Epicanthoplasty Surgery - Procedure, Recovery, Finding Surgeons

Understanding Epicanthoplasty

Epicanthoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that aims to widen and open up the eyes. It focuses on the inner corner of the eye, known medically as the medial canthal tendon or epicanthal fold. Some people have extra skin or tissue here that covers the inner corner of the eye, making the eyes appear smaller or narrower. Epicanthoplasty can remove this excess tissue to create bigger, wider-looking eyes.

What Causes Epicanthic Folds?

Epicanthic folds are common in certain ethnic backgrounds, including East Asian, Southeast Asian, and some Native American populations. The condition may be present from birth or develop during childhood. As we age, the fold can become more pronounced due to gradual loss of collagen and elastin in the skin.

Aside from ethnicity, some other factors that can contribute to heavy epicanthal folds include:

• Genetics
• Low nasal bridge
• Flat cheekbones
• Underdeveloped maxilla and mandible bones

Goals of Epicanthoplasty

The goals of epicanthoplasty surgery may include:

• Widening the eye overall
• Reducing or eliminating epicanthal folds
• Opening up and brightening the inner eye corners
• Creating better eye symmetry
• Making the eyes appear larger and more prominent

This can help reduce the closed-off or sleepy look that heavy lids or folds can create around the eyes.

Finding an Epicanthoplasty Surgeon

When researching where to get epicanthoplasty done, you’ll want to find an experienced, reputable plastic surgeon. As this is a delicate procedure on a sensitive part of the face, surgical skill and precision are paramount.

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

Be sure any surgeon you consult with has specific training and expertise in ethnic blepharoplasty and epicanthoplasty procedures. Ask to see before and after photos of their work to ensure they have the aesthetic outcome you are looking for. Additionally, the surgeon should have an in-depth conversation with you about your facial anatomy and what surgical techniques will best meet your cosmetic goals.

Research Hospitals and Surgical Centers

Along with the surgeon, you’ll want to carefully vet any prospective hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics. Your health, safety, and comfort should be the top priorities. Facilities should have the proper accreditations as well as advanced technology, equipment, and board-certified anesthesiology staff.

Schedule Multiple Consultations

It’s smart to have consultations with 2-3 epicanthoplasty surgeons before deciding who to trust with your procedure. This gives you the chance to compare qualifications, surgical plans, before and after results, and overall comfort level. Consultations also provide the opportunity to ask all your questions about the surgery process from start to finish.

Epicanthoplasty Techniques and Procedures

There are a few common techniques and approaches used in epicanthoplasty surgery today:

Inner Corner Z-Plasty

This method involves making a Z-shaped incision along the inner corner of the eye. The surgeon then repositions or removes tissue in this area and stitches the incision closed in a way that eliminates excess skin. The results open up the eyes wider laterally.

Web Reduction Surgery

Some patients have a distinct web of skin stretching between their inner eye corners and the side of the nose. Web reduction surgery removes this band of tissue and brings the corners of the eyes outward.

Eye Corner Augmentation

In some cases, fillers or implanted devices can augment the bony structure around the inner eye. This provides increased support to open and widen that area without removing native tissue.

Combination Approach

For optimal improvement in eye width and shape, many surgeons perform a combination of techniques in one surgery. The exact approach will depend on each patient’s specific anatomy.

Recovering from Epicanthoplasty Surgery

While considered an outpatient procedure, recovering from epicanthoplasty takes diligence and care. Understanding what to expect can set proper expectations for healing and optimal outcomes.

Swelling and Bruising

Significant swelling, redness, and bruising around the eyes and eyelids is common. This may last for up to 2 weeks. Cold compresses can help reduce inflammation.

Cleaning the Incisions

Cleaning the delicate eye area incisions as instructed is key to preventing infection as you heal. Your surgeon will provide guidelines on how often to gently cleanse the area.

Rest and Down Time

While major activity restrictions aren’t required, it’s important to rest and limit eye strain for at least 1 week after surgery. Most patients take 7-14 days off work or normal activities to allow the body to mend.

Avoiding Further Injury

Be very gentle around the eye region to avoid any trauma which could impact healing. Protect the area when showering, washing your face, applying products, etc. Your surgeon can advise on properly protecting incision sites.

Following all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully supports smoother recovery and surgical success from your epicanthoplasty procedure.

FAQs

What is the epicanthal fold and what causes it?

The epicanthal fold is the inner corner of skin near the nasal bridge that covers part of the eye. It occurs due to extra skin and tissue in that area. Ethnicity is the most common cause, present from birth in certain populations.

What is the recovery time for epicanthoplasty surgery?

It generally takes at least 1-2 weeks for the initial recovery period. Swelling and bruising can remain moderate during this time. Most people take off 7-14 days from work or normal activities to rest and heal.

How long do the results of epicanthoplasty last?

When performed by an experienced, skilled surgeon, results from epicanthal fold surgery can last a lifetime. As with all cosmetic surgeries, maintaining results depends on factors like diet, sun exposure, smoking, and normal aging over decades.

Does epicanthoplasty surgery leave scars?

Yes, epicanthoplasty requires incisions so there will be some scarring around the inner corners of the eyes. In skilled hands though, this scarring should fade significantly and become far less visible over time.

Is epicanthoplasty procedure safe?

When performed by a plastic surgeon with specific expertise in this delicate area, the procedure is normally very safe. As with any surgery, there are risks to consider like infection, poor wound healing, and unsatisfactory cosmetic results in some cases.