Longer-Looking Eyes
Lateral canthoplasty can increase the visible horizontal length of the eyes and create a more elongated appearance.
1mm Plastic Surgery · Gangnam, Seoul
Lateral Canthoplasty in Gangnam Seoul Korea
Lateral canthoplasty is a specialized eye contouring procedure that reshapes and repositions the outer corner of the eyes to create a longer, more defined, and naturally balanced eye shape.
1mm
Seoul
0%
Ghost surgery. Your surgeon is disclosed before every operation.
1 : 1
A dedicated anesthesia team for each patient, through recovery.
ASPS
Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In short
Lateral canthoplasty is a specialized eye contouring procedure that reshapes and repositions the outer corner of the eyes to create a longer, more defined, and naturally balanced eye shape. At 1mm Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea, lateral canthoplasty is customized according to each patient's eye anatomy, canthal tilt, eyelid support, and aesthetic goals. The procedure can improve short horizontal eye length, drooping outer eye corners, rounded eyes, and eye asymmetry while preserving natural eyelid function and facial harmony. Lateral canthoplasty primarily focuses on the outer corner of the eye and can increase the visible horizontal length of the eyes while improving overall eye proportions.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eon Rok Do, board-certified plastic surgeon · Updated October 2026
Overview
What Is Lateral Canthoplasty?
Lateral canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that modifies the lateral canthus, the outer corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet.
The procedure may help:
- Lengthen the eyes horizontally
- Improve eye shape
- Create almond-shaped eyes
- Correct drooping outer corners
- Improve eye symmetry
- Enhance lower eyelid support
- Refine overall facial balance
Unlike double eyelid surgery, which affects the vertical appearance of the eyes, lateral canthoplasty primarily improves the horizontal dimension and contour of the eyes.
Candidates
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Short-looking eyes
- Narrow horizontal eye length
- Upturned or sharp eye shape
- Rounded eyes
- Drooping outer eye corners
- Eye asymmetry
- Weak lower eyelid support
- Desire for a softer and more refined eye appearance
A detailed consultation is necessary to determine whether lateral canthoplasty alone or a combination procedure would provide the best outcome.
Results
Benefits of Lateral Canthoplasty
More Defined Eye Shape
Many patients achieve:
- Almond-shaped eyes
- Better eye proportions
- Improved canthal tilt
- Enhanced symmetry
Softer Facial Appearance
The procedure can reduce an overly sharp or upturned appearance and create a more balanced look.
Improved Outer Eye Support
Lateral canthoplasty can strengthen and reposition the outer eyelid structures, improving both function and aesthetics.
04
What Problems Can Lateral Canthoplasty Correct?
Short Horizontal Eye Length
Patients with short palpebral fissures may benefit from increasing visible eye width.
Drooping Outer Eye Corners
Repositioning the lateral canthus can improve the appearance of downturned eyes and enhance eye contour.
Rounded Eyes
Lateral canthoplasty can help create a more refined and elongated eye shape.
Eye Asymmetry
Correction of uneven eye contours may improve overall facial balance.
05
Lateral Canthoplasty vs Canthopexy
Lateral Canthoplasty
Lateral canthoplasty involves surgical modification and repositioning of the outer canthal structures.
Benefits include:
- Greater eye shape modification
- Eye lengthening
- Structural repositioning
- Significant contour improvement
Canthopexy
Canthopexy primarily reinforces existing eyelid support structures without major reconstruction.
It is commonly used for:
- Mild eyelid laxity
- Lower blepharoplasty support
- Subtle contour enhancement
Lateral canthoplasty generally provides more significant reshaping compared with canthopexy.
06
Lateral Canthoplasty vs Epicanthoplasty
Lateral Canthoplasty
Focuses on:
- Outer eye corner
- Horizontal eye length
- Eye slant
- Outer eye contour
Epicanthoplasty
Focuses on:
- Inner eye corner
- Epicanthal fold reduction
- Medial eye length
Many patients combine both procedures for comprehensive eye enlargement and contour improvement.
Procedure
Can Lateral Canthoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes.
Common combinations include:
- Double eyelid surgery
- Ptosis correction
- Epicanthoplasty
- Lower canthoplasty
- Lower blepharoplasty
- Revision eye surgery
Combining procedures often produces more harmonious and balanced eye aesthetics.
Real result
Before & after.
A canthoplasty result at 1mm Plastic Surgery, Gangnam. Every case is planned around the patient's own anatomy.
Published with patient consent. Individual results vary with anatomy, healing and the technique used.
All before & after photos Before
After
Procedure
How Is Lateral Canthoplasty Performed?
The procedure generally includes:
- Eye and facial analysis
- Customized surgical planning
- Local anesthesia or sedation
- Precise modification of the lateral canthus
- Repositioning and stabilization of supporting structures
- Eye contour refinement
- Scar-minimizing closure
Modern techniques focus on maintaining stable, long-term results while preserving natural eyelid function.
Recovery
Recovery After Lateral Canthoplasty
Days 1–3
- Mild swelling
- Bruising
- Tightness
Week 1
- Significant reduction in swelling
- Initial contour improvement
Weeks 2–6
- Better eye definition
- Improved symmetry
Months 1–6
- Tissue stabilization
- Scar maturation
- Final refinement
Recovery varies according to individual healing characteristics and whether additional procedures are performed.
Safety
Will There Be Visible Scars?
Incisions are generally placed within natural creases and the outer eye contour.
Benefits include:
- Excellent scar concealment
- Minimal visible scarring
- Natural healing
Most scars continue to improve during the months following surgery.
Why 1mm
Why Choose 1mm Plastic Surgery?
Patients choose 1mm Plastic Surgery because of:
- Specialized eye surgery expertise
- Advanced lateral canthoplasty techniques
- Customized eye design
- Natural aesthetic philosophy
- Revision surgery experience
- Functional and cosmetic treatment planning
- International patient support
- Comprehensive postoperative care
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and a coordinator will reply in English.
What is lateral canthoplasty?
Lateral canthoplasty is a procedure that reshapes and repositions the outer corner of the eye to improve eye shape, length, and support.
Can lateral canthoplasty make my eyes look bigger?
Yes. The procedure can increase the visible horizontal width of the eyes and create a more open appearance.
What is the difference between lateral canthoplasty and epicanthoplasty?
Lateral canthoplasty modifies the outer eye corner, while epicanthoplasty modifies the inner eye corner.
Can lateral canthoplasty correct drooping outer eye corners?
Yes. It is commonly used to improve outer eye corner position and overall eye contour.
Can lateral canthoplasty be combined with double eyelid surgery?
Yes. Many patients combine both procedures to achieve more balanced eye proportions.
Is lateral canthoplasty permanent?
Results are generally long-lasting because the procedure modifies and stabilizes the supporting structures of the outer eyelid.
Can lateral canthoplasty help after previous eye surgery?
Yes. It is frequently incorporated into revision surgery to improve eye shape and eyelid support.
How long does recovery take?
Most swelling improves significantly within several weeks, while final refinement continues over several months.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are typically placed within natural creases and become less noticeable as healing progresses.
Can international patients undergo lateral canthoplasty in Korea?
Yes. Many international patients travel to Gangnam, Seoul, Korea for specialized eye contouring and lateral canthoplasty procedures.
Reviewed by
Dr. Eon Rok Do
Representative Director of 1mm Plastic Surgery and board-certified plastic surgeon. Every operation at 1mm is performed by the surgeon named in your consultation and surgery record — no ghost or proxy surgery. Full surgeon profiles · English-speaking eyelid surgeon in Seoul
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