Treatment Overview
Canthopexy is a specialized eyelid surgery that tightens and stabilizes the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus) without cutting or significantly altering its natural shape. Unlike canthoplasty, which involves cutting and repositioning the canthus, canthopexy uses sutures to reinforce and lift the eyelid support structures. This makes it a less invasive option with faster recovery while still providing significant improvement in eyelid stability, shape, and aesthetics.
In Korea, surgeons perform canthopexy with refined, minimally invasive methods, ensuring natural-looking results. This technique is often combined with lower blepharoplasty or other eyelid procedures to prevent complications such as eyelid retraction and to enhance cosmetic outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
- Strengthens and stabilizes the outer corner of the eye
- Prevents or corrects lower eyelid drooping (ectropion or retraction)
- Creates a subtle lifting effect without drastically changing eye shape
- Supports results of lower blepharoplasty and fat repositioning
- Improves symmetry and eyelid function
- Provides natural aesthetics with reduced risk of overcorrection
Ideal Candidates
- Patients undergoing lower eyelid surgery who need added eyelid support
- Individuals with mild to moderate lower eyelid laxity or sagging
- Patients with early signs of ectropion or eyelid retraction
- Those who previously had eyelid surgery and need reinforcement
- Patients wanting a preventative procedure to maintain youthful eye shape
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Mild discomfort or tight sensation in the eyelid
- Rare risk of asymmetry between eyes
- Over-tightening leading to unnatural eye shape (rare, minimized in Korea)
- Scarring (minimal and usually hidden in natural creases)
Surgical Techniques Used in Korea
Korean plastic surgeons are pioneers in canthopexy, focusing on precision and natural aesthetics:
- Suture Suspension: The outer eyelid tendon is secured with sutures to the orbital rim for added strength.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Small incisions, often hidden inside the eyelid or along natural lines.
- Supportive Canthopexy in Blepharoplasty: Commonly combined with lower blepharoplasty to prevent downward pulling.
- Customized Angle Adjustment: Surgeons tailor the degree of lift to match the patient’s anatomy and desired look.
- Combination Techniques: Sometimes paired with canthoplasty, fat repositioning, or midface lift for comprehensive results.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Swelling and bruising usually last 1–2 weeks.
- Stitches are typically removed in 5–7 days if external incisions are used.
- Patients can resume normal daily activities within 7–10 days.
- Eye drops and ointments are prescribed to reduce dryness and irritation.
- Full results are visible after 1–2 months, once tissues settle.
Results & Longevity
- Natural eye contour with subtle lift and support
- Strengthened eyelid structures to prevent drooping
- Long-lasting results, typically 8–10 years depending on aging
- Reduced risk of complications following lower eyelid surgery
- Improved eye symmetry and youthful appearance
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is recognized for its high level of specialization in eyelid surgeries, including canthopexy:
- Advanced Techniques: Korean surgeons use minimally invasive, precise suture methods for reliable results.
- Customization: Each surgery is tailored to the patient’s eyelid anatomy, ensuring natural outcomes.
- Integration with Other Procedures: Often combined with blepharoplasty, fat repositioning, or laser resurfacing.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Pre-surgery digital imaging and planning ensure precision.
- Medical Tourism Support: Leading clinics in Seoul provide interpretation services, concierge care, and post-op packages for international patients.
Cost Range in Korea
The cost of canthopexy in Korea depends on surgeon expertise, clinic reputation, and whether it is performed alone or with other procedures:
- Standalone Canthopexy: ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000 KRW ($1,900 – $3,100 USD)
- With Lower Blepharoplasty: ₩4,000,000 – ₩6,500,000 KRW ($3,100 – $5,000 USD)
- Premium Clinics in Gangnam: ₩6,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 KRW ($5,000 – $6,600 USD)
- Revision or Complex Cases: ₩7,000,000 – ₩10,000,000 KRW ($5,400 – $7,700 USD)
Compared to the U.S. and Europe, where prices can exceed $8,000–$12,000, Korea provides more affordable options with world-class surgical precision.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Known for safe, natural canthopexy and advanced blepharoplasty combinations.
- ID Hospital – Specializes in revision surgeries and complex eyelid stabilization.
- View Plastic Surgery – Popular with international patients for combined eyelid procedures.
- Regen Plastic Surgery – Experts in scar-minimization techniques with reliable canthopexy results.
- JW Plastic Surgery – Experienced in functional and cosmetic eyelid reinforcement surgeries.
Summary
Canthopexy in Korea is a minimally invasive eyelid procedure designed to stabilize and subtly lift the outer corner of the eye. It is particularly effective when combined with lower blepharoplasty, ensuring long-lasting, natural, and youthful results. With Korea’s reputation for surgical precision, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, it has become a leading destination for patients worldwide seeking safe and effective eyelid rejuvenation with canthopexy.
