Inner (front) opening
Releases the inner fold to lengthen the eye horizontally and reveal the inner corner.
EffectLonger eyePairingWith crease
Eye Surgery
Epicanthoplasty
앞트임
A few millimetres at the inner corner that lengthen the eye and lift the whole expression.
Duration30–50 min
AnesthesiaLocal
Recovery1 week
Overview
Epicanthoplasty refines the small skin fold (the epicanthus) that covers the inner corner of the eye. Releasing it horizontally lengthens the eye, reveals the pink inner corner and softens a tense or distant expression. It is frequently paired with double-eyelid surgery so the fold and the inner corner flow together, and the technique is chosen to keep scarring minimal and the corner shape soft rather than sharp.
Before & after
Individual results vary; images are shared with patient consent.
Notice: To protect patient privacy, the images shown are based on photographs of actual patients; however, identifying features have been modified using AI retouching technology. These images are provided solely to aid understanding of surgical outcomes and may differ from actual photographs. Individual results may vary.
Methods & options
Corner-hidden technique
Scar-minimising design that tucks the closure into the natural corner line.
ScarDiscreetShapeSoft
Outer opening
Extends the outer corner for eyes that need width and a gentler, calmer tail.
FocusOuter widthLookRelaxed
Comparing the three techniques
Inner (front) opening
Corner-hidden technique
Outer opening
Goal
Removing the inner fold
A minimal scar
Lengthening the outer corner
What it does
Opens the inner corner, lengthening the eye horizontally
Hides the suture in the natural corner line
Lengthens the outer «tail» of the eye
Effect
A wider eye and a more open gaze
A soft shape with an unnoticeable scar
A longer eye and a calmer gaze
Scar
Minimal, slightly visible
Virtually invisible
Minimal, hidden in the fold
Combines with
With double-eyelid surgery
With double-eyelid surgery
Alone or with double-eyelid surgery
Suited to
A pronounced epicanthus, closely set eyes
Patients who prioritise a minimal scar
Short, narrow eyes
Recovery
1–2 weeks
1–2 weeks
1–2 weeks
Core values
01
Millimetre design
The opening is planned in millimetres to your eye spacing so the change looks natural, not surgical.
02
Soft corners
We shape a gentle inner corner rather than an over-sharp point that betrays surgery.
03
Scar discipline
Closure is tucked into natural lines so the fine scar settles almost invisibly.
Precautions
- 01Keep the inner-corner incision clean and dry for the first week.
- 02Avoid rubbing or stretching the corner while it heals.
- 03Apply prescribed ointment to keep the fine scar supple.
- 04Protect the area from sun to prevent scar darkening.
- 05Massage the scar only as and when your surgeon advises.
At a glance
| Procedure time | 30–50 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| Downtime | About 1 week |
| Results settle | 1–2 months |
Who should consider this
- 01A prominent inner fold that makes eyes look short or close-set.
- 02A wish for a longer, clearer eye shape.
- 03Patients combining the change with double-eyelid surgery.
- 04A tense inner-corner expression you would like to soften.
The inner corner is small but important. A few millimetres there can change a face from guarded to open — that is where I work most carefully.
Sangwon Lee, M.D., PhD.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
A few millimeters at the inner eye can change how open a face feels to the world. I treat that space with real respect.
Daeyoung Kim, M.D., PhD.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
The process
01Consult
Analysis & consultation
Facial-proportion mapping and an unhurried 1:1 discussion of your concerns and goals.
02Design
Bespoke design
A plan drawn to your own anatomy and facial balance — never a template.
03Procedure
Corner refinement
The inner (or outer) fold is released and reshaped under local anesthesia in a short procedure.
04Care
Recovery & follow-up
Sutures out at about one week, then scar care reviews over the following months.
Frequently asked
The closure is designed into the natural corner line, so the fine scar settles to near-invisible over a couple of months.
Very often — combining the two lets the crease and the inner corner flow together for a balanced result.
Recommended for you
Get in touch
5F, 4 Sangmu-jungang-ro 28beon-gil, Seo-gu, GwangjuDirections & map apps
Booking & consultation062-227-3777
WeekdaysAM 09:30 – PM 06:30WeekendSaturday AM 09:00 – PM 03:00 (Lunch break 12:30–13:00)Closed Sundays and public holidays