Epicanthus is a skin fold located in the inner corner of the eyelids that covers the inner part of the eye corner. This fold is present in 2-5% of the non-Asian population, while in the Asian population, it ranges from 40-90%.
Epicanthoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of the epicanthal fold (the fold in the inner corner) to elongate and open up the inner part of the eye. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately 45 minutes.
People often combine epicanthoplasty with upper eyelid plastic surgery to achieve more beautiful and brighter-looking eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is epicanthoplasty suitable for?
Epicanthoplasty is suitable for you if:
· You want to improve the overall appearance of your eyes,
· You want to have bigger eyes but want to maintain your ethnic features,
· You have a pronounced epicanthal fold in the inner corner that worsens the appearance of your eyes.
A consultation with a surgeon is necessary before the procedure, during which the doctor will discuss your medical history with you to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
What to do before the surgery?
Before the procedure, a preoperative examination is necessary, which can be arranged by your or our general practitioner. This examination includes a blood test, including clotting values, laboratory determination of liver function values, mineral content, and other factors. An assessment of heart function is only necessary for procedures performed under general anesthesia or for patients over 40 years of age or with heart problems.
We do not recommend taking medications such as Acylpyrin, Alnagon, Aspirin, Mironal, which can cause increased bleeding during and after the operation. Clients taking blood thinners (such as Warfarin) should consult with their treating physician about temporary discontinuation.
What to do on the day of the operation?
On the day of the surgery, you will arrive at the clinic at the agreed time. You will bring your pre-operative examination, which must include a statement from your general practitioner regarding your fitness for the procedure. The pre-operative examination must not be older than 14 days prior to the surgery.
How does the plastic surgery proceed?
After careful marking, a surgical incision is made. The excess skin and a fine strip of orbicularis oculi muscle are then removed. The wound is closed with a fine intradermal suture. Finally, a special dressing is applied to the wound.
The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.
What to do after the surgery?
After the plastic eyelid surgery, the wounds are covered with a thin plaster. The client leaves immediately after the procedure without significantly impaired vision. However, they should not drive a car, so we recommend that they arrange for a companion to take them home. Before leaving, the client will be thoroughly instructed on postoperative care at home.
During the postoperative period, it is advisable to follow a rest regime and apply cooling compresses to prevent the development of larger swelling and bruises. The most significant swelling disappears after thorough cooling within a few days and usually completely resolves within one to two weeks. It is recommended to sleep with the head elevated for a week and limit physical activity that could raise blood pressure.
Exact instructions
During the first 24 hours, it is recommended that you apply cold compresses (cooling gels) over sterile covering in 30-minute intervals with 30-minute breaks. You do not need to apply them overnight.
On the second day, keep the thin elastic bandages attached to the skin. It's important that the bandages do not get wet for 7 days, and continue to ice them with a flattened tissue so that the bandages remain dry.
On the third day after surgery, it is still advisable to use ice, but not in such great intensity. Swelling and bruising on the eyelids occur after surgery and may persist for 2-3 weeks. It's natural, so don't worry.
On the 7th day after surgery, you will come to the clinic to have the stitches removed. The bandages on the eyelids must remain in place until the stitches are removed. If the bandage comes off earlier, you should come to the clinic for reapplication. After the stitches are removed, icing is no longer necessary.
On the 13th day after surgery, you can start with gentle scar massage. Gently press the tip of your finger onto the scar, apply pressure for about 30 seconds, then move your finger to another area of the scar. Massage the scar several times a day in this way. You can use a fragrance-free cream or olive oil.
After the operation, you should avoid exposure to sunlight for 2-3 months and it is advisable to protect your eyelids with a high-factor sunscreen.
The inability to work or work incapacity.
The client can start performing a light, so-called office job from the 3rd day after the operation, but they should expect significant swelling and bruising, which will persist for approximately 1-2 weeks. The final result of the upper eyelid surgery is evaluated after 4-8 weeks when the swelling has completely subsided, and the scar is almost invisible.
