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What is the difference between opening the inner and outer corners of the eye?

Oct 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Han Xuefeng
Introduction
In general, surgery for opening the inner and outer corners of the eye differs in surgical techniques, outcomes, recovery time, suitable candidates, and scarring. Inner canthoplasty primarily aims to remove epicanthal folds, features a relatively quick recovery, and is suitable for individuals with small eyes or excess skin. Outer canthoplasty mainly focuses on lengthening the eye fissure, involves a slower recovery process, and is appropriate for those with shorter eye fissures.

Generally speaking, the main differences between medial and lateral canthoplasty lie in surgical techniques, outcomes, recovery times, applicable candidates, and scarring. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Different Surgical Techniques

Medial canthoplasty involves removing the epicanthal fold to expose the inner corner of the eye that is otherwise hidden, and suturing is usually not required after surgery. Lateral canthoplasty involves incising the outer corner of the eye to lengthen the eye fissure and improve the height of the outer eye, with wound closure required post-surgery.

2. Different Outcomes

Medial canthoplasty reduces the distance between the eyes, improves interocular spacing and the inner appearance of double eyelids, making the eyes appear larger and expanding the visual field. Lateral canthoplasty increases the horizontal diameter of the eyes, creating a more elongated and proportionally balanced appearance.

3. Different Recovery Times

Medial canthoplasty involves relatively less trauma, so the recovery period is shorter—typically 7–14 days for gradual return to a natural appearance. Lateral canthoplasty involves greater tissue disruption, resulting in a longer recovery time, often requiring 1–2 months or even longer to fully heal.

4. Different Suitable Candidates

Medial canthoplasty is suitable for individuals with small eyes, epicanthal folds, or mild periorbital edema. Lateral canthoplasty is primarily indicated for those with short eye fissures, disproportionate eye length, or asymmetrical eye height.

5. Different Scarring Potential

The incision site in medial canthoplasty is well-concealed, making postoperative scars less noticeable and reducing the risk of visible scarring. In contrast, lateral canthoplasty involves an external incision, which carries a higher risk of visible scarring and may have a greater aesthetic impact.

Both medial and lateral canthoplasty carry certain risks; therefore, it is advisable to undergo these procedures at reputable, professional medical institutions. Additionally, proper daily care is essential, including maintaining local hygiene and using the eyes appropriately, to prevent bacterial or fungal infections at the surgical site and ensure optimal healing.

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Is it necessary to undergo lateral canthoplasty (outer eye corner surgery)?
In general, lateral canthoplasty, also known as enlargement of the lateral canthus, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves making an incision at the outer corner of the eye and removing excess skin to increase the length of the eye fissure. This procedure can make the eyes appear larger and enhance their three-dimensional appearance. Whether undergoing lateral canthoplasty is necessary depends on an individual's specific eye condition.
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What eye shapes are suitable for lateral canthoplasty?
In general, external eye corner widening refers to lateral canthoplasty. This procedure is suitable for individuals with upturned eyes, narrow inner canthal distance, triangular eyes, round eye shape, or drooping eye corners. If needed, it is recommended to visit a professional medical institution and consult with a qualified physician to determine the appropriate surgical plan based on individual circumstances and select the most suitable surgical approach.
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Dr. Wang Shuai
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Can lateral canthoplasty cause scar hyperplasia?
Under normal circumstances, "opening the outer canthus" refers to the correction of epicanthus, and scars refer to cicatrix. Cicatrix hyperplasia may occur after epicanthus correction surgery. Epicanthus correction surgery involves removing or adjusting excess skin and tissue at the medial canthus through an operation, changing the morphology of the epicanthal fold, thereby extending the horizontal length of the palpebral fissure and visually enlarging the eyes.
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Is it necessary to perform lateral canthoplasty?
Under normal circumstances, opening the outer canthus refers to epicanthoplasty. Whether it is necessary to perform epicanthoplasty depends on the specific situation. If the eye morphology is normal, this surgery is usually not required; however, if there is adhesion at the outer canthus or congenital eye deformities, epicanthoplasty may be needed.
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Dr. Chen Lu
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What to do if the distance between the eyes is too wide
In general, wide-set eyes can be improved through procedures such as medial epicanthoplasty, lateral canthoplasty, rhinoplasty, double eyelid surgery, or autologous fat transplantation. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo these procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure effectiveness and safety. Prior to surgery, it is important to fully understand the associated risks and precautions and to prepare mentally for the procedure.
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How to make eyes look bigger
In general, making the eyes appear larger can be achieved through methods such as makeup or eye muscle exercises. If these are ineffective, procedures such as suture-based double eyelid surgery, incisional blepharoplasty, skin grafting for double eyelid creation, medial epicanthoplasty, or lateral canthoplasty may be considered. However, results vary from person to person. It is recommended to consult a reputable hospital and undergo treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.
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How much does lateral canthoplasty surgery usually cost?
In general, lateral canthoplasty, also known as enlargement of the outer eye corner, can be performed using three different surgical techniques, with corresponding prices as follows: incisional lateral canthoplasty, reference price 3,000–7,000 yuan per session; Z-plasty, reference price 5,000–10,000 yuan per session; and Y-V plasty, reference price 3,000–6,000 yuan per session.
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Medial or lateral canthoplasty: which one is referred to as "eye corner opening"?
Epicanthoplasty refers to a surgical procedure that opens the inner corner of the eye. Generally, inner epicanthoplasty is suitable for individuals with excessive epicanthal folds to enlarge the eyes, while outer epicanthoplasty is suitable for those with tight outer canthi or short palpebral fissures to elongate the eye shape. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and choose the appropriate type of epicanthoplasty based on a doctor's advice. Patients should fully understand the benefits and risks of the surgery and properly prepare preoperatively and care for themselves postoperatively.
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