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IBON PROCEDURE GUIDE · Eye Corner Surgery (Canthoplasty)
Lateral Canthoplasty
Lateral Canthoplasty at our Seomyeon, Busan clinic: personalized anatomical diagnosis and 1:1 surgery by board-certified specialist Dr. Ju-Chan Kim.
Lateral Canthoplasty Overview
Medically reviewed and performed by Dr. Ju-Chan Kim, Chief Medical Director of IBON Plastic Surgery (Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS)).
Lateral canthoplasty at IBON Plastic Surgery—part of our Eye Corner Surgery (Canthoplasty) specialty—extends the horizontal length of the eye by releasing the outer canthal structure and securely anchoring it to the lateral orbital periosteum. Performed personally by Dr. Ju-Chan Kim, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, the procedure is planned after evaluating the anatomical depth of the lateral orbital rim and conjunctival cul-de-sac to prevent re-adhesion or unnatural rounding in accordance with clinical standards published in Archives of Craniofacial Surgery (ACFS).
Clinical Specifications & Surgical Summary
| Parameter | Clinical Specification |
|---|---|
| Target Region | Lateral canthus (outer corner of the eye) |
| Surgical Mechanism | Release of the lateral canthal retinaculum with deep periosteal fixation inside the orbital rim |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with brief monitored sedation |
| Procedure Duration | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Suture Removal | Around Day 5–7 post-operation (1–2 outpatient follow-up visits) |
| Return to Daily Routine | Approximately 5–7 days after suture removal |
Ideal Candidacy & Clinical Benefits
- Patients with short horizontal eye length or a stuffy, closed outer eye contour.
- Patients whose eyes appear crowded toward the nasal bridge (narrow intercanthal distance) where inner corner surgery (Epicanthoplasty (Inner Eye Corner Surgery)) is not advisable.
- Patients seeking a longer, more balanced lateral eye line with expanded lateral scleral exposure, either standalone or alongside Double Eyelid Surgery (Natural Adhesion Double Eyelid Surgery or Incisional Method).
- Periosteal anchoring maintains natural contact between the lower lid and eyeball while minimizing post-surgical re-adhesion.
Step-by-Step Clinical Process & Recovery Timeline
- Lateral Orbital Rim Measurement: Dr. Ju-Chan Kim palpates the bony lateral orbital rim and measures available conjunctival pocket depth to determine safe millimeter extension.
- Micro-Dissection & Canthal Release: A precise incision is placed within the natural outer corner crease, preserving the eyelash follicles along the lid margin.
- Periosteal Fixation: The released lateral canthal tissue is anchored cleanly to the inner periosteum of the lateral orbital wall so the corner opens smoothly.
- Postoperative Care: Fine sutures are removed around Day 5–7, and patients are guided through gentle eye-drop and wound care.
Post-Procedure Precautions & Clinical Disclosure
- Avoid rubbing or pulling the outer corners of the eyes and keep the incision clean and dry until suture removal.
- Refrain from contact lenses, eye makeup, swimming, alcohol, smoking, and saunas for 2–3 weeks post-operation.
- Clinical Disclosure: Depending on individual healing and mucosal response, potential post-procedure effects such as bleeding, infection, inflammation, temporary swelling, bruising, conjunctival edema (chemosis), mild redness at the outer corner, or partial re-adhesion may occur and are carefully reviewed during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do some lateral canthoplasty procedures stick back together over time?
A. Re-adhesion occurs when only the superficial skin is cut and sutured without releasing the deeper lateral retinaculum or when raw mucosal edges are left in contact. Dr. Ju-Chan Kim releases the deep ligamentous tension and anchors the canthus to the orbital periosteum to maintain stable extension.
Q. Can Lateral Canthoplasty be combined with Lower Canthoplasty?
A. Yes. When both horizontal lengthening and a gentler downward curve of the outer lower eyelid are desired, combining Lateral and Lower Canthoplasty (Dual Canthoplasty) achieves a wider, softer lateral eye contour. Read more in our guide: Dual Canthoplasty: A Procedure Guide to Treating Both Corners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Who performs Lateral Canthoplasty at the Seomyeon, Busan clinic?
All preoperative consultations, anatomical design, and procedures for Lateral Canthoplasty in Seomyeon, Busan are performed 1:1 by Chief Medical Director Dr. Ju-Chan Kim, a board-certified reconstructive and aesthetic specialist, with zero shadow doctors.
Q. How is the treatment plan for Lateral Canthoplasty customized for each patient?
Before treatment, Dr. Ju-Chan Kim conducts a comprehensive 1:1 consultation and assessment of skin thickness, muscle function, tissue elasticity, and facial balance to formulate a tailored clinical plan and structured recovery protocol.
Every procedure at IBON Plastic Surgery in Seomyeon, Busan—including eyelid surgery, ptosis correction, dual canthoplasty, under-eye fat repositioning, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and endoscopic forehead lift—is customized following a direct 1:1 anatomical evaluation by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ju-Chan Kim (M.D., M.S.).
Schedule ConsultationPost-Procedure Precautions & Clinical Disclosure
Individual clinical outcomes and recovery timelines vary depending on personal tissue anatomy and healing response. Potential post-procedure side effects or complications—including temporary swelling, bruising, bleeding, hematoma, infection, inflammation, or subtle asymmetry—may occur. A thorough 1:1 consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ju-Chan Kim is required prior to any surgical or non-surgical procedure.