How to Reduce Side Effects After Epicanthoplasty and Canthoplasty ｜Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery Guide
Hello, this is Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery. Epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty are procedures that improve a heavy or closed-off eye appearance by making an incision at the inner corner, outer corner, or lower part of the eye, creating a softer and more open impression. According to reports from the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, about 15-20% of eye surgery patients undergo these procedures together with other eye surgeries, making them quite common. However, because the skin around the eyes is thin, side effects such as scarring, re-adhesion, and asymmetry can occur, so pre- and post-operative care is very important.
Research shows that minor side effects occur in about 7-10% of patients after epicanthoplasty or canthoplasty. However, the rate varies greatly depending on the surgeon's experience and post-operative care. In particular, the group that received sufficient preoperative consultation showed a satisfaction rate of 92%, while the group with insufficient consultation showed 75%, emphasizing the importance of the consultation process. Along with consultation, the most important factor is how you manage the area after surgery. Below, we will explain how to minimize side effects after surgery.
Post-operative care: how to stay safe
The average recovery period for epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty is about 2 weeks for swelling to decrease and about 3 months for the line to settle naturally. How you care for the area during this period affects the likelihood of scarring and re-adhesion.
① First week (swelling and bruising care)
-Cold compresses are essential for the first 48 hours after surgery. Applying them consistently 4-5 times a day for about 10 minutes helps reduce early swelling and bruising more quickly.
-It is best to sleep with your upper body elevated. Using about two pillows stacked together can improve blood circulation around the eyes.
-During this period, you should avoid washing your face and wearing makeup, and you must take your prescribed medication exactly as directed.
② Week 2 (preventing inflammation and beginning scar care)
-Starting from the second week, combining warm compresses can promote blood circulation and help bruising fade.
-Rubbing your eyes or touching them with your hands is strictly prohibited. Even minor irritation can lead to scarring.
-Scar ointment can usually be used from the second week onward, and applying a thin layer 2-3 times a day can help recovery.
③ Weeks 3-4 (returning to daily life)
-Gentle face washing and basic makeup are possible, but it is safer to avoid eye makeup such as eyeliner and mascara.
-Strenuous exercise, saunas, alcohol, and smoking should be avoided for at least one month. This is because excessive increases in blood circulation can worsen swelling and scarring.
-It is also best to avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 3-4 weeks.
④ Months 2-3 (line stabilization)
-During this period, the line gradually begins to settle. However, some residual swelling may remain, so it is advisable to continue using warm compresses and scar care products regularly.
-Sunscreen should also be applied carefully around the eyes. UV rays are a major cause of worsening scar pigmentation.
Actual academic statistics also show that patients who faithfully followed post-operative care instructions had a scarring rate of under 5%, while patients with insufficient care showed rates of 12% or higher. Since the likelihood of side effects can differ by more than twofold depending on care, the patient's own efforts are also important.
According to academic data, the side effect rate for epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty performed by a specialist with more than 10 years of experience is only 3-5%, but cases exceeding 10% have been reported when experience is insufficient. Based on many years of clinical experience and academic activity, the medical team at Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery proposes the optimal epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty design suited to each patient's eye shape and facial structure.
-Customized consultation → 92% satisfaction rate in the group with sufficient consultation
-Thorough care → scarring rate under 5% in the group with thorough care
-Experienced medical team → side effect rate of 3-5%
Based on these three principles, Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery provides each patient with the safest and most natural epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty. Our goal is not simply to make the eyes larger, but to create a natural and harmonious impression.
