Treatment Overview
Lateral canthoplasty, also known as outer corner eye surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to lengthen and widen the eyes by adjusting the outer canthus (the outer corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet). Unlike epicanthoplasty, which focuses on the inner corners, lateral canthoplasty targets the outer corners to create bigger, more elongated, and softer-looking eyes.
Korean plastic surgeons are globally recognized for their expertise in eye reshaping surgeries, offering scar-minimizing methods and natural results that enhance facial balance. Many patients choose Korea for lateral canthoplasty due to its advanced techniques and high success rates.
Purpose & Benefits
- Creates larger and more horizontally elongated eyes
- Reduces a “slanted” or overly sharp outer eye angle
- Enhances symmetry and facial harmony
- Softens the gaze for a more approachable, feminine, or youthful look
- Can correct overly upward-tilted eyes (commonly referred to as “cat eyes”)
- Often combined with epicanthoplasty or double eyelid surgery for comprehensive results
Ideal Candidates
- Individuals who feel their eyes appear small, short, or too upward-tilted
- Patients with overly sharp or narrow outer corners
- Those seeking a softer, wider, and more natural eye shape
- People undergoing combined eye surgeries for enhanced overall eye aesthetics
- Patients in good health with realistic expectations
Possible Risks & Complications
While generally safe, potential risks include:
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or redness
- Mild irritation around the outer corners
- Asymmetry between eyes if healing differs
- Visible scarring (rare with Korean methods that hide incisions in the lash line)
- Rare risks: infection, recurrence (outer corner returning to original position), or overcorrection
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean surgeons have developed several advanced lateral canthoplasty methods:
- Canthotomy with Lateral Extension: Lengthens the eye by extending the outer corner while securing the canthus to prevent recurrence.
- Skin-Sparing Techniques: Hide incisions within natural lash lines or creases, reducing visible scars.
- Tarsal Strip Fixation: Provides stability by anchoring the corner to deeper structures for long-lasting results.
- Combination with Epicanthoplasty or Double Eyelid Surgery: Offers a more balanced and dramatic transformation.
Surgeons in Korea carefully customize the incision and fixation technique based on eye anatomy, skin thickness, and patient goals.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Swelling and bruising usually last 1–2 weeks
- Stitches are removed within 5–7 days
- Most patients resume normal activities in about a week
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, wearing heavy makeup, or doing intense exercise early in recovery
- Scars fade within a few months and are barely noticeable due to advanced Korean techniques
Results & Longevity
- Eyes appear larger, more elongated, and softer
- Improved balance between inner and outer corners
- Permanent results when performed with proper fixation
- Natural-looking changes that complement other eye surgeries
- Boosted confidence and youthful appearance
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is considered the leading destination for lateral canthoplasty because of its advanced surgical innovations and highly skilled surgeons.
Why Korea is the best choice:
- High Precision & Customization: Korean surgeons analyze each patient’s unique anatomy to design the most natural outcome.
- Scar-Minimizing Methods: Incisions are hidden in the lash line or natural folds.
- Stable Fixation: Prevents recurrence, a risk often seen in surgeries outside Korea.
- Combination Surgeries: Frequently paired with epicanthoplasty or double eyelid surgery for full eye reshaping.
- Medical Tourism Services: Clinics provide English-speaking staff, translation, airport pickup, and aftercare programs.
- High Volume of Cases: Surgeons perform thousands of eye surgeries annually, ensuring expertise.
Cost Range in Korea
The cost of lateral canthoplasty in Korea varies based on surgeon expertise, clinic reputation, and whether it’s combined with other eye surgeries.
- Basic Lateral Canthoplasty: ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,500,000 KRW ($1,500 – $2,700 USD)
- Advanced Scar-Sparing Methods: ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,000,000 KRW ($2,700 – $3,800 USD)
- Combination with Double Eyelid or Epicanthoplasty: ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,000,000 KRW ($3,400 – $5,300 USD)
- Premium Clinics with Top Surgeons: ₩6,000,000 – ₩9,000,000 KRW ($4,500 – $6,900 USD)
Many clinics offer bundled packages that include consultation, anesthesia, surgery, aftercare treatments, and sometimes accommodation for international patients.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- ID Hospital – Known for advanced eye surgeries with natural results.
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Offers customized lateral and medial canthoplasty with scar-minimizing approaches.
- Regen Plastic Surgery – Specializes in combined eye surgeries for balanced, harmonious results.
- Dream Medical Group – Famous for natural-looking outcomes and detailed customization.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic – Trusted by international patients, offering full eye reshaping packages.
Summary
Lateral Canthoplasty in Korea is an effective procedure for creating larger, softer, and more elongated eyes by reshaping the outer corners. With Korea’s advanced surgical techniques, natural scar-concealing methods, and experienced surgeons, patients achieve long-lasting and harmonious results. Combined with other eye surgeries, lateral canthoplasty helps achieve a brighter, youthful, and more balanced look, making Korea the global leader for this cosmetic enhancement.
