Epicanthoplasty vs Canthoplasty Korea
Epicanthoplasty vs Canthoplasty in Korea
In Korea, eye corner surgery is commonly used to widen the eyes and improve overall eye shape balance. However, epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty are often confused because both affect the eye corners. In reality, they target completely different parts of the eye and create different aesthetic effects.
What is Epicanthoplasty?
Epicanthoplasty is a surgical procedure that focuses on the inner corner of the eye (medial canthus) by releasing or reducing the epicanthal fold (Mongolian fold).
- Opens the inner eye corner
- Reduces “covered” or tight inner corner appearance
- Makes eyes look longer horizontally
- Often combined with double eyelid surgery
- Improves inner-eye definition and balance
It is mainly used when the inner corner is hidden or the eyes look closer and shorter due to skin fold coverage.
What is Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty refers to surgery on the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus), where the eyelid is reshaped or repositioned to change eye length or tilt.
- Extends or lifts the outer eye corner
- Improves downturned or short-looking eyes
- Creates a longer, more almond-shaped eye
- Can adjust eye angle (more horizontal or slightly upward)
- May involve tightening or repositioning deeper structures
It is primarily used to change outer eye width and eye tilt, not the inner fold.
Key Differences Between Epicanthoplasty and Canthoplasty
- Location
Epicanthoplasty: inner corner of the eye
Canthoplasty: outer corner of the eye - Main goal
Epicanthoplasty: open hidden inner corner
Canthoplasty: extend or reshape outer corner - Effect on eye shape
Epicanthoplasty: increases horizontal eye visibility from inner side
Canthoplasty: elongates or adjusts eye length and tilt - Eye appearance change
Epicanthoplasty: reduces “tight” or close inner look
Canthoplasty: creates longer, more balanced or lifted eye shape - Combination use
Often combined together for full eye widening effect
Price Comparison in Korea
- Epicanthoplasty: 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 KRW
- Canthoplasty (lateral): 1,500,000 – 4,000,000 KRW
Pricing varies depending on whether the procedure is combined with double eyelid surgery or ptosis correction.
Which is Better?
Epicanthoplasty may be better if
- Your inner eye corners are covered or tight
- Your eyes look short horizontally
- You want more visible inner-eye definition
- You are combining with double eyelid surgery
Canthoplasty may be better if
- Your eyes look short from the outer side
- You have downturned or tired-looking eyes
- You want longer or more lifted eye shape
- You want overall eye widening and balance
Final Thoughts
Epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty are not competing procedures—they are complementary eye corner surgeries. Epicanthoplasty focuses on opening the inner corner, while canthoplasty reshapes the outer corner. In many Korean eye surgeries, both are combined to achieve a more balanced, naturally larger, and harmonious eye shape depending on individual anatomy.
