Lateral canthoplasty, also known as lateral canthus elongation surgery, enhances the horizontal length of the eye by reshaping the outer canthus. This adjustment makes the eyes appear larger, longer, and more defined.
Lateral canthoplasty, also known as lateral canthus elongation surgery, enhances the horizontal length of the eye by reshaping the outer canthus.
Unlike medial epicanthoplasty—which primarily involves skin-level adjustments—lateral canthoplasty addresses the ligament structures at the outer corner. While medial surgery opens the skin covering the inner canthus, lateral canthoplasty actually extends the eyelid length itself.
The native eyelid contains numerous functional anatomical structures, such as glands and eyelash follicles, which support normal ocular function. However, the newly extended portion created during lateral canthoplasty does not contain these natural structures.
This procedure is suitable for individuals whose eyes appear short horizontally but who already show significant medial scleral exposure, or for those whose intercanthal distance is already narrow—making medial epicanthoplasty unsuitable for further lengthening.
This technique horizontally extends the outer canthus to create a longer and more elongated eye appearance.
This technique extends the outer canthus downward to create a rounder eye contour or to soften the appearance of a sharply upturned outer canthus.
This approach combines both horizontal and vertical adjustments, making it suitable for individuals seeking a more comprehensive enhancement of their eye shape.
One week before surgery:
・Discontinue anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin) after confirming with your prescribing physician.
・Stop all dietary supplements, such as fish oil, ginkgo, ginseng, and vitamin E.
・Avoid smoking and alcohol from one week before surgery until one month after surgery.
On the day of surgery:
・Arrive with no makeup and ensure the eyelashes are clean and free of extensions.
・Do not wear any accessories or metal items; please remove piercings in advance.
・If you wear contact lenses, you may arrive wearing them, but they must be removed before surgery. Please bring a storage case, glasses, or sunglasses with you.
・You may choose between local anesthesia or sedation (general anesthesia).
・Local anesthesia does not require fasting; you may eat as usual.
・Sedation (general anesthesia) requires fasting for approximately 8 hours; please avoid all food and drink, including water and chewing gum.
・Please do not drive or ride a motorcycle yourself after the procedure.
・Cold and warm compresses: Apply cold compresses during the first 72 hours to help reduce swelling and bruising. After 72 hours, warm compresses may be used to promote circulation and healing.
・Wound care & dressing changes: Keep the incision area dry and change dressings as instructed. If skin sutures are present, they are typically removed around day 6–10 depending on wound healing.
・How to change dressings: Clean the wound twice daily using sterile cotton swabs dipped in normal saline, pat dry, then apply ointment. When using cold or warm compresses, place gauze over the area to minimize infection risk.
・Medication & eyelid hygiene: Use prescribed eye drops or ointment as directed to prevent infection and support healing.
・Eye use & daily habits: Avoid prolonged screen time or long periods of looking downward. Allow your eyes sufficient rest to support recovery.
・Diet & medications:
- Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon may be taken as needed.
- Avoid irritants such as smoking, alcohol, tea, coffee, spicy foods, and all dietary supplements (e.g., Vitamin E, lingzhi, and herbal medicine).
- Maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and increase intake of high-protein foods and Vitamin C to support wound repair.
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