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Created by opening the upper inner corner at 45 degreesSUGAR Plastic Surgery Upper Canthoplasty

SUGAR Plastic Surgery Upper Canthoplasty

Upper Canthoplasty

Sugar Motto

Canthoplasty is about direction, not size

A more open inner corner, smoother double-eyelid crease, and clearer appearance—all at once

SUGAR Plastic Surgery's upper canthoplasty opens the upper inner corner at a 45-degree angle without cutting the fold at the inner corner, creating a larger, rounder eye shape while naturally softening a sharp impression. During consultation, we assess your eye shape and double-eyelid crease together. The board-certified plastic surgeon who consults with you then personally performs your surgery and follow-up checks. This detailed care at every step, from consultation through recovery, is SUGAR Plastic Surgery's approach to eye surgery.

Upper Canthoplasty

What Is Upper Canthoplasty?

Upper canthoplasty opens the upper inner corner at a 45-degree angle without cutting the fold at the inner corner. It creates a larger, rounder eye shape and naturally softens a sharp appearance. By vertically opening the upper inner corner to reveal more of the eye, it creates a clearer, more open expression.

Combining it with double-eyelid surgery may produce a more defined result, but it can also be performed alone. We assess your eye shape to decide whether a standalone or combined procedure would suit you better.

Who Needs It

You may wish to consider this procedure if you have these concerns

01If the eyes appear close togetherThis procedure may be considered when the eyes appear close together, much of the lacrimal caruncle is visible, or the inner corners look constricted.
02If the front of the double-eyelid crease looks constrictedUpper canthoplasty may be considered when you want the front of the double-eyelid crease to look more open.
03If the front of the crease descended after double-eyelid surgeryCorrection may be planned if the front of the crease appears to have descended after previous surgery.
04If people say you look sleepyUpper canthoplasty vertically extends the inner eye area to increase scleral show. If weak eye-opening strength is the cause, ptosis correction may be considered; an assessment distinguishes between them.

The location and extent of canthoplasty vary with eye shape and facial proportions, so an accurate assessment and a plan tailored to you are important.

Features

Features of Upper Canthoplasty

This procedure creates a more open inner corner, a smoother double-eyelid crease, and a clearer appearance at the same time.

01A technique that reduces the extent of incisionWithout cutting the fold at the inner corner, the upper inner corner is opened at a 45-degree angle through a minimal incision, which is sutured internally so the scar is not visible.
02Large, round eyesOpening the upper inner corner vertically reveals more of the eye, creating a larger, rounder, softer eye shape.
03Softening a sharp eye shapeA sharp-looking eye shape is softened naturally to create a clearer, more open expression.

Surgical Method

SUGAR Plastic Surgery Upper Canthoplasty Procedure

SUGAR Plastic Surgery, where we create natural beauty, explains its upper canthoplasty procedure.

Upper canthoplasty procedure, Step 01 — Design01 · DesignThe desired amount of upper opening is designed in detail.
Upper canthoplasty procedure, Step 02 — Vertical extension02 · Vertical ExtensionThe tissue is lifted upward precisely along the incision line at a 45-degree angle.
Upper canthoplasty procedure, Step 03 — Minimal-incision suturing03 · Minimal-Incision SuturingAfter a minimal incision, the tissue is sutured internally so the scar is not visible.
Upper canthoplasty procedure, Step 04 — Complete04 · CompletionA large, round, soft eye shape is completed.

Upper Canthoplasty Procedure Information

Surgery TimeWithin 30 minutes
AnesthesiaSedation ·Local anesthesia
Stitch RemovalAfter 7 days
Return to Daily ActivitiesWithin 1 weekVaries by individual

Why Sugar

Why Choose SUGAR Plastic Surgery for Canthoplasty?

At SUGAR Plastic Surgery, precise diagnosis, personalized planning, and postoperative care are all part of one continuous eye-surgery journey.

01

100% of surgeries performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

The board-certified plastic surgeon who conducts your consultation also performs your surgery.
In accordance with Korean law requiring CCTV in operating rooms, our operating-room CCTV system is in operation,
protecting patients' rights.

02

Detailed 1:1 planning for your eyes

We assess the horizontal and vertical proportions of the eyes, the double-eyelid crease, and the direction of opening together
then design an eye shape that suits your face.

03

A technique selected for your eye anatomy

From upper canthoplasty, epicanthoplasty, and Wave Lateral-Lower Canthoplasty to double-eyelid surgery,
we do not insist on a single approach; we select procedures suited to your eye condition and preferences.

Sugar Know-How

SUGAR Plastic Surgery's Canthoplasty Expertise

These are the principles SUGAR Plastic Surgery follows for canthoplasty.

01We begin by assessing proportionsRather than maximizing the opening, we design the extent to suit the distance between the eyes and the proportions of your facial features.
02We minimize scarringAfter a minimal incision, the tissue is sutured internally so the scar is not visible.
03We plan it together with the double-eyelid creaseAfter assessing your eyes, we decide whether a standalone procedure or combination with double-eyelid surgery would suit you better.
04Care through recoveryAlong with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care, we provide wound care and follow-up checks according to a set postoperative schedule.

Procedure

The SUGAR Plastic Surgery Canthoplasty Process

011:1 Consultation with a SpecialistWe assess your eye shape, double-eyelid crease, and the direction in which canthoplasty is needed, then discuss your desired look in detail.
02Personalized DesignThe location and extent of canthoplasty are determined to suit your facial proportions.
03Surgery Under AnesthesiaAfter preoperative testing, surgery is performed under sedation or local anesthesia.
04Recovery CareAfter surgery, wound care and follow-up checks are provided according to a set schedule.

Recovery

Recovery Guide

Immediately after surgery to day 3Swelling is usually most noticeable during this period and is managed with cold compresses.
After 7 daysStitches are removed.
1–2 weeksAs major swelling subsides, daily activities begin to feel more natural.
AfterwardResidual swelling gradually subsides over several months as the final contour settles.

Recovery time varies by individual. All surgery carries the possibility of general side effects such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation, and results may vary. Please consult thoroughly with a specialist before surgery.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Upper Canthoplasty: Risks, Contraindications, and Emergency Warning Signs

For a safe treatment plan, please review the potential risks, the information we need before treatment, and the symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Possible Side Effects

Possible risks include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, overcorrection, undercorrection, scarring at the inner corner or upper eyelid, recurrent adhesion, dry eyes, and difficulty closing the eyes.

Contraindications and Precautions

Please tell us if you have dry eye, glaucoma, thyroid eye disease, a history of vision-correction surgery, an active infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, a bleeding disorder, a previous adverse reaction to anesthesia, a possibility of pregnancy, or if you smoke or take any medications or dietary supplements. Do not stop anticoagulants or other medications on your own; consult the prescribing clinician first.

Emergency Warning Signs

Contact the clinic immediately if you develop a sudden change in vision, severe eye pain, rapidly increasing swelling on one side, bleeding that will not stop, a high fever, or pus. If there is a clear decline in vision, go to the emergency room immediately.

This is general safety information and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Actual risks and contraindications may vary depending on the procedure, products used, and your health.

Medical review scheduled: Dr. Jin-Hyung Kim, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Content updated: August 18, 2026

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A.

Upper canthoplasty opens the upper inner corner vertically at a 45-degree angle to reveal more of the eye. Greater scleral show creates a larger, rounder, softer eye shape and can naturally soften a sharp-looking expression.

A.

The epicanthal fold is a fold of skin covering the inner corner of the eye. When thick, it can make the eye look shorter horizontally, smaller, and more constricted than it is. It can also cover the front of the double-eyelid crease, making the crease look unnatural.

A.

Yes. Upper canthoplasty is often performed with double-eyelid surgery for a more defined result. Combining them can create a more open eye shape by connecting the inner corner naturally with the double-eyelid crease. We decide whether to combine the procedures after assessing your eyes.

A.

Yes. Upper canthoplasty can be performed on its own. It is a relatively low-burden procedure performed through a minimal incision without cutting the fold at the inner corner, so a meaningful result can be expected when it is performed alone. We assess your eye shape to decide whether a standalone or combined procedure would suit you better.

A.

Upper canthoplasty vertically extends the inner eye area to increase scleral show, while ptosis correction strengthens the eye-opening muscle. An assessment distinguishes the source of a sleepy-looking appearance.

A.

The color and tightness of the scar at the inner corner, differences between the two sides, and any recurrent narrowing are checked according to a set schedule. Seek prompt medical care if the wound opens or redness or pain worsens rapidly.

A.

The skin fold covering the inner corner and the strength that lifts the upper eyelid are separate factors. We examine each to distinguish the roles of canthoplasty and ptosis correction.

A.

Contact the clinic immediately if you experience a sudden change in vision, severe eye pain, or rapidly increasing swelling on only one side.

Sugar Care System

SUGAR Plastic Surgery stays with you after surgery

01Plastic Surgery with Attention to Detail

Every step is handled with care, from an in-depth 1:1 consultation and precise diagnosis to operating-room CCTV monitoring and the selection of materials suited to you.

02SUGAR Reassurance Care

We closely support your recovery with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care.

03Surgical Care Guarantee

We remain by your side through every stage of postoperative follow-up.