Medial & Lateral Epicanthoplasty

Epicanthoplasty is a cosmetic procedure to make the eyes larger. Common among Asian patients, this operation is typically done to address a prominent epicanthal or Mongolian fold that gives the appearance of having small eyes or eyes that are too wide apart.

Epicanthoplasty is done in two ways:

Medial Epicanthoplasty

This type of epicanthoplasty involves cutting into the skin fold in the inner corner of the eye (canthus) to lengthen the width of each eye, thereby reducing the space in between. For medial epicanthoplasty, Dr. Leo prefers the skin redraping technique, which cuts the epicanthal fold, then separates and sutures the resulting flaps. The end result is correction and elimination of the epicanthal fold leading to a larger and more pleasing eye. This method reduces risks of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation, which are surprisingly high in other techniques.

Medial epicanthoplasty can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with upper blepharoplasty. It is done under local anesthesia.

The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes. Resulting stitches are removed after 1 week. During the one week, special antibiotic cream will be prescribed for the patient and the patient is advised to minimize physical activities during that one week.

Lateral Epicanthoplasty

On the other hand, lateral epicanthoplasty lengthens the eye by cutting into the outer canthus to change the tilt of the eye. This achieves a more harmonious look and is recommended for patients who complain of an undesirable upward tilt in the outward eye corner or insufficient visibility of the sclera (white of the eye).

Similar to medial epicanthoplasty, this procedure can be done on its own or in combination with an upper blepharoplasty. Stitches are also removed after 1 week.

Dr Leo Kah Woon was the former Secretary for the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons and the Singapore Society of Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgeons, and is experienced in Medial & Lateral Epicanthoplasty. For more information on this procedure, please call +65 6733 3895.