Epicanthoplasty (Inner Eye Corner Surgery)

Epicanthoplasty (Inner Eye Corner Surgery) 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)).

Epicanthoplasty at IBON Plastic Surgery—part of our Eye Corner Surgery (Canthoplasty) specialty—gently releases the medial epicanthal fold (Mongolian fold) that covers the inner corner of the eye, combined with upward medial refinement (Upper Corner Surgery) when indicated. Performed personally by Dr. Ju-Chan Kim, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, the procedure opens a stuffy inner eye contour while preserving natural lacrimal caruncle exposure and minimizing visible scarring in accordance with medial canthoplasty standards published in Archives of Craniofacial Surgery (ACFS). For a comprehensive overview of candidacy and healing, read our Epicanthoplasty Procedure, Candidacy, and Recovery Guide.

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Clinical Specifications & Surgical Summary

Parameter	Clinical Specification
Target Region	Medial canthus (inner corner) and upper-medial 45-degree fold
Surgical Mechanism	Tension-relieving redraping of the epicanthal fold and medial orbicularis fiber realignment
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

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Ideal Candidacy & Clinical Benefits

• Patients whose inner eye corners are covered by a tight epicanthal fold, making the eyes look short, stuffy, or widely spaced (wide intercanthal distance).
• Patients whose medial epicanthal band pulls downward on the front of their double eyelid crease, preventing a smooth In-Out or Out-Line fold (frequently combined with Natural Adhesion Double Eyelid Surgery or the Incisional Method under Double Eyelid Surgery).
• Patients who need subtle upward-medial refinement (Upper Corner Surgery) to soften a steep, fierce inner eye angle without over-widening the space between the eyes, or balanced horizontal expansion alongside Lateral Canthoplasty or Dual Canthoplasty.
• Conceals the incision line closely along the inner eyelid margin and conjunctival border to reduce surface scar visibility.

Step-by-Step Clinical Process & Recovery Timeline

• Intercanthal & Caruncle Analysis: Dr. Ju-Chan Kim measures the distance between the eyes and checks how much of the pink lacrimal caruncle is currently visible to prevent overcorrection.
• Tension Release & Redraping: Rather than excising excessive skin (which increases scar contracture), internal fibrous bands are released and skin is redraped free of tension.
• Harmonization with Double Eyelid Line: When combined with double eyelid surgery, medial fold tension is aligned so the crease flows cleanly from the inner corner.
• Postoperative Care: Fine stitches are removed around Day 5–7, followed by targeted scar-maturation care.

Post-Procedure Precautions & Clinical Disclosure

• Apply cold compresses gently for the first 72 hours and avoid pulling on the inner corners or bridge of the nose while cleansing.
• Refrain from eye makeup, contact lenses, rubbing the eyes, alcohol, smoking, and saunas for at least 3 weeks after surgery.
• Clinical Disclosure: Depending on individual skin type and wound remodeling, potential post-procedure effects such as bleeding, infection, inflammation, temporary swelling, bruising, transient redness or firmness at the medial corner during early scar maturation (1–3 months), or mild asymmetry may occur and are explained thoroughly during consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do you prevent an unnatural or "over-opened" inner eye corner?
A. An unnatural appearance happens when too much of the red lacrimal caruncle is exposed. Dr. Ju-Chan Kim plans the release in millimeter increments based on your existing caruncle visibility and inter-eye ratio—using Upper Corner Surgery (45-degree upward release) when vertical openness is needed without narrowing the nasal bridge space.

Q. When does the inner corner redness fade after Epicanthoplasty?
A. Like all dermal incisions, the inner corner can show slight pinkness or firmness during the active collagen remodeling phase around weeks 3 to 8, which gradually softens and fades into the natural eyelid margin over 3 to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Who performs Epicanthoplasty (Inner Eye Corner Surgery) at the Seomyeon, Busan clinic?

All preoperative consultations, anatomical design, and procedures for Epicanthoplasty (Inner Eye Corner Surgery) 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 Epicanthoplasty (Inner Eye Corner Surgery) 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.