Epicanthoplasty in Seomyeon, Busan

What is epicanthoplasty?

The epicanthal fold, or Mongolian fold, is a small web of skin over the inner corner of the eye (the medial canthus). It is common in East Asian eyelids and can make the eyes look set further apart, hide the pink caruncle and cause a double eyelid crease to tuck in at the inner end. Epicanthoplasty (앞트임) reshapes this fold to reveal a little more of the inner corner. The aim is a subtle change, usually a few millimetres; over-correction is difficult to reverse.

Who is it for?

People with a clearly visible fold who find their crease looks short or the eyes far apart
Patients having double eyelid surgery who want the crease to show from the inner end
Those with realistic expectations about a small, natural change

If your inner corners are already close together, epicanthoplasty can make the face look unbalanced, and a careful surgeon may advise against it.

What happens at the clinic

Measurement: the surgeon measures the distance between the inner corners and between the pupils and gently pulls the fold to preview the result.
Design: a technique is chosen; Z-plasty and redraping methods are designed to minimise visible scarring.
Procedure: under local anesthesia, small skin flaps are cut and repositioned, and fibrous bands may be released.
Closure: very fine stitches are placed; same-day discharge.

Recovery and aftercare

Swelling is usually less than with eyelid crease surgery, but the inner corner can look red and slightly tight. Keep the area clean and dry, use prescribed ointment, avoid rubbing and wear sunglasses outdoors. After stitch removal, many surgeons recommend silicone gel or scar care for several weeks. Redness typically fades over 3–6 months.

Risks and side effects

Visible or raised scarring at the inner corner, more likely in thick skin
Over-correction, giving a sharp, unnatural look or exposed red tissue
Asymmetry between eyes
Re-attachment of the fold (relapse)

Reverse epicanthoplasty exists but is technically demanding and rarely restores the original shape fully.

Choosing a clinic for epicanthoplasty in Seomyeon

Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who shows you the measured inner-corner distance and a realistic preview.
Ask which technique they use and where the scar will sit.
Ask what they would do if the result were over-corrected or relapsed.
Check that scar-care products and follow-up visits are part of the plan.
Request clear aftercare instructions in a language you are comfortable with.

For visitors to Busan

Plan around a week in the city for stitch removal. Seomyeon's clinic district sits around a major metro interchange, so getting back for a follow-up is straightforward.

Does epicanthoplasty leave a scar?

There is always a small scar, but with good technique it sits at the inner corner and usually fades over 3–6 months. People with thick or keloid-prone skin are at higher risk of a visible scar and should discuss this before surgery.

Can epicanthoplasty be done alone or only with double eyelid surgery?

It can be done alone, but it is often combined with double eyelid surgery because opening the inner fold helps the crease show along its full length. Your surgeon will advise whether the combination suits your eye shape.

Can epicanthoplasty be reversed?

Reverse procedures exist to partially recreate the fold, but they are difficult and results are less predictable. This is why a conservative amount of correction is strongly recommended the first time.

How long is the recovery?

Stitches are removed after about a week, and most people return to normal activities then. Redness and slight firmness at the inner corner can last a few months while the scar matures.

Is epicanthoplasty painful?

Local anesthetic makes the procedure itself comfortable apart from the initial injection. Afterward, expect mild tightness or soreness for a few days, generally managed with simple pain relievers.

Seomyeon.Clinic