Eye Corner Surgery (Canthoplasty)
Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that enhances the shape of your eyes by adjusting the corners. Depending on the area being modified, it’s classified into:
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Epicanthoplasty (inner corner)
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Upper Canthoplasty (upper corner)
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Lateral Canthoplasty (outer corner)
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Lower Canthoplasty (lower corner)
Can canthoplasty make your eyes bigger?
A lot of people wonder, "Will canthoplasty alone make my eyes look bigger?" The short answer? Not really!
Canthoplasty enhances the eye shape but doesn’t actually increase eye size. It works best when combined with double eyelid surgery, helping to create a more balanced, open-eyed look.
Think of it as a finishing touch rather than a standalone procedure! Canthoplasty Before & After
Epicanthoplasty
Upper Canthoplasty
Epicanthoplasty and Upper Canthoplasty
Lateral Canthoplasty
Lower Canthoplasty
Lateral Canthoplasty and Lower Canthoplasty
*The information on this page is for reference purposes only, based on generally accepted knowledge. It is not intended to serve as a medical judgment or diagnosis. Since details may vary depending on the medical institution, patient, or other factors, please consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding surgery or procedures.
Let’s keep it simple: What it is
A procedure that opens up the inner, upper, outer, or lower corners of the eyes through small incisions. It is often done as an additional option with double eyelid surgery.
Must know info!
Pros | Creates a more open, refreshed look by reshaping the eye corners. |
Cons | Epicanthoplasty may leave scars, and lateral/lower canthoplasty may lead to eyelid instability or vision issues in rare cases. |
Recovery Time | Major swelling and bruising subside in 1–2 weeks, full recovery takes 4–6 months. |
Best For | Those with Mongolian folds or eyes that look small or closed-off. |
Price (On UNNI App) | $300 – $2,200 (as of Mar 2025, VAT included). |
Mongolian Fold: A common eyelid feature in East Asians, where a fold of skin partially covers the inner eye corner, making the eyes appear smaller or more closed.
How painful is it?
Like most eyelid surgeries, canthoplasty is done under local anesthesia, so there's little to no pain during the procedure. Once the anesthesia wears off, pain levels vary from person to person, but most rate it around 5 out of 10. 
"Hold up! This pain scale is based on reviews from Gangnam Unni staff who have actually had the procedure themselves!
This pain scale is based on reviews from Gangnam Unni staff who have actually had the procedure themselves! Pain levels can vary depending on the person, clinic, and even how you're feeling that day—so take this as just a rough guide! "
"Here’s all you need to know
Can Epicanthoplasty Help If My Eyes Are Set Wide Apart?
Some people get epicanthoplasty (inner corner surgery) to fix wide-set eyes, but this procedure doesn’t actually reduce the distance between your eyes—it simply modifies the shape of the Mongolian fold.
If you’re concerned about wide-set eyes, rhinoplasty (nose surgery) may be a more effective option.Similarly, some people think lateral canthoplasty (outer corner surgery) will help if their eyes are too close together—but again, this surgery doesn’t physically move your eyes apart. Instead, it widens the outer corners, making the eyes appear more open and elongated.
What’s the Difference Between Epicanthoplasty & Upper Canthoplasty?
Epicanthoplasty primarily focuses on removing the Mongolian fold at the inner corner of the eye. However, when epicanthoplasty is performed, some upper canthoplasty naturally happens as well.
So why do we differentiate between the two? Because some people don’t need epicanthoplasty but still want a slightly more open upper eyelid look. In that case, upper canthoplasty is done while keeping the inner corner intact.
Epicanthoplasty 1mm = Lateral Canthoplasty 3–5mm
Lateral canthoplasty is often misunderstood as a procedure that dramatically lengthens the eye. However, since it works on the outer corner, it doesn’t make as noticeable a difference as inner corner surgery.
For the same visible effect, 1mm of epicanthoplasty is equal to 3–5mm of lateral canthoplasty!This means inner corner surgery is more efficient for lengthening the visible eye shape, while lateral canthoplasty has more subtle effects depending on facial structure.
Unrealistic Canthoplasty Expectations
A common mistake people make during consultations is bringing in celebrity photos and asking for the exact same eyes. While reference photos are helpful, there are natural limitations to what can be achieved based on your existing eye structure.
The goal of canthoplasty isn’t to copy someone else’s eyes but to enhance your own natural beauty in a way that suits your features.
