Canthoplasty vs Canthopexy: What’s the Difference?

December 19, 2025

Canthoplasty vs Canthopexy: What’s the Difference?

Canthoplasty and canthopexy are two procedures that involve the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus). Although the names sound similar, they serve different purposes, involve different levels of surgical intervention, and are recommended for different patient needs.

Understanding the distinction is important for realistic expectations and proper surgical planning.

What Is the Lateral Canthus?

The lateral canthus is the outer corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet. It plays a critical role in:

  • Eye shape and width
  • Eyelid stability
  • Proper eyelid closure and tear drainage

Procedures involving this area must balance aesthetic change and functional stability.

What Is Canthoplasty?

Definition

Canthoplasty is a reconstructive and reshaping surgery of the outer eye corner. It involves cutting, repositioning, and reattaching the lateral canthal tendon.

Purpose

Canthoplasty is used to:

  • Change eye shape or width
  • Correct downward or upward slant
  • Repair eyelid instability
  • Address structural problems

It is commonly used for aesthetic eye enlargement or significant shape correction.

Key Characteristics

  • Involves cutting and reconstruction
  • Produces more visible and lasting changes
  • Requires precise fixation to prevent relapse
  • Longer recovery compared to canthopexy

In Korea, lateral canthoplasty is performed conservatively to prioritize long-term stability.

What Is Canthopexy?

Definition

Canthopexy is a supportive tightening procedure that reinforces the outer eye corner without cutting or fully reconstructing the tendon.

Purpose

Canthopexy is used to:

  • Provide additional eyelid support
  • Prevent drooping or laxity
  • Stabilize the eyelid during other eye surgeries

It is often performed as an adjunct procedure, not a primary reshaping surgery.

Key Characteristics

  • No cutting of the canthal tendon
  • Subtle tightening rather than reshaping
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Less dramatic visual change

Canthopexy is frequently combined with lower eyelid surgery or eye bag surgery to prevent post-operative sagging.

Canthoplasty vs Canthopexy: Key Differences

Surgical Intensity

  • Canthoplasty: Structural reconstruction
  • Canthopexy: Supportive tightening

Purpose

  • Canthoplasty: Shape and width change
  • Canthopexy: Stability and prevention

Degree of Change

  • Canthoplasty: Moderate (when indicated)
  • Canthopexy: Minimal and subtle

Recovery

  • Canthoplasty: Longer swelling and tightness
  • Canthopexy: Faster recovery

Use Case

  • Canthoplasty: Eye enlargement or reshaping
  • Canthopexy: Support during other procedures

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

You may be a better candidate for canthoplasty if you:

  • Want horizontal eye enlargement
  • Need correction of eye slant or shape
  • Have sufficient lower eyelid support
  • Understand anatomical limits

You may be better suited for canthopexy if you:

  • Are undergoing lower eyelid surgery
  • Have mild eyelid laxity
  • Need preventative support rather than shape change

A thorough eye anatomy evaluation is essential.

Common Misconceptions

  • Canthopexy does not significantly enlarge the eyes
  • Canthoplasty is not appropriate for everyone
  • More aggressive surgery does not always mean better results

Overuse or improper indication can lead to instability, dryness, or unnatural eye shape.

Why Korea Emphasizes Conservative Use

In Korea, surgeons tend to:

  • Use canthopexy to preserve eyelid stability
  • Perform canthoplasty only when anatomy allows
  • Avoid excessive lowering or pulling of the outer corner

This approach helps reduce relapse and long-term complications.

Risks and Considerations

Potential risks include:

  • Temporary tightness or discomfort
  • Swelling at the outer corner
  • Relapse (more common with aggressive canthoplasty)

These risks are minimized with proper indication and surgical experience.

Final Thoughts

Canthoplasty and canthopexy serve different roles in eye surgery. Canthoplasty reshapes the outer eye corner and can influence eye width and shape, while canthopexy provides subtle support and stability without major visual change.

Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, surgical goals, and functional needs—not just terminology. Clear explanation during consultation is essential for safe, natural, and long-lasting results.

January 16, 2026
Double Eyelid Surgery Cost in Korea: What Affects the Price and What to Expect Double eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in Korea, performed to create a natural-looking crease that enhances eye shape while maintaining facial harmony. While Korea is known for affordable and high-quality eye surgery, prices can vary significantly depending on technique, surgeon expertise, and case complexity. This guide explains average cost ranges, what influences pricing, what is usually included, and how to avoid common cost-related mistakes. What Is Double Eyelid Surgery? Double eyelid surgery creates a visible upper eyelid crease to: Make eyes appear larger and more defined Improve symmetry Enhance makeup appearance Create a more alert and youthful look It can be performed alone or combined with other eye procedures such as ptosis correction or epicanthoplasty. Average Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea Prices vary by method and clinic, but typical ranges for international patients are: Non-incisional (suture method): lower cost range Incisional method: mid-range pricing Revision double eyelid surgery: higher cost range Revision cases and combination surgeries usually cost more due to surgical complexity and longer operating time. Cost reflects not only the procedure, but surgeon skill, safety systems, and long-term stability of results. What Affects the Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery? Several factors influence pricing in Korea: 1. Surgical Method Non-incisional: Faster recovery Suitable for thin eyelids Lower cost, but not permanent for everyone Incisional: Allows fat removal and skin adjustment More stable results Higher cost due to surgical complexity 2. Eyelid Structure and Fat Thickness Patients with: Thick eyelid fat Excess skin Drooping eyelids often require incisional methods or additional procedures, which increases cost. 3. Surgeon Experience and Specialization Highly experienced surgeons: Design crease height precisely Minimize asymmetry Reduce revision risk This expertise is reflected in higher pricing, but often lowers long-term correction costs. 4. Combination Procedures Cost increases when combined with: Ptosis (droopy eyelid) correction Epicanthoplasty (inner corner surgery) Lower eyelid surgery Many Korean clinics recommend combination planning to avoid imbalance. What Is Usually Included in the Quoted Cost? In reputable Korean clinics, pricing often includes: Surgeon fee Operating room use Local anesthesia Post-op checkups Suture removal However, always confirm whether: Medications Swelling treatments Additional correction visits are included or charged separately. Double Eyelid Surgery Cost vs Results: What Matters More? Choosing based only on price is risky. Lower-cost clinics may: Use standardized crease designs Spend less time on symmetry adjustments Increase revision risk High-quality surgery focuses on: Facial proportions Natural fold depth Stable crease formation A slightly higher initial cost can reduce the chance of paying for revision surgery later. Recovery Time and Cost Considerations Recovery is generally short: Stitches removed: 5–7 days Visible swelling: 1–2 weeks Final crease shape: 1–3 months Short recovery means: Minimal hotel stay extension Lower travel-related expenses for medical tourists This is why many foreign patients choose Korea for eye surgery. Common Cost-Related Mistakes to Avoid ❌ Choosing method based on price instead of eyelid structure ❌ Ignoring need for ptosis correction ❌ Underestimating revision surgery costs ❌ Choosing clinics with unclear post-op care policies ❌ Prioritizing discounts over surgeon expertise Revision double eyelid surgery is more expensive and more difficult than primary surgery. Who Is a Good Candidate for Double Eyelid Surgery? You may be a good candidate if you: Have no visible eyelid crease Want natural enhancement rather than dramatic change Have realistic expectations Prefer stable, long-term results Are open to surgical recommendations based on anatomy Proper consultation is essential to select the correct technique. Why Korea Is Known for Cost-Effective Double Eyelid Surgery Korean eye surgeons are known for: High surgical volume and specialization Detailed eyelid anatomy analysis Balanced crease design for natural results Efficient surgical systems that reduce overall costs This combination allows competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Final Thoughts Double eyelid surgery cost in Korea varies depending on technique, anatomy, and surgeon expertise, but the true value lies in achieving natural, balanced, and long-lasting results. Rather than choosing based on price alone, patients should focus on proper surgical planning and realistic outcome expectations. A well-performed primary surgery is always more cost-effective than paying for revision later.
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