The epicanthal fold, also called the Mongolian fold, is a skin fold that covers the inner corner of the eye and can make the eyes look shorter and further apart. Korean-style inner corner surgery adjusts the epicanthal fold and surrounding tissue to reveal more of the inner corner, improving eye proportions with a technique tailored to each person's eye structure.
No Epicanthal Fold
Mild Epicanthal Fold
A mild epicanthal fold, appearing as "closed double eyelids."
Moderate Epicanthal Fold
A moderate epicanthal fold extending further inward.
Severe Epicanthal Fold
An epicanthal fold close to the iris, giving a "cross-eyed" appearance.
Enhanced Big-Eye Effect with Inner Corner and Double Eyelid
Surgery
Inner corner surgery is often paired with double eyelid
surgery
to achieve a deep, Western-style open-eye look. The Mongolian fold
can affect eyelid shape, and combining these surgeries can
make double eyelids more prominent, enhance contours, and
achieve a natural eye shape
with a complementary effect.
Korean-Style Inner Corner Surgery |
Refined Incision Design
Marking areas on the inner eyelid for adjustment.
Adjusting the epicanthal fold and surrounding tissue.
Precise suturing to reduce scar visibility.
Natural, enlarged inner corner effect.
Traditional inner corner surgery includes W-, Z- and Y-shaped epicanthoplasty. NAISS CLINIC also offers Korean-style inner corner surgery, which uses an inner-corner incision design and precise suturing to adjust the epicanthal fold and eye proportions, placing the scar within the natural creases of the inner corner where possible. The surgical method, scarring and recovery depend on individual eye structure and the doctor's assessment.
Will Inner Corner Surgery Leave Scars?
Are There Risks to the Eyes?
Korean-style inner corner surgery uses refined incision design, tissue adjustment and suturing to reduce the visibility of the scar as much as possible, placing it within the natural creases of the inner corner. Scars usually fade over time, but results depend on individual skin type, surgical technique and aftercare.
The surgery adjusts tissue around the inner corner of the eye, but risks such as bleeding, infection, hypertrophic scarring, asymmetry and tear-duct-related complications still exist. A qualified doctor should assess your eyes before surgery, and you should fully understand the risks and aftercare.
COMPARISON
Inner Corner Eye Surgery Techniques
Korean-Style Inner Corner Surgery
Traditional Inner Corner Surgery
Technique
Incision and tissue adjustment designed for the inner corner structure
Common W-, Z- or Y-shaped incisions
Purpose
Improve the epicanthal fold and eye proportions
Improve the epicanthal fold and eye proportions
Scarring
Varies by incision design, skin type and aftercare
Varies by technique, skin type and aftercare
Recovery
Varies by surgical extent and individual healing
Varies by surgical extent and individual healing
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Inner Corner Surgery Recovery Timeline
Recovery Stage
Typical Time
Stitch removal
About 5–7 days
Noticeable swelling subsides
About 1–2 weeks
Natural appearance
About 2 months
Scar gradually fades
About 3–6 months
After Korean-style inner corner surgery, stitches are usually removed after about 5–7 days, noticeable swelling subsides within 1–2 weeks, the eyes look natural after about 2 months, and scars gradually fade over 3–6 months. Actual recovery varies with individual condition, surgical technique and aftercare.
ATTENTION Inner Corner Eye Surgery Precautions
1
In the early post-op period, avoid rubbing or pulling the inner corner and incision. Once the wound has healed and your doctor confirms, scar massage can usually begin about 2–3 weeks after surgery. Scar products should only be used after the wound has fully healed and your doctor approves, keeping them away from the eyes and any unhealed areas.
2
For the first 2–3 days, apply cold compresses intermittently as directed by your doctor, about 10–15 minutes at a time, to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Whether to switch to warm compresses later depends on healing and your doctor's advice.
3
Avoid rubbing your eyes or activities that increase eye pressure (e.g., crying, eye strain). For 2 weeks after surgery, avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over excessively and strenuous exercise to reduce bleeding and swelling; return to higher-intensity exercise about 3–4 weeks after surgery once your doctor approves.
4
Avoid tonics (e.g., ginseng, herbal tonics) for the first week after surgery. Whether medications or supplements that may affect blood clotting should be adjusted must be assessed by your doctor.
5
You may wash your face, but keep cleansers and skincare
products away from the wound. Clean the incision with saline
and apply a thin layer of ointment twice daily. Keep the
wound clean and dry. Avoid makeup until stitches are removed
to prevent infection.
6
Inform medical staff of any medical history or conditions
(e.g., allergies, keloids, colds, pregnancy).
7
Before surgery, tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, including aspirin, anticoagulants, vitamin E, ginkgo and fish oil that may affect blood clotting. Whether to stop or adjust any medication must be decided by your doctor; do not stop medication on your own.
8
Bring sunglasses or a hat on the day of surgery.
9
If you have an eye infection, dry eye, prominent eyes or another eye condition, or a chronic condition such as diabetes, tell your doctor before surgery. A full eye examination and assessment will determine whether inner corner surgery is suitable.
FAQ About Inner Corner Eye Surgery
People with naturally narrow eye spacing are generally not
suitable for this surgery, as it may make the eyes appear too
close together, disrupting the ideal eye proportions. It’s best
to consult with a doctor beforehand.
Older age can affect recovery due to collagen loss and skin
laxity, as well as increased fine lines around the eyes, which
may make the procedure more challenging and extend the recovery
period.
Korean-style inner corner surgery uses refined incision design, tissue adjustment and suturing to reduce scar visibility as much as possible. Scars usually fade over time, but results depend on individual skin type, surgical technique and aftercare.
Avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over excessively and strenuous exercise for 2 weeks after surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. Gradually return to daily activities as you recover; higher-intensity exercise is usually resumed about 3–4 weeks after surgery, once your doctor approves.
Not necessarily. Inner corner surgery is often combined with
double eyelid surgery to enhance the double eyelid’s depth and
prominence. Consult with your doctor to determine if double
eyelid surgery should be done simultaneously for the desired
result.
