Lateral Canthoplasty in Seoul, Korea
Lateral canthoplasty widens the outer corner of the eye to lengthen it horizontally and soften an upturned eye tail. It only works if there is enough space beyond the visible corner, which is checked by examination.
- Procedure time
- About 30–90 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia or IV sedation
- Time in Seoul
- 5–7 days in Seoul
- Recovery
- Stitches out on day 5–7

Who is Lateral Canthoplasty for?
- Your eyes are short horizontally
- Your outer corners tilt up and look sharp
How Lateral Canthoplasty works
The visible outer corner can sit inside the bony orbit's edge. If there is hidden space, releasing the corner and repositioning the lining extends the eye outward.
If there is little space, the effect is small and re-adhesion is more likely, so we examine this before recommending surgery.
Our approach to Lateral Canthoplasty
Space check
Suitability is confirmed by examining the outer corner.
Softer eye tail
Corner direction can be adjusted to look gentler.
Lateral Canthoplasty: step by step
- ExaminationThe hidden lateral space is assessed.
- DesignExtension length and direction are marked.
- Release and fixationThe corner is released and the lining repositioned.
- ClosureStitches are removed around day 5–7.
Risks and side effects of Lateral Canthoplasty
- Re-adhesionCorner procedures can partly re-adhere during healing, reducing the effect.
- Red lining exposureOver-extension can expose the inner lining.
- AsymmetrySmall left–right differences can remain because the two eyes are rarely identical; minor touch-ups are occasionally needed.
All medical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will review your medical history, explain the risks that apply to you and discuss alternatives before you decide.
Lateral Canthoplasty recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Surgery and rest in a private recovery room; most patients return to their hotel the same day. Cold compresses start straight away. |
| Days 2–3 | Swelling and bruising usually peak. Keep your head elevated, walk gently and avoid alcohol, saunas and exercise. |
| Days 5–7 | Check-up at the clinic; stitches, splints or tapes are removed where used. Most patients are cleared to fly after this visit. |
| Week 2 | Most visible swelling has eased and many people return to desk work and light make-up. |
| Months 1–3 | Residual swelling keeps settling and the shape refines. Strenuous exercise is usually resumed after 4 weeks. |
| Months 6–12 | The final result is generally assessed at this stage. We follow up online after you return home. |
Aftercare tips
- Use cold compresses for the first 48 hours, then switch to warm compresses.
- Avoid eye make-up and contact lenses for about 1–2 weeks.
- Keep your head elevated when resting and avoid bending over.
- Avoid alcohol, saunas and swimming for 2 weeks.
- Use the prescribed eye ointment or drops as directed.
Planning your trip to Seoul for Lateral Canthoplasty
For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home.
Cellis Lab Clinic occupies its own seven-story building at 244 Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam and about an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5). Incheon International Airport is roughly 70–90 minutes away by airport limousine bus or taxi.
Before you book flights, send your photos and questions on WhatsApp. We will reply in English with an initial assessment, a provisional plan and a quote range, then confirm the plan at your in-person consultation.
What affects the cost of Lateral Canthoplasty in Korea?
- Non-incisional or incisional technique
- Whether ptosis correction is needed
- Upper, lower or combined surgery
- Primary or revision surgery
Prices are quoted individually after consultation and include the items listed in your written quote.
Lateral Canthoplasty FAQ
How much longer will my eyes look?
Usually a few millimeters, depending on available space.
Can lateral canthoplasty be reversed?
Restoration is possible if the result looks unnatural.
Is it often combined with lower canthoplasty?
Yes — together they are called dual canthoplasty.
Where can I get Lateral Canthoplasty in Seoul, Korea?
Cellis Lab Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam — performs Lateral Canthoplasty. The clinic is an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5).
How much does Lateral Canthoplasty cost in Korea?
The cost of Lateral Canthoplasty depends on the technique, materials and extent of treatment. We provide a written quote after an online consultation with photos or an in-person examination.
How long should I stay in Korea for Lateral Canthoplasty?
For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home. Your exact schedule is confirmed at consultation.
Can I have a consultation in English before travelling?
Yes. Send photos and your questions on WhatsApp in English. We reply with an initial opinion, a suggested plan and the dates you would need in Seoul.
About your surgeon
Dr. Yang Dong-Jun is a Korean board-certified plastic surgeon with 26 years of surgical experience and the developer of the SOFIT, SOFTXIL and VXIL techniques. He performs the consultation and the operation himself.
Related eyelid surgery procedures
- Non-incisional Ptosis CorrectionSuture-based eye-opening correction
- Incisional Ptosis CorrectionLevator correction through the crease
- Blepharoptosis RepairRestoring eyelid height and vision
- Medial EpicanthoplastyOpening the inner corner of the eye
- Upper CanthoplastyTrimming hooding over the outer corner
- Lower CanthoplastyLowering the outer lower lid
- Lateral + Lower CanthoplastyLateral and lower canthoplasty together
- Canthoplasty RevisionReversing over-done corner surgery
- Double Eyelid Surgery (Non-incisional)Crease without an incision
- Double Eyelid Surgery (Partial Incision)Small incision, more durable crease
- Double Eyelid Surgery (Incisional)Full-incision crease for thick or hooded lids
- Double Eyelid Line DesignChoosing in-line, in-out or out-line