggressive enlargement surgery.
Final Thoughts
Lateral canthoplasty is not about dramatically changing your eyes—it’s about refining eye width, angle, and balance. When performed on the right candidate with proper technique, it can make the eyes look longer, softer, and more harmonious with the face.
Because the outer eye corner plays a critical role in eye expression and stability, choosing an experienced surgeon and undergoing thorough evaluation are essential for safe, natural-looking results.
