The Truth Behind Red Scars from Lateral Canthoplasty: 9-Month Results of Ectropion Revision

The psychological pain is immense when a surgery intended to widen the eyes leaves an indelible red scar or distorts the shape of the outer corner. Especially when the red inner tissue is exposed, it is not only aesthetically unpleasing but also causes major functional discomforts, such as dry and stinging eyes.

Many patients wait for the scar to fade by applying ointments, but this is not a simple skin wound; it is a phenomenon caused by the collapse of the eye's anatomical structure. Today, let's look into the proper treatment direction through a 9-month long-term result of revising an outer corner where the conjunctiva was exposed due to 'ectropion' at She One Plastic Surgery.

 

1. The True Identity of the Unhealing Red Mark at the Outer Corner

When patients come in for a consultation, nine out of ten point to the red mark at their outer corner and complain, "The surgical site healed improperly, leaving a severe red scar." However, upon precise diagnosis, it is highly likely that this is not a scar, but 'Ectropion'.

If the skin and mucous membrane of the outer corner are excessively resected during the first surgery, the lower eyelid loses its natural tension and drops outward, turning inside out. When the eyelid rolls outward (ectropion), the inner red mucous membrane (conjunctiva), which should be hidden against the eyeball, is completely exposed. Visually, this looks like a red scar, but it is actually the inner tissue showing due to structural collapse (scleral show). Furthermore, as the support holding the lateral canthus disappears, the entire outer corner sags, unintentionally giving a tired and aged appearance.

 

2. The Revision Process: Treating Anatomical Ligaments, Not Just Outer Skin

To treat the everted eyelid and exposed conjunctiva, a deep anatomical understanding of eye surgery is essential. She One Plastic Surgery does not perform one-dimensional surgeries that simply pull and cover the separated skin with threads.

First, the adhered scar tissue is delicately separated to soften the area. Next, we locate the lateral canthal ligament that has detached from the orbital bone and lost its strength, firmly re-fixating it to its original position. Once the ligament's tension is properly restored, the outwardly everted eyelid naturally adheres closely to the eyeball. Afterward, by separating the mucous membrane, muscle, and skin layers and performing multiple micro-sutures appropriately for each layer, we refine the once bumpy outer corner into its natural, smooth V-shape.

 

3. 9 Months Post-Surgery: The Phase of Structural Stability

9-Month Before and After Comparison of Lateral Canthoplasty Ectropion Revision

 

Revision surgery to correct side effects requires deep dissection and manipulation of internal tissues, so scar tissue (fibrosis) appears more strongly than in the first surgery. Therefore, the appearance right after surgery is not the final result, and it takes several months for the tissues to completely soften and settle.

The 9-month post-operative mark corresponds to the 'final stabilization phase' where most of the deep scar tissue has softened, and the eyes have regained comfort. Looking at the 9-month progress photos, you can see that the red conjunctiva, which was severely exposed like a scar on the right eye, smoothly adheres to the eyeball and is cleanly covered. The outer corner, which had dropped powerlessly downward, has also risen to a normal axis, stabilizing into the harmonious and soft eye shape the patient originally desired.

 

4. She One Plastic Surgery’s Philosophy: Easing the Fear of Failure

She One Plastic Surgery deeply sympathizes with the heavy hearts of patients who have become afraid of even visiting a clinic due to repeated surgical failures.

 

Rather than being greedy and proceeding with excessive correction, our clinic suggests only the safest and most natural solutions that your current tissue condition can handle. By solidly rebuilding the damaged anatomical structure, we will perform every surgery with sincerity so that you can relieve your emotional burden and regain your comfortable daily life through this procedure, hoping to make this surgery your last.

 

 

* Before and after photos of this patient are available on the She One Plastic Surgery official blog. *

 

Before & After Photos on official Blog (Click)

 

 

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The before and after photos featured in this post are shared with the patient's explicit consent, strictly complying with Article 23 of the Medical Service Act. Please note that individual recovery times and surgical results may vary, and potential side effects can occur. We strongly advise a comprehensive consultation with our medical team before making any surgical decisions.