Lateral Canthoplasty (Outer Corner Surgery) Explained

December 19, 2025

Lateral Canthoplasty (Outer Corner Surgery) Explained

Lateral canthoplasty—often called outer corner eye surgery—is a procedure designed to modify the outer corner of the eyes to create a wider, longer, or slightly lifted appearance. In Korea, it is commonly performed as part of eye shape refinement rather than a standalone cosmetic change.

Because the outer eye corner plays a major role in eye expression and stability, proper indication and technique are essential.

What Is Lateral Canthoplasty?

Lateral canthoplasty involves surgically adjusting the lateral canthus, the point where the upper and lower eyelids meet at the outer corner of the eye. The procedure can:

  • Lengthen the horizontal eye width
  • Reduce a slanted or upturned eye shape
  • Create a softer or more open eye appearance

It differs from lateral canthotomy, which is a simpler release technique and generally offers limited, less stable results.

Why Lateral Canthoplasty Is Performed

Patients may consider lateral canthoplasty for:

  • Short or narrow eye appearance
  • Upward-slanted outer eye corners
  • Desire for longer, more balanced eye shape
  • Asymmetry between both eyes

In Korea, it is often combined with double eyelid surgery or epicanthoplasty for balanced results.

How Lateral Canthoplasty Is Performed

During surgery:

  • A small incision is made at the outer eye corner
  • The eyelid attachment is carefully repositioned
  • The outer corner is secured at a new angle or position

Proper fixation is critical to prevent relapse or instability. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia.

Benefits of Lateral Canthoplasty

  • Creates a longer and more open eye shape
  • Softens sharp or overly upturned eyes
  • Enhances symmetry when combined with other eye surgeries
  • Can subtly lift the outer eye area

When done correctly, results appear refined rather than dramatic.

Limitations and Risks

Lateral canthoplasty is not suitable for everyone. Potential limitations include:

  • Limited change if eye anatomy is restrictive
  • Risk of relapse if fixation is weak
  • Temporary tightness or dryness during healing

Over-aggressive surgery can lead to:

  • Unnatural eye shape
  • Outer corner instability
  • Visible scarring

This is why conservative design and surgeon experience are crucial.

Recovery and Healing

Typical recovery includes:

  • Swelling and mild discomfort for 1–2 weeks
  • Gradual softening of the outer corner over time
  • Final stabilization within 2–3 months

Temporary tightness or pulling sensation is common and usually resolves as tissues heal.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Lateral canthoplasty may be suitable for:

  • Patients with sufficient outer eye corner structure
  • Individuals seeking subtle eye widening
  • Patients undergoing combined eye surgery

It may not be recommended for those with:

  • Severe dry eye
  • Weak lower eyelid support
  • Unrealistic expectations for dramatic enlargement

A detailed in-person evaluation is essential.

Importance of Surgical Experience

The outer eye corner is structurally delicate. Surgeons experienced in lateral canthoplasty focus on:

  • Maintaining eyelid stability
  • Preserving natural eye movement
  • Avoiding excessive lowering or pulling

In Korea, surgeons often prioritize long-term stability over maximum change.

Final Thoughts

Lateral canthoplasty is a nuanced procedure that can enhance eye shape when properly indicated and conservatively performed. While it can create a wider and softer appearance, it requires precise technique and realistic expectations.

Choosing an experienced surgeon and understanding anatomical limitations are key to achieving natural, stable, and balanced 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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