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What Is an Epicanthoplasty?

An epicanthoplasty is a type of cosmetic eye surgery. It is a procedure that changes the shape of the "epicanthal fold," which is the small web of skin that covers the inner corner of the eye. This surgery is often done to make the eyes appear larger, wider, or more parallel.

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What Is an Epicanthoplasty?

An epicanthoplasty is a type of cosmetic eye surgery. It is a procedure that changes the shape of the "epicanthal fold," which is the small web of skin that covers the inner corner of the eye. This surgery is often done to make the eyes appear larger, wider, or more parallel.

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What Is an Epicanthal Fold?

An epicanthal fold, or inner eye fold, is a natural feature of the eyelid. It is a fold of skin that runs from the nose to the inner side of the eyebrow. It is a very common and normal trait, especially in people of East Asian descent. In some people, this fold can make the eyes look spaced further apart or make the eye opening appear smaller.

Why Is This Surgery Performed?

This is almost always a cosmetic procedure. The main goal is to change the appearance of the inner eye. By removing or reshaping this small fold of skin, a surgeon can "open up" the inner corner of the eye. This can make the eyes look bigger and create a longer, more almond-shaped eye. It is often performed at the same time as a double eyelid surgery.

What Happens During the Procedure?

An epicanthoplasty is a very delicate surgery. The surgeon makes several tiny, complex cuts in the skin at the inner corner of the eye. They then remove a very small amount of skin and tissue and rearrange the skin folds. The goal is to uncover the inner corner of the eye in a natural-looking way. The cuts are then closed with very fine stitches.

What Is Recovery Like?

You can expect swelling and bruising in the area for one to two weeks. The stitches are usually removed after about 5 to 7 days. Because the cuts are made in a very visible area, it can take several months for the small scars to fully heal, fade, and become less noticeable.

Z-Plasty vs. W-Plasty

Surgeons use specific incision patterns to reshape the inner corner while minimizing tension and scarring. The most common techniques are called Z-plasty and W-plasty. These names refer to the shape of the cut made in the skin. By cutting in a zig-zag pattern rather than a straight line, the surgeon can rearrange the tissue to eliminate the fold and hide the scar within the natural contours of the eye.

FAQs on Epicanthoplasty

Is an epicanthoplasty a common surgery?

It is a very common procedure, especially in Asian countries where it is a popular part of cosmetic eye surgery. It is less common in other parts of the world.

Are the results permanent?

Yes. The changes made to the skin fold are permanent and will not grow back. The results will last for the rest of your life.

Is the surgery risky?

All surgery has risks. The main risk with this procedure is scarring. Because the skin in this area is very thin and visible, it is very important to choose a highly skilled surgeon who has a lot of experience with this specific surgery to get the best cosmetic result.

When to See Your Doctor

You should schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon if you are thinking about this procedure. It is very important to find a surgeon who has a lot of experience and a photo gallery of good results. A good doctor will talk to you about your goals and explain what is realistically possible.

References

Techniques, Principles and Benchmarks in Asian Blepharoplasty and Epicanthoplasty. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6571304/. Accessed April 8, 2026.

Minimizing Postoperative Scars in Epicanthoplasty. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12690353/. Accessed April 8, 2026.

Comparison of Modified Asymmetric Inverse Z-plasty and Z-plasty in Epicanthoplasty. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12705801/. Accessed April 8, 2026.

Surgical Outcome of Epicanthus and Telecanthus Correction by Mustarde's Double Z-Plasty and Transnasal Fixation. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5427347/. Accessed April 8, 2026.

Management of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Complications. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884833/. Accessed April 8, 2026.