Epicanthoplastyis a form of eye surgery that tries to stretch the inner portions of the eye to increase the size. This cosmetic operation, also known as "inner corner fold excision" or "Mongolian fold correction," is generally done in Asian nations. The Mongolian fold (medically known as the epicanthal fold) seen in the corners of the eyes is one of the most noticeable Asian characteristics. The epicanthal fold is a web-like structure that runs across the eye and covers the medial canthus—explained that this fold might diminish the appearance of the eyelids by making them seem smaller laterally and tired-looking. Women and men seek epicanthoplasty to get a more "Westernized appearance" or to make the eyes "appear bigger, brighter, and more attentive," but also biologically more significant. It is also often requested by patients whose epicanthal folds are so prominent that they impair the look and shape of their eyes. Because of the incisions, this cosmetic operation may create post-surgical scar lines, although this may be prevented by adopting more modern procedures like Z-plasty.
Epicanthoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair the eyes' Mongolian fold (or Epicanthic fold). The Mongolian fold is the top eyelid skin covering the eyes' inner corner.
The skin protecting the inner corner of the eyes has various drawbacks: (i)The space between the eyes looks to be excessive, (ii) It makes the eyes feel weird, (iii) the Eyes might seem to be smaller, and (iv) The form of the eyes seems to be amorphous.
Epicanthoplasty entails making tiny incisions on the inner corners of the eyes to address the issues mentioned above. The end outcome is more prominent, cleaner eyes. Epicanthoplasty is combined with Double Eyelid Surgery to create considerably cleaner, more attractive, and natural-looking eyes.
A close view of a woman's eye After a patient has decided to have epicanthoplasty, a pre-surgical assessment is undertaken to determine the severity of the epicanthal fold. Following the evaluation, the incisions are designed and marked. Epicanthoplasty may be classified into two types:
- Medial epicanthoplasty:It concentrates on the inner corner of the eye, making it seem larger and more open; it may help correct slanted eyes.
- Lateral epicanthoplasty:This operation treats the outer corner of the eyes as well as the inner eye fold. Eyes may be greatly extended and slanted eyes fixed through lateral epicanthoplasty.
Following a comprehensive evaluation, the doctor will recommend the best procedure for the patient's individual requirements.
The administration of local anesthetic frequently precedes the actual epicanthoplasty procedure when the procedure is completed, the cosmetic surgeon will make pre-planned incisions around the corner of the eye. The surgeon makes tiny flaps via these incisions to reconstruct the contour of the inner eyelid. The extra skin will be removed. Incisions in the outer corners of the eyes are also produced during lateral epicanthoplasty. The region is gently sutured to seal the exposed skin folds after the surgeon effectively "opens up" the eyes.
Epicanthal surgery is often conducted as an outpatient procedure that lasts 30 minutes to an hour. The eyelids would seem puffy and bruised after surgery. A two-week recuperation time is usually advised. Because the eyelids are permitted to mend and return to normal during recovery, patients are encouraged to relax and avoid vigorous activities and sports. To treat discomfort, pain medication is administered. Wearing eye makeup is not advised until the stitches have been removed (a week after surgery).
The following aesthetic advantages may be obtained via epicanthoplasty eyelid surgery:
- Reduces intercanthal distance, making the eyes look closer together (ideal ratio between the length of eyes and intercanthal distance is 1:1)
- Exposes the medial side of the eyes, making them seem larger and brighter.
- To decrease wrinkles, reveal the medial part of the double fold.
- The medial canthus is shifted medially and upwardly to make the eyes look less tilted.
A thick epicanthal fold obstructs the normal creation of an outfold crease. As a result, epicanthoplasty is often done in conjunction with double eyelid surgery. This helps to remove a portion of the epicanthal fold so that a crease may form naturally without strain or scarring.
Epicanthoplasty is a safe treatment with extremely high success and satisfaction rates when done by a certified and skilled surgeon. However, like any surgical operation, there are potential risks and problems. The following are some potential hazards that the patient should adequately consider:
- Poor scarring:Epicanthoplasty may now be done utilizing procedures that use concealed incisions to prevent apparent scarring following the treatment. However, the possibility of unanticipated scarring remains. Scars may be visible for a few months before improving with time.
- Allergies: Although allergic reactions to the anesthesia or sutures are conceivable, they are infrequent. Skin testing for allergens is usually undertaken before the surgery to prevent this problem.
- Unsatisfactory outcomes:Disappointing outcomes may be prevented by ensuring that a trained, experienced plastic surgeon performs the surgery.
- Infection:A very unusual problem that might develop if the incisions get infected. This is readily treated with either oral or topical antibiotics.
Epicanthoplasty post-operative problems are pretty uncommon. In practice, the treatment is simple and painless, and patients are delighted with their fresh new pair of more extensive, brighter eyes.
Along with double-eyelid surgery, medial epicanthoplasty is a typical cosmetic procedure. Epicanthoplasty generates scarring that is comparable in quantity and severity to double-eyelid surgery.
The medial epicanthoplasty technique pulls this fold of skin closer to the top eyelids, allowing the eye to open up more horizontally. Dr. Park invented the medial epicanthoplasty surgery, which we use to modify the epicanthal fold, to reshape this region of the eyelid.
The administration of local anesthetic frequently precedes the actual epicanthoplasty procedure. When the procedure is completed, the cosmetic surgeon will make pre-planned incisions around the corner of the eye. The surgeon makes tiny flaps via these incisions to reconstruct the contour of the inner eyelid. The extra skin will be removed.
Epicanthoplasty is a cosmetic surgical treatment that removes the 'Mongolian fold' that blocks the medial corner of the eye. A broad fold may obscure a large portion of the inner eye, causing the eyes to seem overly widely separated or too short horizontally.
When combined with epicanthoplasty, eyelid surgery may generate an equal length between the eyes and a more soft and defined eye look. In the case of Asian patients, the surgeon must be cautious not to remove the complete epicanthal fold. In such a circumstance, the patient may lose their inherent Asian identity.
In Asians with a harsher look, most of the epicanthal fold may be eliminated, leaving just a little portion. This will give a softer, more open appearance. Patients with existing round faces, on the other hand, should have a modest epicanthal fold following surgery to contrast sharper eyes with other softer elements of the face.