EPICANTHOPLASTY
Modification of the inner-corner Mongolian fold for in-out, semi-out, or parallel crease design. Combined most often with double eyelid surgery.
Permanent
Inner-Corner Modification
Scar Protocol
Silicone Gel + Optional Laser
6–12 Months
Until Scar Fades
Epicanthoplasty modifies the inner-corner Mongolian fold to enable in-out, semi-out, or parallel double eyelid crease design. At Etonne, performed using Park Z-plasty with redrape technique under sleep sedation, ~30 minutes stand-alone (60–90 min combined with double eyelid surgery). Scar fades 6–12 months.
Epicanthoplasty is the surgical modification of the inner-corner Mongolian fold — the small curtain of skin at the medial canthus that partially covers the caruncle in many East Asian eyes. The procedure exposes more of the inner pink tissue, lengthens the horizontal eye width slightly, and changes the trajectory of the upper-eyelid crease.
It is most often performed alongside double eyelid surgery to enable an in-out or semi-out crease line — where the crease runs parallel to or slightly diverges outward from the lash line, rather than tapering inward. Epicanthoplasty is distinct from lateral canthoplasty, which modifies the outer corner.
CREASE TRAJECTORY
The crease tapers inward as it approaches the inner corner. This is the in-fold crease, the most common natural pattern.
The crease runs parallel to the lash line. This is the in-out crease.
The crease diverges outward. This is the semi-out or parallel crease, typically perceived as more dramatic.
A crease design that does not match the underlying fold tension produces an unnatural appearance. This is why double eyelid consultation at Etonne includes evaluation of the Mongolian fold as part of our 7-element diagnostic.
ETONNE'S SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Etonne performs epicanthoplasty using the Park Z-plasty with redrape technique — a refinement of the classical Z-plasty that combines small Z-shaped incisions with careful redraping of the surrounding tissue. The Z-plasty configuration distributes tension across multiple short incision lines rather than concentrating it on a single line, which produces a less visible scar over time, reduces the risk of recurrence, and allows precise control of horizontal width gain (typically 1–3 mm).
Sleep sedation with continuous vital monitoring. General anesthesia is not required for this procedure.
Approximately 30 minutes for stand-alone epicanthoplasty. 60–90 minutes when combined with double eyelid surgery.
SCAR HEALING
Days 1–7
Visible suture line at inner corner. Mild swelling. 7-0 nylon sutures removed at day 5–7.
2–4 Weeks
Incision line is pink and slightly raised. Makeup can conceal it.
1–3 Months
Line fades from pink to brownish-pink. Still visible on close inspection.
3–6 Months
Brownish discoloration fades gradually. Continue silicone gel sheeting.
6–12 Months
Most scars are difficult to detect at conversational distance. Some patients still see a faint line on extreme close-up.
Etonne uses a specific scar-fading protocol that includes silicone gel sheeting (starting day 14) and intermittent low-fluence laser treatment between months 3–6 if pigmentation is slow to fade. Included in your post-operative care kit at no additional charge.
PRICING
| Procedure | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Epicanthoplasty (alone) | [TBD] | ~30 min, sleep sedation |
| Epicanthoplasty + Double Eyelid (bundle) | [TBD] | 60–90 min combined, sleep sedation |
| Add-on: Lateral Canthoplasty | [TBD] | Outer corner |
Same fee for local and international patients. See Cost Guide 2026.
FAQ
Not always. The crease trajectory depends on the relationship between Mongolian fold tension and outer-corner geometry. The 7-element diagnostic clarifies whether your anatomy supports a parallel crease without epicanthoplasty.
No. The horizontal width gain is typically 1–3 mm — meaningful for the crease design but not visible as a width change. Etonne's design philosophy emphasizes preservation of ethnic geometry.
Reversal of an over-aggressive epicanthoplasty is technically challenging and often imperfect. This is why we are conservative with the depth of inner-corner release at the initial procedure.
Epicanthoplasty modifies the inner corner (medial canthus). Lateral canthoplasty modifies the outer corner. They address different anatomy and produce different aesthetic effects.
Most patients report the scar is difficult to detect at conversational distance by month 6. On extreme close-up, a faint line may persist.