Epicanthoplasty is one of the most popular plastic procedures among Asians, especially for those with monolids or Mongolian fold. This procedure aims to widen the dimension of the eyes, alter its shape and make them look bigger. While Epicanthoplasty’s results may sound similar to a Blepharoplasty, both are totally different procedures. Read on to know more about their differences and what to know when you need to undergo Epicanthoplasty in Singapore (https://www.allureplasticsurgery.sg/double-eyelid-surgery-epicanthoplasty-singapore/).
The difference between Epicanthoplasty and Blepharoplasty
Epicanthoplasty is a surgical method done to the inner or outer eye corner as well as inside of the eyelid. Its goal is to reshape the upper eyelid, making the eyes open wider and look brighter and more symmetrical. Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that is done on either the upper or lower eyelid. This procedure addresses symptoms that affect the eyes or its vision, as well as improve the eyes’ aesthetic appearance.
To perform Epicanthoplasty, your surgeon will:
- Make an incision in the inner or outer corner of the eyelid and cut the monolid or epicanthal fold
- Remove any excess skin or muscle
- Reposition the eyelid according to the desire shape
- Suture the incision
To perform Blepharoplasty, your surgeon will:
- Make an incision to the upper upper or lower eyelid
- Remove excess fat
- For improving upper eyelid, adjustments will be made to lift the levator muscles
- Suture the incision
The ideal candidates for Epicanthoplasty are those who:
- Are generally in excellent health
- Have realistic expectations
- Want eyes that look brighter, wider, and more symmetrical
- Want to boost their self-confidence
- Want to improve and soften their facial aesthetic appearance
The ideal candidates for Blepharoplasty are those who:
- Are generally in excellent health
- Have dark circles
- Have realistic expectations
- Have heavily hooded eyelids that affect the vision
- Have lower eyelids that are baggy or puffy
- Want eyes that are more symmetrical
- Want to look more youthful
Now that you know about the differences between Epicanthoplasty and Blepharoplasty, let’s do a deep dive on Epicanthoplasty.
Types of Epicanthoplasty in Singapore
There are two types of Epicanthoplasty in Singapore: Medial and Lateral.
Medial Epicanthoplasty involves the modification and widening of the medial epicanthal fold, which can be located at the eye’s inner corner that is near the nose. To do this, an incision is made to the medial epicanthoplasty to expose the eye’s lacrimal lake more and make the eye look bigger. When doing double eyelid surgery, performing a medial epicanthoplasty helps in determining where the eyelid crease should be positioned at the inner corner of the eye, which better improves the outcome of the procedure.
Medial Epicanthoplasty is best for patients who:
- Have a wide gap in between the eyes
- Have inner eye corners that slope downwards
- Have thick or severe monolids
- Want bigger eyes
Lateral Epicanthoplasty, on the other hand, involves making modifications to the outer corner of the eye to expose the white surface (sclera) of the eye more. This is done by either making an incision on the outer corner of the eye or inside the eyelid.
Lateral Epicanthoplasty is best for patients who:
- Have a fierce or strong facial appearance
- Have eyes that are very close for medial epicanthoplasty
- Have outer eye corners that slope upward
- Want bigger eyes
Risks and complications
Epicanthoplasty is not without risks and complications due to the nature of how the procedure is carried out, which involves making incisions to the eyelids. To ensure the patient’s safety and minimise risks and complications, a thorough assessment is done prior to the surgery and postoperative instructions are given after epicanthoplasty is completed.
The usual risks following an epicanthoplasty procedure include:
- Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Discolouration of the skin
- Dry eyes
- Eyes that look asymmetrical
- Formation of blood clot or fluid which leads to swelling
- Infection
- Irritation
- Numb sensation in the area where surgery was made
- Poor healing of the wound
Some of these complications can be managed by cold compression, drops or ointments for the eyes, and oral medication, which are doctor prescribed.
Pre-operative expectations
A thorough assessment and informative conversation must happen between you and your doctor prior to your epicanthoplasty procedure. Hence, preparing for your initial consultation is very much encouraged. Here are some ways to prepare:
- Have a clear goal about your desired outcome
- Make a list of your health history, medications, other treatments done (medical or surgical), and questions about the procedure
- Provide your doctor with a photo of your desired results, if possible
Post-operative expectations
Epicanthoplasty is an out-patient procedure, so there is no need for hospital stay. The surgery is completed in an hour. It is recommended that patients are accompanied on the day of the procedure as they may have challenges with being able to see clearly after surgery.
The results of epicanthoplasty will appear gradually after a week of rest and recovery. Depending on your ability to heal, the swelling around the eyes usually subside after a week. If you are working, it is best to request time off from work for about 7-14 days.
Follow these aftercare tips to heal and avoid complications:
- Abstain from smoking while in recovery
- Apply cold compress gently to your eyes to lessen bruising and swelling
- Avoid any activity that require you to exert effort or strength for two weeks
- Avoid eating or drinking anything hot within 4 hours following your procedure
- Do not wear contact lenses or fake eyelashes while in recovery
- Elevate the head when lying down or sleeping
- Keep your eyes protected by using sunglasses
- Remember to apply the eye drops or ointments and take the medications as prescribed by your doctor
- Skip swimming or going to saunas for two weeks after your procedure
Cost of Epicanthoplasty in Singapore
The cost of epicanthoplasty in Singapore can cost up to 5000 SGD. The factors that affect the cost are:
- Anaesthesia fees
- Clinic or facilities fees
- Medical tests, if needed
- Medications
- Surgeon’s fees
Epicanthoplasty may either be done for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. Medical insurances normally do not cover aesthetic procedures, but they may shoulder some of the costs if it is done to improve the eye’s ability to function. Contact your medical insurance provider to know if your procedure can be covered by your insurance.
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Allure Plastic Surgery
435 Orchard Road
#22-04 Penthouse Floor Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
https://www.allureplasticsurgery.sg/
Phone: + 65 6734 9988
Whatsapp: + 65 9623 7836