Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery: Ideal Candidates, Side Effects, and Re-adhesion

During eye surgery consultations,

I often receive similar questions about lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery.

‘Will lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery make my eyes much bigger?’

‘Will they re-adhere?’

‘What's the difference between this and epicanthoplasty or lower lid descent surgery alone?’

Although lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery may seem simple,

the results can vary significantly depending on the eye structure,

making it crucial to verify accurate information beforehand.

What is Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery?

Lateral canthoplasty

is an eye surgery that naturally extends the length of the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus).

Lower lid descent surgery, often performed in conjunction with lateral canthoplasty, does not extend the length of the eye but

adjusts the outer corner of the eye by lowering it laterally.

It is performed to achieve a softer and more refreshed look

for those whose eyes appear constricted or whose upturned outer corners create a strong impression.

Who is an ideal candidate for Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery?

At Baba Plastic Surgery, we recommend this procedure after measuring the white-to-iris ratio using an AI program.

*However, lateral canthoplasty does not yield the same results for all eyes.

Satisfaction tends to be higher in the following cases:

Individuals with less visible outer whites of the eyes than average

Those whose eyes appear short horizontally and vertically

Those with upturned outer corners that create a strong impression

Conversely, if the outer corner of the eye is already sufficiently exposed,

excessive widening may look unnatural.

Age Restrictions for Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery

For younger individuals, eye growth is 80% complete by middle or high school,

so we recommend surgery from a minimum age of 19.

Conversely, for older individuals,

after the age of 50, the ligaments around the lateral canthus weaken,

which can lead to side effects if lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery are performed:

Ectropion (eyelid turning outward)

Dry eyes

Tearing (epiphora)

Difference between Lateral Canthoplasty and Epicanthoplasty

Epicanthoplasty

improves the Mongolian fold at the inner corner of the eye,

making the starting point of the eye clearer.

Lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery adjust the outer corner of the eye

to change the length and direction of the eye shape

without altering the double eyelid line.

The two surgeries have different purposes and application areas.

Incisional vs. Non-Incisional Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery

Lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery

can be performed using either incisional or non-incisional methods, depending on the eye condition.

Incisional method: When strong fixation is important

Non-incisional method: When minimizing scar burden is desired

Rather than one method being inherently better,

choosing the method that suits the eye structure is crucial.

Baba's Unique Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery Know-How

The Most Important Point in Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery

The core of lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery

is not how much it widens, but how stably it is maintained.

At Baba Plastic Surgery, we fixate to firm tissues like fascia/periosteum

to reduce the recurrence rate.

Additionally, to minimize visible signs of surgery, we use meticulous techniques to prevent any step-off deformities.

If this aspect is not sufficiently considered,

it can lead to re-adhesion or unnatural results.

Self-Diagnosis for Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery Eligibility

For lateral canthoplasty, there are limitations due to the orbital structure.

Self-diagnosis method before consultation:

There's a simple way to check if your eyes are suitable for lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery.

Look in a mirror, gently lift your upper eyelid, and pull it towards the outer corner of your eye.

If you see the white of your eye at the outer corner,

it indicates that there is some space available for widening.

Conversely, if the red conjunctiva (inner tissue) is visible first,

it means there is already sufficient exposure,

and lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery may not have a significant effect.

Additional eye structure points to check:

Lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery are performed by

fixing the outer corner of the eye to the periosteum of the outer orbital bone.

Therefore, if the distance between the outer bone felt at the corner of the eye and the white of the eye at the corner

is too short,

the change may be minimal even after the procedure.

Thus, lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery

is a procedure that requires consideration of not only a simple pulling test

but also the bone structure around the eye and the fixation position.

Reasons for Re-adhesion After Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery (Re-adhesion)

Re-adhesion after lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery

often occurs due to excessive widening or insufficient fixation.

Eyes have a natural tendency to re-adhere during the healing process,

so the design and fixation during surgery must account for this.

Why Excessive Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery Should Be Avoided

If lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery are performed excessively,

it can disrupt the balance of the eye shape.

The outer corner of the eye may be lowered too much,

or the overall impression may appear unnatural,

making it crucial to set a natural range of change.

What are the side effects of Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery?

After lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery,

temporary 'D-shape' deformity or scar tissue can occur as side effects.

These symptoms are mostly side effects that can occur with the incisional method,

and the likelihood of occurrence is relatively lower

when performed with the non-incisional method.

Additionally, in the case of lower lid descent surgery,

the degree of new tissue formation during the recovery process varies for each individual,

so initially, it may appear somewhat overcorrected to account for potential re-adhesion.

Common side effects after canthoplasty include:

Subconjunctival hemorrhage: A phenomenon where blood accumulates due to a burst blood vessel in the thin membrane (conjunctiva) covering the white of the eye (sclera).

Conjunctival edema: A phenomenon where the conjunctival tissue covering the white of the eye swells like a blister due to the accumulation of lymph fluid or blood.

These can occur.

Most cases gradually improve during the recovery process,

and if excessive widening is avoided,

it rarely leads to long-term problems.

Do Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Lid Descent Surgery always have to be done together?

Lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery

are sometimes performed together depending on the eye condition,

but they do not necessarily have to be done simultaneously.

Depending on an individual's eye structure,

lateral canthoplasty alone may be sufficient,

so consultation is the most accurate way to determine the best approach.

Conclusion

Lateral canthoplasty and lower lid descent surgery

are more about refining a constricted impression

than drastically changing the eyes.

It is important to determine if the surgery is suitable for you

and what degree of change would look natural

through thorough consultation.

If you are considering eye surgery,

we recommend prioritizing your eye structure and facial harmony

over current trends.