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2025.11.25
What is lateral canthoplasty? ⸻ A method to widen the horizontal width and make the eyes appear larger sideways.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have handled numerous cases involving trauma, reconstruction, and congenital conditions, cultivating precise techniques and deep anatomical understanding. Driven by the desire to deliver the transformative power of beauty—where visible change uplifts the spirit—I pursued a career in cosmetic surgery. My areas of expertise include comprehensive eye treatments, injectable therapies, and anti-sagging procedures. Guided by a commitment to sincerely address each patient's aspirations, I provide meticulously crafted treatments focused on achieving beauty.
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Designing natural beauty with trust.
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When you want to make your eyes look bigger, don't look upward.The perspective of expanding horizontally is very important.。
The representative procedure for widening the eyes horizontally iscraniotomyとincision at the outer corner of the eyeis.
This article covers lateral canthoplasty, a procedure to extend the outer corners of the eyes.
Actually, there are several surgical techniques for lateral canthoplasty, the most representative beingSimple incision / W-method / Lateral canthal tendon transfer is.
Both involve outward expansion, but the changes and characteristics differ.
In this article,Simple incision / W-method / Lateral canthal tendon transfer We will clearly explain these three points, including their advantages and disadvantages.
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■ Simple incision
A method of extending the visible area of the sclera by making a horizontal incision in the skin at the outer corner of the eye.
● Benefits
• The surgery is relatively simple with a shorter downtime
• Gently spreading outward
• Suitable for those who do not require significant change
● Disadvantages
• Prone to backtracking
• Risk of the outer corners of the eyes appearing rounded(※ To make an incision in the gray line)
• There are anatomical limitations, making significant changes difficult to achieve.
※ The gray line refers to the thin line immediately above the lashes that defines the edge of the eyelid. It marks the boundary between skin and mucous membrane, creating the eyelid's sharpness. When this continuity is interrupted, the outer corner of the eye tends to appear slightly rounded.
Especially when combined with the glamorous line, it tends to create a rounded appearance.
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■ W Method (W Formation)
A method that is less prone to relapse than simple incision and slightly better at maintaining spread.
By designing the skin incision line in a W-shape,Distribute contracture (the force that causes shortening)is its defining feature.
● Benefits
• Less prone to relapse than simple incision
• Slightly firmer and spreading outward
• High stability of the finished product
● Disadvantages
• Even soMajor changes are difficult.
• Similar to simple incision,The outer corners of the eyes appear rounded.risk
• The more complex the design, the more pronounced the swelling may be
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■ Lateral Canthoplasty (Droopy Eye Corner Surgery)
A method that has gained popularity in recent years.
Surgery that changes the position of the outer corner of the eye itself by detaching the lateral ligament and reattaching it laterally and inferiorly.。
● Benefits
• Expandable outward and downward(Horizontal + Vertical Composite Change)
• Hard to backtrack
• The sharpness at the outer corners of the eyes is maintained
→ “The major advantage is that it doesn't become round.
• Those with upturned eyes will lose the upturned appearance and achieve a softer look.
● Disadvantages
• Downtime is slightly longer than for lateral canthoplasty
• Risk of developing conjunctival edema as a side effect
• Due to significant variations in technical skill, the physician's experience is crucial.
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■ Which one should I choose?
• I want to spread it out naturally and slightly to the side.
→ Simple incision
• I want to see some solid results, but I prefer a natural look.
→ W Method
• Want to make it appear larger horizontally and vertically / Want to improve upturned eyes / Want to avoid regression
→ Lateral canthal tendon transfer
Especially for those who dislike a rounded look or wish to maintain sharp-angled eyes.
Lateral canthoplasty is a candidate optionwill become.
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■ Summary
Eyelid corner surgery is a procedure specifically designed for “horizontal enlargement,” but
The final impression varies greatly depending on which method you choose.
• Simple incision: Natural, slight enlargement, risk of rounding
• W Method: Slightly stronger · Less likely to revert · Risk of becoming rounded
• Lateral canthoplasty: Horizontal + downward direction; less prone to relapse; less likely to become rounded
Even just in horizontal expansion, the difference in technique is this significant.
When considering an outer canthoplasty, base your choice on "what kind of outer corner you want" and "how much you want to change."
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【Profile】
Masataka Fujihashi, MD, Plastic Surgeon
Leveraging expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I offer comprehensive facial cosmetic procedures including eyelid and nose surgery, facial liposuction, thread lifts, and hyaluronic acid injections. From incisional surgeries and revision procedures requiring delicate design to minimally invasive injections and lifts with minimal downtime, I strive to provide treatments tailored to each patient's ideal outcome.
We are dedicated to achieving natural results and minimizing downtime, pursuing medical care that leaves you feeling confident in your choice through sincere consultations.
Designing natural beauty with trust.
We cherish that sentiment and apply it to our daily practice.
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【Career】
March 2015: Graduated from the School of Medicine, Showa University
April 2015 Showa University Yokohama Northern Hospital Initial Clinical Training
April 2017 Showa University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery
October 2017 Maebashi Red Cross Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery
April 2019 Nishio Municipal Hospital Plastic Surgery Department
April 2020 Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital Plastic Surgery Department
November 2020 Ota Nishinouchi Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery
July 2022 Tokyo Rosai Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery Department Head
July 2022: R.O.clinic (Part-time), Kusano Taro Clinic (Part-time)
April 2024 Deputy Director, Ginza TA Clinic
November 2025 BIANCA CLINIC
【Professional Affiliations and Qualifications】
Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (JSAPS)
Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS)
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