Founder/Director of Noonopi Plastic Surgery, Seoul
Table of Contents
Discover the key elements of beautiful eyes, including ideal horizontal and vertical ratios, and the importance of the almond shape eyes. Learn how Lateral Epicanthoplasty and Hot’z Canthoplasty can enhance eye aesthetics. Get expert tips on achieving balanced eye proportions for your double eyelid surgery consultation in Plastic Surgery Korea.
Hello, I am Dr. Park from Noonopi Plastic Surgery Korea.
As a specialist in asian double eyelid surgery in Korea, I often consult with patients about what makes eyes beautiful. In this article, I will introduce the key elements that make our eyes look attractive.
<Key Elements of Aesthetic Asian double eyelid surgery>
- Balance and Ratio
- Shape (Almond Shape)
1. Proportions for Beautiful Eyes
a) Horizontal Ratio
The width of the eyebrows and eyes should ideally be in a 1:1:1 ratio to achieve a beautiful look.
The distance between the eyes should be approximately the width of one eye. While plastic surgery cannot completely alter innate proportions, if the eyes are set too far apart, a medial canthoplasty (inner corner eye surgery) can help create the appearance of closer-set eyes by narrowing the space between the eyes.
b) Vertical Ratio
The extent to which the pupil is exposed is very important. It determines whether the eyes appear sleepy or clear. In Korean plastic surgery, the degree of pupil exposure can be adjusted through procedures called ptosis correction, making it a critical factor in eyelid surgery.
For optimal aesthetics, when the pupil size is considered 100%, in individuals aged 10-20, the pupil exposure should typically be more than 85% for men and 90-95% for women.
Although this percentage may decrease slightly with age, it is desirable for more than 80% of the pupil to be exposed even in middle-aged and older individuals.
It’s important to note that not everyone needs ptosis correction to achieve the beautiful ratio. The experience of the plastic surgeon is crucial in determining whether levator surgery (ptosis surgery) is necessary. By distinguishing between true ptosis and pseudo-ptosis, more invasive surgery can be avoided.
In many cases, significant improvements can be achieved with just the buried double eyelid method, as shown in the case below.
However, it’s common for sagging skin and mild ptosis to coexist, especially in East-Asian eyelids.
In the case below, sagging skin on both sides was removed through an incision, and ptosis correction was performed on one side first. During the surgery, I observed that the other side did not require levator surgery, so the procedure was completed with an explanation to the patient intraoperatively.
c) Area Ratio of the White of the Eye(Sclera)
Another important factor that determines the beauty of the eyes is the area ratio of the white of the eye.
The posterior(lateral) sclera should be larger than the anterior(medial) sclera. If the ratio of the anterior to posterior white is 4:6 rather than 5:5, the overall impression tends to be more attractive.
Personally, I think a 3:7 ratio is a bit excessive.
As shown in the picture above, excessive Hot’z canthoplasty can expand the lower eyelid curve (blue dotted line) downwards, increasing the white area of the eyes. However, lower eyelid too much may look fine in pictures, but it is less appealing in real life. And it also does not respect the anatomical structure of the eyes, and as a doctor who values anatomical integrity,
I do not recommend this kind of changes.
Medial epicanthoplasty
If medial epicanthoplasty is combined with upper eyelid surgery, can help achieve the desirable 4:6 or 1:1:1 ratio mentioned above. Additionally, as shown in the case below, it can also play a role in eliminating the Mongolian fold that develops in the front of the eyes.
Lateral Epicanthoplasty and Hot’z Canthoplasty
The Lateral Epicanthoplasty and Hot’z Canthoplasty are procedures designed to achieve the 4:6 ratio explained above. These techniques are adaptations of the flap surgery method, a fundamental reconstructive procedure in plastic surgery Korea.
However, the extent of correction is limited by factors such as the degree of eye protrusion and the position of the bony orbit. Attempting to exceed these limits may result in side effects like a ㄷ-shaped epicanthus, so it is important to avoid excessive correction.
Below is a case from my clinic where the patient underwent only Lateral Epicanthoplasty and Hot’z Canthoplasty.
The Lateral Epicanthoplasty (indicated by the yellow arrow in upper image) and Hot’z Canthoplasty (angle changed, shown by the red dotted line) were performed to address the patient’s concerns.
Before the surgery, the patient felt that the width of her eyes was somewhat limited and desired a more open look without altering her natural appearance.
After the procedure, the steep curve of the red dotted line has been softened, and the corner of the eye has been slightly repositioned backward. This adjustment has resulted in a wider visible white area of the eye, enhancing the overall openness and harmony of the eyes.
2. Beautiful Eye Shape
a) Horizontal to Vertical Ratio
The relationship between the horizontal width of the eyes and the vertical width of the pupil is crucial for an aesthetically pleasing eye shape. The ideal ratio of the horizontal width (yellow) to the vertical width (green) of the eyes is generally around 10:4 in attractive Asian eyes. However, this ratio can vary depending on race and culture.
Literature suggests that a longer horizontal eye length often conveys a younger and more feminine appearance. In my clinical experience, I have observed that wider eyes tend to give a more attractive and refreshed look.
When choosing an eye plastic surgery clinic, it’s important to consider that if the vertical width of the eyes (green arrow) is significantly larger than the horizontal width of the pupil (red arrow), the eyes may appear less natural. Ensure that the clinic you select pays attention to these ratios to achieve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result.
b) Almond Eye shape
To achieve the innocent and pure appearance of almond-shaped eyes, as illustrated in the picture above, several conditions should be met:
- The width indicated by the yellow arrow should be moderately large.
- The width should be widest at the position marked by the green arrow.
- The area indicated by the orange side should not have a sharp reduction but should instead curve gently downward.
This almond shape is recognized for its feminine and attractive qualities.
c) Angle of the Outer Eye Corner
The outer corner of the eye should be slightly elevated (dotted line) compared to a horizontal line (straight line), with the line connecting the inner and outer corners of the eye inclined by 2 to 4 degrees outward, rather than being perfectly horizontal.
If the outer corner of the eye appears droopy, it is not advisable to perform lateral epicanthoplasty, as this procedure may narrow the white area of the eye, making it appear smaller.
Instead, designing the double eyelid line to be wider towards the lateral side can help to visually correct the droopy appearance of the outer corner of the eye, creating a more balanced and attractive look, as demonstrated in the case below.
3. Conclusion
Opinions on what constitutes the most beautiful eyes can vary widely. The information presented in this article reflects commonly discussed principles found in many plastic surgery textbooks and among specialists in the field of eye aesthetics gangnam plastic surgery.
When considering double eyelid surgery, it is important not to simply choose a line that appeals to you. Understanding the appropriate eye shape and ratio, pupil size discussed in this article can provide valuable insights for those who are considering aesthetic procedures in Korea. This knowledge will be very helpful when you consult for aesthetic eye surgery in Seoul Korea, ensuring that you make informed decisions and achieve the most aesthetically pleasing results.