Epicanthoplasty Surgery in Singapore
The inner corners of the eyes play an important role in overall eye shape, definition and facial balance. Some individuals may have prominent epicanthal folds that partially cover the inner corners of the eyes, making the eyes appear shorter or less open. Epicanthoplasty modifies the epicanthal fold to create greater definition of the inner eye while maintaining harmony with the surrounding facial features. At SW1 Plastic Surgery, our MOH-accredited plastic surgeons assess your eye anatomy, facial proportions and aesthetic goals to recommend an approach suited to your individual features.
SW1 Plastic Surgery 
Dr Tan Ying Chien
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (National University of Singapore), Masters in Medicine (Surgery), Member of Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Fellow of Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Wu Yijun
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (National University of Singapore), Masters in Medicine (Surgery), Member of Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Fellow of Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)
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When Might Epicanthoplasty Be Considered?
The goals of epicanthoplasty vary from patient to patient. Some would like to reduce the prominence of the epicanthal fold, while others are looking to create greater definition of the inner eye or complement the results of double eyelid surgery. Understanding your concerns helps determine whether epicanthoplasty may be an appropriate treatment option.
You may consider epicanthoplasty if you have:
Not every patient requires epicanthoplasty. Factors such as eye shape, facial proportions, skin characteristics and your aesthetic goals all influence whether the procedure is appropriate and whether it is best performed on its own or alongside other eyelid procedures.
Understanding Your Epicanthoplasty Options
Epicanthoplasty can be performed using different surgical techniques depending on the characteristics of the inner eye, surrounding tissues and the changes being planned. The choice of technique depends on detailed assessment of the eyes, surrounding tissues and your aesthetic goals.
Purpose
Best Suited For
Approach
Planning Considerations
The SW1 Approach to Epicanthoplasty
Epicanthoplasty involves more than modifying the epicanthal fold. Achieving a balanced result requires careful consideration of eye shape, facial proportions and how the inner corners of the eyes influence overall facial balance. At SW1 Plastic Surgery, planning focuses on how changes to the inner corners of the eyes will complement your existing eye shape and overall facial features.
Understanding Your Goals
Patients seek epicanthoplasty for different reasons. Some would like to create greater definition of the inner eye, while others are looking to complement double eyelid surgery or improve overall eye symmetry. Understanding these priorities helps guide treatment planning and determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Every patient's eye anatomy is different. Factors such as the prominence of the epicanthal fold, skin characteristics, eye shape, eyelid anatomy and facial proportions are evaluated when developing a personalised treatment plan.
Epicanthoplasty and Double Eyelid Surgery
Epicanthoplasty and double eyelid surgery address different anatomical concerns but may also complement each other. Depending on your anatomy, aesthetic goals and the changes being planned, your surgeon may recommend either procedure on its own or a combination of both to achieve a balanced, natural-looking result.
Advanced Imaging and Surgical Facilities
SW1 Plastic Surgery is equipped with Vectra 3D imaging technology, which can support treatment planning and help patients better visualise potential outcomes. Procedures are performed in our MOH-accredited operating theatres, providing continuity of care within a single clinic setting.
What Happens During Epicanthoplasty?
Epicanthoplasty is typically performed as a day surgery procedure under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the treatment plan and individual patient considerations. The surgical approach is tailored to the anatomy of the inner corner of the eye and the planned correction.
Anaesthesia
Epicanthoplasty is commonly performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, although general anaesthesia may be recommended for selected patients or when the procedure is combined with other eyelid surgeries.
Incision Design
Before surgery begins, the planned incision is marked based on the position of the epicanthal fold, eye shape and the desired degree of correction. The incision is planned to help achieve balanced results while positioning scars as discreetly as possible.
Reshaping the Epicanthal Fold
Once the incision is made, the epicanthal fold is modified using the planned surgical technique. Based on the planned correction, the tissues are repositioned to create greater definition of the inner corner of the eye while maintaining harmony with the surrounding facial features.
Procedure Duration
Epicanthoplasty typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the surgical technique used, whether it is combined with other procedures and the complexity of the planned changes.
Recovery After Epicanthoplasty
Recovery following epicanthoplasty varies depending on the surgical technique used and individual healing factors. Your surgeon will provide personalised aftercare instructions and monitor your recovery through follow-up appointments to support healing and assess your progress.
The First Few Days
Mild swelling, bruising and discomfort around the inner corners of the eyes are common during the initial stages of recovery. These symptoms generally improve over time and can be managed with medication and post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
Caring for the Eyes
Patients are advised to keep the treatment area clean, avoid rubbing or placing unnecessary pressure on the eyes, and follow all wound care instructions provided by their surgeon. Protecting the incision sites during the early stages of healing can support the recovery process.
Returning to Daily Activities
Many patients are able to return to light daily activities within a few days, although recovery timelines vary depending on individual healing progress and the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will advise when it is appropriate to resume exercise, makeup application and other routine activities.
When Will I See Results?
Initial improvements become noticeable as swelling begins to settle. However, the final appearance continues to refine over the following weeks as healing progresses and the tissues mature.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor healing, assess your recovery and address any questions or concerns that may arise after surgery.
Enhance Inner Eye Definition with SW1 Plastic Surgery
Epicanthoplasty can refine the appearance of the inner corners of the eyes by reducing prominent epicanthal folds and creating greater eye definition. Whether performed on its own or alongside double eyelid surgery, the approach is guided by your eye anatomy and the changes you would like to achieve.
At SW1 Plastic Surgery, epicanthoplasty is performed by MOH-accredited plastic surgeons Dr Tan Ying Chien and Dr Wu Yijun. Drawing on their experience in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, they develop personalised treatment plans focused on achieving balanced, natural-looking results. Schedule a consultation with us today to explore whether epicanthoplasty is appropriate for your concerns and treatment goals.
FAQs on Epicanthoplasty
All surgical procedures result in some degree of scarring. Epicanthoplasty incisions are carefully planned around the natural contours of the inner corner of the eye, and scars generally become less noticeable over time as they mature.
Contact lenses should be avoided during the early stages of recovery to minimise irritation around the incision sites. Most patients can resume wearing them once the eyes have healed sufficiently and their surgeon confirms it is appropriate to do so.
Treatment planning is tailored to each patient's eye shape, facial proportions and aesthetic goals. The aim is to create balanced, natural-looking changes that complement the surrounding facial features rather than dramatically altering your appearance.
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and gradually improves over time. While much of the initial swelling settles within the first few weeks, subtle refinement continues as healing progresses.
Epicanthoplasty may be used to improve asymmetry involving the inner corners of the eyes when appropriate. The degree of improvement depends on the underlying anatomy and the factors contributing to the asymmetry.
In some cases, revision epicanthoplasty may be considered for patients who would like to address concerns following previous surgery. The available options depend on factors such as the existing anatomy, scar tissue and the changes that are being sought.
Meet Your Epicanthoplasty Surgeons
Epicanthoplasty at SW1 Plastic Surgery is performed by MOH-accredited plastic surgeons Dr Tan Ying Chien and Dr Wu Yijun. Their experience in facial plastic surgery allows them to assess eye anatomy, eyelid structure and facial proportions when planning surgery for each patient.
Dr Tan Ying Chien
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery),MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Tan Ying Chien
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery),MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Tan Ying Chien is an experienced plastic surgeon with expertise spanning reconstructive, craniofacial and aesthetic surgery. His experience in facial surgery and detailed understanding of facial anatomy allow him to approach epicanthoplasty with consideration of eye shape, facial proportions and the subtle refinements that complement each patient's existing features.
Dr Wu Yijun
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery),MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Wu Yijun
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery),MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Wu Yijun has clinical interests in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery, including facial aesthetic procedures. She takes a thoughtful approach to epicanthoplasty, carefully assessing each patient's eye anatomy, facial features and treatment goals to develop a personalised surgical plan.