Beyond enlarging and enhancing the appearance of naturally small eyes, epicanthoplasty also serves as a medical correction for microphthalmia. What is the appropriate age for this procedure? Some individuals remain unclear on this matter. Today, our ocular plastic surgery specialist will address this question and other related details, emphasizing the importance of understanding the basic surgical process.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
First, the surgeon identifies the origin and termination points of the epicanthal fold while the patient maintains a natural, level gaze. These points are marked with gentian violet. Local infiltration anesthesia using 2% lidocaine is administered. The patient closes their eyes as the surgeon incises the skin and orbicularis oculi muscle along the pre-designed line. The skin flap is thoroughly dissected. The patient then opens their eyes.to assess the correction effect of the epicanthal fold. After exchanging the paired triangular flaps, they are sutured in alignment, completing the epicanthoplasty procedure.
Advantages of Inner Canthus Surgery
Inner canthus surgery offers a thorough, complete, and absolutely effective removal of epicanthal folds without scarring. It fully exposes the inner corner of the eye obscured by the fold, increasing the perceived length of the eye while reducing the distance between the eyes.It eliminates limitations on the medial trajectory of the incision, allowing for rational widening of the outer double eyelid crease. This procedure enables precise control over the overall curvature and width of the double eyelid, ensuring its shape better complements the original eye structure.
What is the appropriate age for epicanthoplasty?
Epicanthoplasty primarily employs surgical correction. Since childhood is a period of rapid growth and development, the nasal bridge gradually increases in height and the protrusion of the eyeballs intensifies, which can gradually reduce the degree of epicanthal folds. Therefore, the recommended age for surgery is generally after 10 years old.Experts generally recommend undergoing inner canthoplasty after adulthood when the eyes have fully matured. This procedure is particularly suitable for individuals with excessively wide inner canthi.