Medial Epicanthoplasty: Correcting Short Eyes, Wide-Set Eyes, and Epicanthal Folds

📅 Updated 03/05/2026·🏷️ Eye aesthetics·✍️ Editorial team — Dr. Vo Thanh Sang

Do you look in the mirror and feel that your eyes seem a little short, that your eyes appear set far apart, or that a small fold of skin at the inner corner is hiding the very start of the eyelid? Many people share that no matter how they apply makeup, their gaze still lacks definition and their eyes do not look as "open" as they would like. These are exactly the concerns that the medial epicanthoplasty technique aims to address. This article will help you understand what the procedure actually involves, who it suits, and the things to consider honestly before making a decision.

What is medial epicanthoplasty?

Medial epicanthoplasty (the medical term for surgery that adjusts the inner-corner fold) is a technique that works on the inner corner of the eye near the bridge of the nose. The goal is to adjust or release the excess fold of skin (the epicanthal fold) that is covering part of the inner corner, thereby revealing more of the natural starting point of the eyelid.

The medial epicanthal fold is a fairly common feature in people of Asian descent. When this fold of skin is prominent, it can make the eyes look rounder and shorter, while also creating the impression of a wider distance between the two eyes. Adjusting the inner corner helps lengthen the horizontal axis of the eye toward the bridge of the nose.

It is worth noting that this is a delicate procedure that requires careful assessment of each individual's anatomy. Not everyone with an epicanthal fold needs intervention, and the degree of adjustment must suit the face as a whole.

When should you consider medial epicanthoplasty?

Medial epicanthoplasty is usually considered for cases with specific anatomical features, after a direct, in-person examination by a doctor. Some groups for whom the option is often raised include:

Short eyes: a modest horizontal length of the eye, where the epicanthal fold covering the corner makes the eyes look even shorter.
Wide-set eyes: the distance between the two inner corners is greater than the usual harmonious proportion, leaving the face looking less balanced.
A prominent fold covering the inner corner: the corner skin overlaps the start of the eyelid, blurring the sharpness of the gaze.
People undergoing eyelid surgery (double-eyelid surgery) whose inner crease is obscured by the epicanthal fold: medial corner opening is sometimes combined so that the eyelid crease runs more seamlessly.

Conversely, if the distance between the eyes is already narrow or the inner corner is already well defined, further opening may be unnecessary and may even look unnatural. This is why every decision should be based on the measurements and analysis of a specialist doctor, rather than self-judgment from images seen online.

How does the medial epicanthoplasty procedure work?

The actual procedure depends on each person's condition, but in general it involves the following basic steps:

Examination and measurement: the doctor assesses the epicanthal fold, the distance between the eyes, the tension of the skin, and the structure of the corner to choose a suitable technique.
Personalized planning: determining just the right degree of opening, avoiding over-opening that exposes the red inner corner tissue or causes scarring.
Local anesthesia: the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, with the patient awake.
Adjusting the skin fold and reshaping with sutures: the doctor releases the epicanthal fold and rearranges the skin tissue with fine sutures, limiting tension to reduce the risk of contracted scarring.
Post-operative care: guidance on cleaning the suture line, taking medication, and the follow-up schedule for suture removal.

Because it is a sensitive area near the eye, the procedure must be carried out in a sterile environment that meets hospital standards, by a specialist in aesthetic plastic surgery - not at a spa or a facility that is not licensed for surgery.

How does medial epicanthoplasty help make the eyes longer and the crease clearer?

When the epicanthal fold covering the corner is adjusted appropriately, the natural inner corner of the eye is exposed, so the horizontal axis of the eye may appear longer. For people with wide-set eyes, opening the inner corner can also create the impression that the eyes are closer together and more harmonious with the bridge of the nose.

In addition, for those who have had eyelid surgery, opening the inner corner helps the eyelid crease run seamlessly to the corner rather than being interrupted by the fold of skin, making the gaze look brighter and more defined. Even so, the degree of change varies from person to person.

It is important to understand clearly: results depend on each individual's constitution, the initial structure of the eye corner, healing capacity, and post-procedure care. There is no "identical" result for every face, and no doctor should commit to a fixed figure. Reference images are illustrative only and are not a promise of your own result.

Medical notes: contraindications, risks, and complications

Every surgical intervention carries risks, and medial epicanthoplasty is no exception. Presenting these honestly helps you make an informed choice.

Cases requiring caution or contraindication

People with an active eye infection, conjunctivitis, or an uncontrolled eye condition.
Bleeding disorders, current use of anticoagulant medication, or unstable underlying conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.).
People prone to keloid or poor scarring should be counseled carefully, as the inner corner is prone to scarring if opened excessively.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should postpone the procedure.
People with unrealistic expectations or whose eyes are already set close together.

Possible risks and complications

Swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the early days (usually subsiding gradually).
Scarring at the inner corner, especially with a predisposition to poor scarring or with over-opening.
Exposure of the red tissue at the corner (from over-opening), making the eyes look less natural.
The two sides not being perfectly symmetrical, sometimes requiring further adjustment.
Infection or delayed wound healing - rare but requiring monitoring.

Most risks can be minimized when the procedure is performed for the right indication, by an experienced specialist, in a facility that meets standards, together with proper post-operative care. If you notice abnormal signs such as increasing pain, discharge, or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Care after medial epicanthoplasty

Post-operative care has a major influence on the result and the scar-healing process. Some general principles that are commonly recommended:

Apply compresses as instructed to reduce swelling in the early days.
Keep the corner area clean and dry, avoid rubbing the eyes, and avoid dirty water.
Take medication exactly as prescribed, and attend follow-up visits and suture removal on schedule.
Limit eye-area makeup until the suture line has stabilized.
Avoid strenuous activity, avoid sun exposure, and follow scar care as advised.

Recovery time and the degree to which the scar settles vary from person to person. Be patient and discuss any concerns with your doctor at follow-up visits rather than judging the result too early on your own.

Advice and an invitation to a consultation

Medial epicanthoplasty is a solution that may help correct short eyes, wide-set eyes, or an epicanthal fold covering the corner, but it is only truly suitable when based on each person's specific anatomical assessment. A sound decision always begins with a direct examination and a clear understanding of the indications, risks, and realistic expectations.

If you are wondering whether your eyes are suited to this technique, book a consultation with Dr. Vo Thanh Sang - a Level I specialist in aesthetic plastic surgery in Ho Chi Minh City. You will receive an examination, measurements, and advice on a personalized plan in a hospital-standard environment. Contact the hotline 079 7479 222 for attentive support and answers to your questions.