Medial Epicanthoplasty Surgery in Singapore
Fellow of Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery) Registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Singapore Medical Council
The appearance of the inner corner of the eyes can have a significant influence on overall eye shape and facial balance. A common concern among patients is that their eyes appear smaller, further apart or less open than they would like, prompting them to seek procedures that can refine the overall appearance of their eyes.
Medial epicanthoplasty is one of the procedures that may be considered to achieve these aesthetic goals, either on its own or together with double eyelid surgery.
What Is Medial Epicanthoplasty?
Medial epicanthoplasty is a type of epicanthoplasty that focuses on the medial epicanthal fold, a fold of skin at the inner corner of the eye. In some individuals, this fold may partially cover the inner corner of the eye or obscure the inner portion of the upper eyelid crease.
The procedure reshapes or releases the medial epicanthal fold to create the appearance of a more open inner eye. Depending on your anatomy and desired outcome, it may make the eyes appear more balanced, improve the visibility of the inner eyelid crease and complement other eyelid procedures such as double eyelid surgery.
As every patient's eye shape and facial proportions are different, the surgical approach is tailored to achieve results that are proportionate and natural-looking while taking incision placement and scar management into account.
Who May Want to Consider Medial Epicanthoplasty?
Medial epicanthoplasty may be suitable for individuals seeking to refine the appearance of the inner eye corner as part of overall eyelid enhancement. It is commonly considered by patients who wish to create a more open-looking eye shape, improve facial balance or enhance the appearance of the inner eyelid crease.
The procedure may also be suitable for those who wish to:
Create a more open-looking eye shape
Improve the balance and proportions of the eyes
Enhance the appearance of the inner eyelid crease
Complement the results of double eyelid surgery
However, not every patient will benefit from medial epicanthoplasty, and suitability depends on individual anatomy, skin characteristics and aesthetic goals. A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon can determine whether medial epicanthoplasty is appropriate for your desired outcome and whether it should be performed on its own or together with another eyelid procedure.
Medial Epicanthoplasty vs Double Eyelid Surgery
Medial epicanthoplasty is not the same as double eyelid surgery. However, the procedure is commonly performed alongside double eyelid surgery, and both procedures are expected to complement one another.
| Medial Epicanthoplasty | Double Eyelid Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Refines the inner corner of the eye by addressing the medial epicanthal fold | Creates or reshapes the upper eyelid crease |
| Area Treated | Inner corner of the eye | Upper eyelid |
| Main Concern Addressed | Prominent epicanthal fold that makes the eyes appear smaller | Absent, low or uneven eyelid creases, or excess upper eyelid skin that causes drooping |
| Expected Outcome | Creates a more open-looking inner eye and may enhance overall eye proportions | Creates a more defined upper eyelid crease and improves eyelid definition |
How Is the Epicanthoplasty Procedure Performed?
While the surgical approach varies according to each patient's anatomy and treatment goals, medial epicanthoplasty generally follows a structured process from surgical planning through recovery.
- Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your consultation begins with a discussion of your aesthetic goals and an assessment of your eye shape, facial proportions and eyelid anatomy. Based on these findings, your plastic surgeon will determine the most appropriate surgical approach and whether medial epicanthoplasty should be performed on its own or alongside another eyelid procedure.
- Pre-Operative Marking and Anaesthesia
Before surgery, the planned incision lines are carefully marked to guide the procedure. Depending on the planned treatment, medial epicanthoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or another suitable anaesthetic approach recommended by your surgeon.
- Reshaping the Medial Epicanthal Fold
A precisely planned incision is made at the inner corner of the eye to reshape or release the medial epicanthal fold. The surgical technique is selected to achieve the planned aesthetic outcome while carefully considering the natural contours of the eye and scar placement.
- Wound Closure
Once the desired correction has been achieved, the incision is closed using fine sutures. Careful wound closure helps support healing and minimise the visibility of the surgical scar as it matures.
- Follow-Up Care
After the procedure, follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor healing, remove sutures where appropriate and review your recovery. Your surgeon will also provide instructions on wound care, activity restrictions and when you can gradually return to your usual routine.
Recovery After Epicanthoplasty Surgery
Recovery following medial epicanthoplasty varies between individuals, but most patients can expect temporary swelling and bruising around the inner corners of the eyes during the initial healing period. These symptoms generally improve gradually over the following days and weeks.
It is important to keep the incision area clean and follow your surgeon's wound care instructions carefully. Avoid rubbing the eyes or applying make-up around the treated area until you have been advised that it is safe to do so.
Many patients are able to resume light daily activities within several days, although strenuous exercise, swimming and activities that may place pressure on the eyes should be avoided until your surgeon advises otherwise. Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual and whether epicanthoplasty has been combined with other eyelid procedures.
Possible Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, medial epicanthoplasty carries potential risks and complications. While every effort is made to minimise these through careful surgical planning and technique, no procedure is entirely risk-free.
Temporary Side Effects
Swelling, bruising, mild discomfort and temporary tightness around the inner corner of the eyes are common during the initial healing period. These effects usually improve gradually as recovery progresses.
Surgical Risks
Although uncommon, possible complications include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, visible scarring, asymmetry, undercorrection or overcorrection of the medial epicanthal fold and dissatisfaction with the final aesthetic outcome. In some cases, additional treatment or revision surgery may be discussed if further refinement is required.
Factors That May Affect Your Results
Healing and surgical outcomes vary between individuals. Factors such as your anatomy, skin characteristics, scarring tendency, adherence to post-operative instructions and whether the procedure is performed together with other eyelid surgery can all influence the final result.
Personalised Medial Epicanthoplasty with Dr Andrew Tay
Undergoing medial epicanthoplasty can be a complex and detailed process, and patients will require close guidance. An experienced plastic surgeon is able to assess your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals and the changes you wish to achieve, so that they can create a surgery plan that helps achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
At The Plastic Surgery Practice, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Dr Andrew Tay provides personalised treatment planning for patients considering medial epicanthoplasty, with careful attention to facial harmony, surgical precision and long-term outcomes.
If you are exploring options to refine the appearance of your eyes, contact us to arrange a consultation and discuss whether medial epicanthoplasty is suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Epicanthoplasty
Meet Our Epicanthoplasty Specialist
Dr Andrew Tay
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
As a Registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon with the Singapore Medical Council, Dr Andrew George Tay is committed to delivering meticulous surgical care, clear communication and long-term follow-up throughout every stage of treatment.
In eyelid surgery, Dr Tay adopts a personalised approach that takes into account each patient's eye anatomy, facial proportions and aesthetic goals. Whether performing medial epicanthoplasty as a standalone procedure or in combination with double eyelid surgery, he carefully plans each operation to achieve balanced, natural-looking results while preserving facial harmony.