What is Double Eyelid Surgery with Canthoplasty? How It Differs from Standard Double Eyelid Surgery

This article is compiled and medically reviewed by the specialist medical team at BonBoz Clinic.

What is Double Eyelid Surgery with Canthoplasty?

Eyelid surgery with canthoplasty is a surgical technique that widens the corners of the eyes. It is designed for individuals with small eyes, drooping eye corners, or those who want their eyes to look longer and larger overall—unlike standard double eyelid surgery, which only raises the height of the upper eyelid. In East Asians, medial canthoplasty (addressing the epicanthic fold) is typically more common than lateral canthoplasty, though the technique can be applied to both areas depending on your specific eye condition.

You can picture it this way: if your eyes are slightly small or the outer corners droop, eyelid surgery with canthoplasty helps "lift" the outer corners, creating a longer eye shape.

The Difference Between Eyelid Surgery with Canthoplasty and Standard Double Eyelid Surgery

These two techniques are not the same, even though both involve the eyelids.

Standard double eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty):

• Only targets the upper eyelid
• Main purpose is to raise the height of the upper eyelid and widen the field of vision
• Suitable for sagging eyelids that cover the pupil, or when you want your eyes to look more awake
• Does not change the length or overall shape of the eye

Eyelid surgery with canthoplasty:

• Targets the outer corners of the eyes (and sometimes the inner corners)
• Aims to elongate the eye shape and widen the eye corners
• Suitable for those wanting larger eyes, deeper eye corners, or when the corners of the eyes are drooping
• Changes the overall shape of the eye

In some cases, you may need a combination of both—upper blepharoplasty to raise the eyelid height, and canthoplasty to increase the overall size. Depending on your eye condition, the doctor will advise the most suitable option.

Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery with Canthoplasty?

You may consider this technique if you experience any of the following:

• Small eyes that lack brightness relative to the rest of your face
• Slightly drooping or downward-sloping outer corners of the eyes
• Desire for longer, more almond-shaped eyes with a Western look
• Eyes covered by excess eyelid skin or fat tissue at the corners

• Have never had eye surgery before and want to improve your overall appearance

However, everyone has a unique eye structure. The doctors at BonBoz will conduct a thorough examination, assess your eye shape and eyelid laxity, and recommend the optimal solution for you.

The Procedure for Eyelid Surgery with Canthoplasty

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. 1Detailed consultation and examination. The doctor examines your eye structure, eyelid laxity, measures your eye dimensions, and determines your aesthetic goals.
2. 2Design and marking. The doctor draws the incision and corner-opening lines on your eyes for your confirmation before proceeding.
3. 3Anesthesia and surgery. The doctor administers local anesthesia, then performs the incision and lifts the eye corners according to the pre-planned design.
4. 4Suturing and completion. After adjusting the shape, the doctor closes the incisions with fine sutures or leaves them sutureless (depending on the technique).
5. 5Post-operative care. You will receive instructions on cleaning, medication, and avoiding strenuous activities during your recovery.

Post-Operative Care

Recovery typically takes a few weeks. During this period, you should:

• Keep the incision clean and wash it gently with clean water
• Apply cold compresses on the first day to reduce swelling, followed by warm compresses to improve circulation
• Avoid physical activities and excessive eye movement
• Do not touch, rub, or scratch the incision
• Take anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics as directed by your doctor

According to the official post-operative eyelid care guidelines at BonBoz: avoid seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants for about 1 month to support optimal wound healing. Suture removal is typically scheduled for day 7 after surgery; your doctor will set a specific appointment for you.

• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled so the doctor can monitor the healing process and remove sutures if necessary

Everyone heals at a different pace, but generally, you can return to normal activities after one to two weeks. The final results will stabilize after about one to three months.

Need a Direct Consultation?

Eyelid surgery with canthoplasty is an excellent option if you want to comprehensively improve the size and shape of your eyes. However, only an experienced doctor can accurately assess whether this is the right approach for you.

If you are looking to enhance your eyes, visit BonBoz for a free consultation. The doctors at BonBoz will listen to your concerns, perform a careful examination, and recommend the most suitable solution for your goals—whether it is eyelid surgery with canthoplasty, standard double eyelid surgery, or another approach.

Content compiled and reviewed by the specialist medical team at BonBoz Clinic.