Cheongdam Eye Surgery: Why Do People Insist on Lateral Canthoplasty for Cat Eyes?

Hello. This is SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, providing Cheongdam eye surgery.

Among all facial features, the eyes and nose have always accounted for the largest proportion in cosmetic surgery. Even if other areas were slightly lacking, transforming the eyes and nose to match current trends could make other imperfections less noticeable, making them symbols of beauty for us.

In particular, the eyes were considered a crucial part in determining a person's impression. Depending on their shape, eyes can make someone appear fierce, kind, or melancholic, leading modern people to desire the most ideal eye shape.

Many clients seek eye surgery for various aesthetic changes. The most common types of eye surgery are epicanthoplasty (front canthoplasty), lateral canthoplasty (back canthoplasty), and double eyelid surgery. Among these, canthoplasty is divided into front and back, and even in the 2010s, epicanthoplasty was very popular.

However, in the 2020s, many people are opting for lateral canthoplasty, with its popularity almost on par with epicanthoplasty.

The reason is the desire for what is known as ‘cat eyes.’ To achieve this eye shape, lateral canthoplasty is necessary. While some people naturally have slightly upturned outer corners of their eyes without surgery, those whose outer corners droop downwards often seek this procedure because it can give a melancholic impression.

Reasons for Desiring Cat Eyes

Recently, among clients coming for Cheongdam eye surgery, a significant number desired lateral canthoplasty, or ‘cat eyes.’

After consulting with various clients about their reasons, it became clear that they wanted to emulate the eye shapes of celebrities. Also, given that South Korea is sensitive to trends, if a particular celebrity's eye shape receives much praise, everyone wants to have it.

Representative celebrities with ‘cat eyes’ include Yeji (ITZY), Haerin (NewJeans), and Cha Ye-ryun (actress). While they might appear fierce at first glance, these three individuals possess the 'cat-like' eye shape most preferred by women.

Therefore, there has been a surge in clients desiring this shape recently. Dr. Eui-cheol Jung, director of SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, which provides Cheongdam eye surgery, performs procedures not based on his own arbitrary judgment, but by developing a plan solely based on the client's wishes to achieve excellent results.

After repeatedly examining how to perform lateral canthoplasty for the most ideal outcome, it was determined that it's crucial to tailor the approach to each individual's unique eye shape, size, position, and presence or absence of double eyelids.

In other words, at our clinic, we precisely assess each client's eye condition, considering even skin thickness, to provide a customized one-on-one treatment.

Lateral Canthoplasty Surgical Methods

Medically, lateral canthoplasty is called lateral canthal enlargement. It involves incising the outer (lateral) corner of the eye to lengthen the horizontal dimension of the eye, creating larger and more open eyes.

There are two methods for lateral canthoplasty. One is the general lateral canthoplasty, which involves incising the outer corner of the eye to widen its horizontal length. This can slightly lower the outer corner of the eye, giving a refreshed impression, but excessive incision might lead to reattachment or loss of effect.

The other method is when lateral canthoplasty is performed along with epicanthoplasty, which involves simultaneously incising both the outer and lower parts of the eye.

This method can slightly lower the outer corner of the eye, creating a larger eye shape, and is preferred for producing a natural and soft impression.

Additionally, depending on the client's eye condition, there are methods such as incising the outer corner of the eye and then suturing and fixing the muscle and skin, or incising the outer corner and fixing the lateral canthal ligament to the orbital periosteum.

When clients visit for Cheongdam eye surgery, we explain these methods based on their eye condition, and proceed according to the client's decision. While non-surgical methods exist for cosmetic eye surgery, their effects revert to the original state after the maintenance period.

Who Needs Lateral Canthoplasty?

Therefore, for a fundamentally lasting lateral canthoplasty result throughout life, surgical methods are ideal.

While most people seeking lateral canthoplasty nowadays desire ‘cat eyes,’ there are others who specifically need it. These include individuals who want to change their eye size and impression, or those with personal complexes due to their eye shape.

Recently, not only at SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic but generally, the demand for epicanthoplasty and lateral canthoplasty is increasing due to a combination of factors: aesthetic standards, resolving personal complexes, trends, and boosting self-confidence. We strive to provide complete satisfaction at our clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of surgery is lateral canthoplasty?

Lateral canthoplasty is also known as 'outer canthus enlargement surgery'. It is a cosmetic plastic surgery method that involves incising the outer corner of the eye to lengthen the horizontal dimension of the eye, creating a larger and more refreshing eye shape. It can also slightly lower the outer corner of the eye to create a softer impression.

Why is lateral canthoplasty popular these days?

The main reason lateral canthoplasty has become popular recently is due to the trend of preferring a 'cat eye' look. Influenced by celebrities, there's an increased demand for a refreshing and attractive eye shape, and many people also seek it to improve the impression of droopy outer eye corners that can make them look sad.

What are the types of lateral canthoplasty procedures?

There are various types of lateral canthoplasty procedures. Standard lateral canthoplasty involves incising the outer corner of the eye to widen its horizontal length, giving a refreshing impression with a slightly lowered outer corner. Additionally, there is a method that combines lateral canthoplasty and epicanthoplasty (or lower canthoplasty) to incise both the outer and lower parts of the eye simultaneously. Depending on the patient's eye condition, muscle and skin suturing or lateral ligament fixation methods may be applied.

Who needs lateral canthoplasty?

Lateral canthoplasty is necessary for individuals who want to change their eye size and impression, or who have personal complexes due to their eye shape. It is especially considered by those who desire a 'cat eye' look or who have droopy outer eye corners that give a sad impression.

Is personalized lateral canthoplasty possible?

Yes, it is possible. At SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, we precisely assess the client's eye shape, size, position, presence of double eyelids, skin thickness, and other factors. Based on this, we establish a personalized surgical plan to create the ideal eye shape the client desires.