{"id":12319,"date":"2026-09-22T10:21:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T01:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/?p=12319"},"modified":"2026-09-22T10:21:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T01:21:36","slug":"japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese vs Korean Epicanthoplasty: Natural or Dramatic?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/\",\"name\":\"Japanese vs Korean Epicanthoplasty: Natural or Dramatic?\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/#website\"},\"about\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/#clinic-biotope\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/#physician-karibe\"},\"lastReviewed\":\"2026-09-15\"},{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"MedicalWebPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/#webpage\"},\"headline\":\"Japanese vs Korean Epicanthoplasty: Natural or Dramatic?\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/#physician-karibe\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/#physician-karibe\"},\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/#organization\"},\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/#webpage\"},\"description\":\"Compare Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish vs dramatic eye-opening in Tokyo. Learn recovery, cost, and candidacy \u2014 book a consultation.\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-15\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-15\",\"lastReviewed\":\"2026-09-15\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Skin & Dermatology\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/column\/skin-dermatology\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Japanese vs Korean Epicanthoplasty: Natural or Dramatic?\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/japanese-vs-korean-epicanthoplasty\/\"}]}]}<\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I choose exactly how \\\"Japanese\\\" or \\\"Korean\\\" I want my result to look?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"You can describe your preferred degree of change, but the final design depends on your own epicanthal fold anatomy and how much tension can be safely released. A surgeon will translate your preference into a specific technique choice rather than a fixed national style.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does epicanthoplasty have to be combined with double eyelid surgery?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No, it can be performed on its own, but many patients choose to combine it with double eyelid surgery because the two procedures affect how the inner end of the crease and the inner corner sit together. Your surgeon can advise whether combining them suits your case.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long do results take to fully settle?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Most visible swelling resolves within one to two weeks, but scars and final corner shape typically continue to refine over several months. Clinical follow-up studies commonly assess final scar appearance at six months or later.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is the result permanent?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Epicanthoplasty involves releasing or removing fold tissue, so the change is intended to be permanent. That said, published data shows recurrence of some fold tension is possible with certain techniques, which is one reason technique selection matters.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Epicanthoplasty, and What Do &#8220;Japanese&#8221; and &#8220;Korean&#8221; Styles Actually Mean?<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"margin: 1.5em 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px;\" title=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 What Is Epicanthoplasty, and What Do \" src=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pexels_3373735_1789453557.webp\" alt=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 What Is Epicanthoplasty, and What Do \" \/><\/figure>\n<p>If you have been researching eye-opening surgery, you have probably come across the terms <strong>&#8220;Japanese-style<\/strong>&#8221; and<strong> &#8220;Korean-style&#8221;<\/strong> <strong>epicanthoplasty<\/strong> used as if they were two fixed, official procedures.<\/p>\n<p>It is a confusing way for the topic to be marketed, especially when you are trying to work out which result matches your own face and comfort level with change.<\/p>\n<p>This article explains what epicanthoplasty actually does, how the <strong>&#8220;natural&#8221; and &#8220;dramatic&#8221; l<\/strong>ooks are really achieved from a surgical standpoint, what recovery and realistic costs look like in Tokyo, and how to think about candidacy before booking a consultation.<\/p>\n<p>What you&#8217;ll learn in this article:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What epicanthoplasty is and why the epicanthal fold affects eye shape<\/li>\n<li>Why &#8220;Japanese vs Korean&#8221; is a design philosophy, not a distinct surgical technique<\/li>\n<li>What the published surgical literature says about satisfaction, scarring, and recurrence<\/li>\n<li>Realistic cost expectations and where to get an accurate quote in Tokyo<\/li>\n<li>Who is, and is not, a good candidate for this surgery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"kjmc-en-booking-inline\" style=\"background: #f7fbf7; border: 1px solid #d5e6d8; border-radius: 10px; padding: 16px 20px; margin: 26px 0; text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px; color: #1a3a1f; font-size: 0.95em; line-height: 1.65;\"><strong>Have a question about this treatment?<\/strong><br \/>\nMessage us on LINE or WhatsApp \u2014 our English-speaking team usually replies the same day.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; line-height: 1;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #06C755; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/line.me\/R\/ti\/p\/@710uitns?ts=05311801&amp;oat_content=url#~\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Book via LINE<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #25D366; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/whatsapp.com\/channel\/0029VbCA1v85K3zY4MLX2a1h\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Message on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The epicanthal fold is the small vertical skin fold that covers the inner corner of the eye.<\/p>\n<p>It is extremely common in people of East Asian descent, and clinical reports indicate it is present in roughly 40% of Asian individuals, compared with only about 2-5% of non-Asian individuals.<\/p>\n<p>Epicanthoplasty is the surgical procedure that releases or reshapes this fold, lengthening the visible horizontal width of the eye and, in many cases, softening the appearance of the inner corner.<\/p>\n<p>It is very often performed together with double eyelid surgery, since adjusting the epicanthal fold changes how the inner end of a double eyelid crease sits. On its own, epicanthoplasty does not create a crease; it changes the shape and openness of the inner corner.<\/p>\n<h2>How Epicanthoplasty Works: Conservative vs Fold-Opening Approaches<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"margin: 1.5em 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px;\" title=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 How Epicanthoplasty Works: Conservative vs Fold-Opening Appr\" src=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pexels_5997828_1789453558.webp\" alt=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 How Epicanthoplasty Works: Conservative vs Fold-Opening Appr\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Surgically, there is no single technique called &#8220;Japanese epicanthoplasty&#8221; or &#8220;Korean epicanthoplasty&#8221; in the medical literature.<\/p>\n<p>Surgeons in both countries, and elsewhere, draw from the same family of techniques \u2014 Z-plasty, skin redraping, Y-V advancement, and V-W plasty among them \u2014 and the popular &#8220;Japanese&#8221; and &#8220;Korean&#8221; labels really describe two ends of a<strong> design spectrum<\/strong> rather than two separate operations.In mc clinic I always decide after the consultation and listening carefully to the patients \u00a0ideals.<\/p>\n<h3>The &#8220;conservative&#8221; or &#8220;natural&#8221; end of the spectrum<\/h3>\n<p>This approach releases only a small amount of fold tension, preserves more of the original inner-corner shape, and aims for a subtle increase in eye width that is not obvious to people who did not know the patient beforehand. It is generally associated with what marketing materials call the &#8220;Japanese style.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>The &#8220;fold-opening&#8221; or &#8220;dramatic&#8221; end of the spectrum<\/h3>\n<p>This approach releases more of the epicanthal tension and repositions the inner corner further toward the nose, producing a more noticeably rounder, more open inner eye shape. It is generally associated with what marketing materials call the &#8220;Korean style,&#8221; and is often combined with lateral canthoplasty (outer corner adjustment) for additional width.<\/p>\n<p>A 2025 review in the <em>Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology<\/em>, which examined 85 publications on epicanthoplasty scarring, concluded that no single method suits every patient: skin redraping tends to be versatile across mild-to-severe folds, Z-epicanthoplasty is generally reserved for mild-to-moderate folds, and more extensive Y-V or V-W plasty techniques are typically used for severe folds. The choice of technique, in other words, should be driven by anatomy and the degree of change wanted \u2014 not by a nationality label.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin: 20px 0; font-size: 0.95em; border: 1px solid #ccc;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; background: #f1faf3; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Aspect<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; background: #f1faf3; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Conservative (&#8220;natural&#8221;) approach<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; background: #f1faf3; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Fold-opening (&#8220;dramatic&#8221;) approach<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Design goal<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Subtle widening, corner shape largely preserved<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Rounder, more open inner corner<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Typical fold release<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Partial tension release<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">More complete tension release, often with corner repositioning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Often combined with<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Suture-method double eyelid surgery<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Incisional double eyelid surgery, sometimes lateral canthoplasty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Visible change to others<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Subtle, easily read as natural<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">More noticeable, larger perceived eye shape change<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Typical downtime<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Around 1-2 weeks of visible swelling\/redness<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Similar, occasionally slightly longer with combined procedures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Reversibility<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Difficult to reverse once fold tissue is released<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px 12px; vertical-align: top;\">Difficult to reverse; revision surgery is possible but more complex<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Common Misconceptions About Japanese vs Korean Epicanthoplasty<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Misconception 1: &#8220;Japanese&#8221; and &#8220;Korean&#8221; epicanthoplasty are two officially recognised surgical techniques.<\/strong> In the peer-reviewed literature, epicanthoplasty techniques are classified by their mechanism \u2014 Z-plasty, skin redraping, Y-V advancement, and so on \u2014 not by country. The &#8220;Japanese vs Korean&#8221; framing is a consumer shorthand for how conservative or dramatic the intended result is, and the same surgeon may use either technique family to achieve either look depending on your anatomy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Misconception 2: epicanthoplasty always leaves a visible scar or carries high complication rates.<\/strong> A 2023 case series in the <em>Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology<\/em> following 35 patients who underwent Park&#8217;s modified Z-epicanthoplasty found that 82.9% had no visible scar elevation or hypertrophy at follow-up, with a median patient satisfaction score of 9 out of 10. A 2026 meta-analysis published in <em>Medicine (Baltimore)<\/em> similarly found comparable, generally low complication rates between the two most-studied techniques (skin redraping and Z-plasty), though it noted Z-plasty was associated with better scar scores and higher reported satisfaction in the pooled data.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kjmc-en-booking-inline\" style=\"background: #f7fbf7; border: 1px solid #d5e6d8; border-radius: 10px; padding: 16px 20px; margin: 26px 0; text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px; color: #1a3a1f; font-size: 0.95em; line-height: 1.65;\"><strong>Have a question about this treatment?<\/strong><br \/>\nMessage us on LINE or WhatsApp \u2014 our English-speaking team usually replies the same day.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; line-height: 1;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #06C755; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/line.me\/R\/ti\/p\/@710uitns?ts=05311801&amp;oat_content=url#~\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Book via LINE<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #25D366; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/whatsapp.com\/channel\/0029VbCA1v85K3zY4MLX2a1h\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Message on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Cost of Epicanthoplasty in Tokyo<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"margin: 1.5em 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px;\" title=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 Cost of Epicanthoplasty in Tokyo\" src=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pexels_6048006_1789453559.webp\" alt=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 Cost of Epicanthoplasty in Tokyo\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Epicanthoplasty is an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by Japanese national health insurance. Pricing depends on the specific technique used, whether it is combined with double eyelid surgery or lateral canthoplasty, and the complexity of your anatomy. Please see the clinic&#8217;s official price page or contact us for a current quote.<\/p>\n<p>Within our clinic group, both BIOTOPE CLINIC (Shirokanedai, Minato-ku) and Kojimachi Dermatology &amp; Plastic Surgery Clinic (Ichigaya, Chiyoda-ku) offer English-language consultation with Dr. Jun Karibe&#8217;s team. Epicanthoplasty and related cosmetic eyelid procedures are handled at BIOTOPE CLINIC, where Dr. Karibe personally consults on cosmetic and plastic surgery cases. Bookings and enquiries in English: LINE or WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<p>For an accurate quote, please book a consultation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kjmc-en-booking-inline\" style=\"background: #f7fbf7; border: 1px solid #d5e6d8; border-radius: 10px; padding: 16px 20px; margin: 26px 0; text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px; color: #1a3a1f; font-size: 0.95em; line-height: 1.65;\"><strong>Have a question about this treatment?<\/strong><br \/>\nMessage us on LINE or WhatsApp \u2014 our English-speaking team usually replies the same day.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; line-height: 1;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #06C755; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/line.me\/R\/ti\/p\/@710uitns?ts=05311801&amp;oat_content=url#~\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Book via LINE<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #25D366; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/whatsapp.com\/channel\/0029VbCA1v85K3zY4MLX2a1h\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Message on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What to Expect: Before, During, and After Surgery<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"margin: 1.5em 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px;\" title=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 What to Expect: Before, During, and After Surgery\" src=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pexels_2078134_1789453559.webp\" alt=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 What to Expect: Before, During, and After Surgery\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3>Before surgery<\/h3>\n<p>Your consultation should include a physical assessment of your epicanthal fold severity, eyelid crease preference, and any prior eyelid surgery. At BIOTOPE CLINIC in Shirokanedai, we frequently see patients who bring reference photos to describe how subtle or pronounced they want the change to be \u2014 this is a useful starting point, but the surgeon still needs to confirm what your own anatomy will support.<\/p>\n<h3>During surgery<\/h3>\n<p>Epicanthoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia, often on the same day as double eyelid surgery if both are being done. Surgical time varies depending on technique and whether it is combined with other eyelid procedures, generally taking under two hours.<\/p>\n<h3>After surgery<\/h3>\n<p>Swelling and bruising around the inner corner are expected for the first several days, with most visible swelling settling over one to two weeks. Sutures, where used, are typically removed within about a week. Final results, including scar softening, generally continue to refine over several months as swelling fully resolves and any residual redness fades.<\/p>\n<h2>Who Is a Good Candidate \u2014 and Who Should Avoid It?<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"margin: 1.5em 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px;\" title=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 Who Is a Good Candidate \u2014 and Who Should Avoid It\" src=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pexels_14198477_1789453560.webp\" alt=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 Who Is a Good Candidate \u2014 and Who Should Avoid It\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Good candidates are generally adults with a visible epicanthal fold who understand that the change is permanent and want either a subtle or more pronounced widening of the inner eye, and who have realistic expectations about scar healing timelines. It is also worth having a clear idea in advance of how much visible change you actually want, since conservative and fold-opening designs are difficult to convert from one to the other after the fact.<\/p>\n<p>This surgery is generally not appropriate for people with active eye infections or inflammatory eyelid conditions, those with a history of severe keloid or hypertrophic scarring, and anyone seeking the procedure to address distress that is better addressed through other means rather than a specific anatomical concern. A thorough in-person or video consultation is the only reliable way to determine candidacy.<\/p>\n<p>This is a treatment available at <strong>BIOTOPE CLINIC<\/strong> in Shirokanedai \u2014 feel free to ask about it during a consultation with Dr. Karibe, including whether combining it with scar-focused treatments such as later pigmentation laser touch-ups would suit your healing plan.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"margin: 1.5em 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px;\" title=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 Frequently Asked Questions\" src=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pexels_16292704_1789453561.webp\" alt=\"Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish \u2014 Frequently Asked Questions\" \/><\/figure>\n<dl class=\"kj-faq\">\n<dt>Q. Can I choose exactly how &#8220;Japanese&#8221; or &#8220;Korean&#8221; I want my result to look?<\/dt>\n<dd>You can describe your preferred degree of change, but the final design depends on your own epicanthal fold anatomy and how much tension can be safely released. A surgeon will translate your preference into a specific technique choice rather than a fixed national style.<\/dd>\n<dd><\/dd>\n<dt>Q. Does epicanthoplasty have to be combined with double eyelid surgery?<\/dt>\n<dd>No, it can be performed on its own, but many patients choose to combine it with double eyelid surgery because the two procedures affect how the inner end of the crease and the inner corner sit together. Your surgeon can advise whether combining them suits your case.<\/dd>\n<dd><\/dd>\n<dt>Q. How long do results take to fully settle?<\/dt>\n<dd>Most visible swelling resolves within one to two weeks, but scars and final corner shape typically continue to refine over several months. Clinical follow-up studies commonly assess final scar appearance at six months or later.<\/dd>\n<dd><\/dd>\n<dt>Q. Is the result permanent?<\/dt>\n<dd>Epicanthoplasty involves releasing or removing fold tissue, so the change is intended to be permanent. That said, published data shows recurrence of some fold tension is possible with certain techniques, which is one reason technique selection matters.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<div class=\"kjmc-en-booking-inline\" style=\"background: #f7fbf7; border: 1px solid #d5e6d8; border-radius: 10px; padding: 16px 20px; margin: 26px 0; text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px; color: #1a3a1f; font-size: 0.95em; line-height: 1.65;\"><strong>Have a question about this treatment?<\/strong><br \/>\nMessage us on LINE or WhatsApp \u2014 our English-speaking team usually replies the same day.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; line-height: 1;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #06C755; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/line.me\/R\/ti\/p\/@710uitns?ts=05311801&amp;oat_content=url#~\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Book via LINE<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: #25D366; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 4px 6px; white-space: nowrap; vertical-align: middle;\" href=\"https:\/\/whatsapp.com\/channel\/0029VbCA1v85K3zY4MLX2a1h\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Message on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Summary<\/h2>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Japanese&#8221; and &#8220;Korean&#8221;<\/strong> epicanthoplasty are best understood as marketing shorthand for a conservative-to-dramatic design spectrum, not as two distinct surgical techniques with fixed outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>The actual surgical decision comes down to which technique \u2014 Z-plasty, skin redraping, or a more extensive approach \u2014 suits your fold severity and how much visible change you want, and published outcome data suggests high satisfaction and generally low complication rates when technique is matched appropriately to the case.<\/p>\n<p>If you have questions about Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty, both <strong>BIOTOPE CLINIC<\/strong> (Shirokanedai, Minato-ku) and <strong>Kojimachi Dermatology &amp; Plastic Surgery Clinic<\/strong> (Ichigaya, Chiyoda-ku) offer English-language consultation with Dr. Karibe and his team. Epicanthoplasty is primarily handled at BIOTOPE CLINIC. English enquiries: LINE or WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kjmc-en-booking-box\" style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg,#f1faf3 0%,#e6f3ea 100%); border-radius: 14px; padding: 32px 24px; margin: 36px 0 24px; border: 1px solid #c5dccd; text-align: center;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0 0 8px; color: #3a6e3a; border: none; padding: 0; font-size: 1.3em;\">24\/7 Consultation &amp; Booking<\/h3>\n<div style=\"width: 48px; height: 2px; background: #3a6e3a; margin: 0 auto 22px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px; color: #1a3a1f; font-size: 1.1em; font-weight: bold;\">Book a Consultation or Treatment<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 24px; color: #2c4a35; line-height: 1.75;\">Our English-speaking team responds via LINE or WhatsApp \u2014 usually the same day.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px; line-height: 1;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 10px; background: #06C755; color: #fff; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 10px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.02em; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(6,199,85,0.25); min-width: 240px; white-space: nowrap;\" href=\"https:\/\/line.me\/R\/ti\/p\/@710uitns?ts=05311801&amp;oat_content=url#~\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Book via LINE<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; line-height: 1;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 10px; background: #25D366; color: #fff; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 10px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.02em; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(37,211,102,0.25); min-width: 240px; white-space: nowrap;\" href=\"https:\/\/whatsapp.com\/channel\/0029VbCA1v85K3zY4MLX2a1h\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Message on WhatsApp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>References<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Fineide FA, Allen RC, Bohman E, T\u00f8nseth KA, Utheim TP, Khan AZ. Minimizing Postoperative Scars in Epicanthoplasty: A Concise Review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025.<\/li>\n<li>Bai M, Gong C. Meta-analysis of the skin redraping method and the Z-plasty method in the correction of epicanthus. Medicine (Baltimore). 2026.<\/li>\n<li>Fatani DR, Alsuhaibani OS, Alsuhaibani AH. Cosmetic outcomes of epicanthoplasty for epicanthus tarsalis. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology. 2023.<\/li>\n<li>Okumura K, Tamura T, Funakoshi Y, Teranishi H. Time-Series and Demographic Trends in Cosmetic Surgery: Multicenter Analysis of Double-eyelid Embedding in Japan. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Related Articles<\/h2>\n<p>You may also find these articles useful.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/double-eyelid-surgery-tokyo-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Double Eyelid Surgery Tokyo: English-Speaking Clinic Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/ptosis-correction-surgery-tokyo-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ptosis Correction Surgery Tokyo: Droopy Eyelid Treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/double-eyelid-surgery-tokyo-downtime-stay-flying\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How Long Should You Stay in Tokyo for Double Eyelid Surgery? Downtime, Pain &amp; Flying Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/under-eye-bags-surgery-tokyo-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Under Eye Bags Surgery Tokyo: Transconjunctival Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/under-eye-filler-tokyo-risks-benefits-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Under Eye Filler Tokyo: Risks, Benefits &amp; Costs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"margin: 2.5em 0 1em; padding: 1.5em; border: 1px solid #d5d5d5; border-radius: 10px; background: #fafafa; font-size: .9em;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: .72em; font-weight: bold; color: #888; margin: 0 0 1.2em; letter-spacing: .08em;\">SUPERVISED BY<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1.2em; flex-wrap: wrap;\">\n<div style=\"flex-shrink: 0; text-align: center; min-width: 110px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100px; height: 100px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover; object-position: top center; display: block; margin: 0 auto; border: 3px solid #e0e0e0;\" src=\"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/hon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/photo-karibejun-400-3_re-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Jun Karibe MD \u2014 Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, Director of Kojimachi Dermatology &amp; Plastic Surgery Clinic\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: .6em 0 .1em; font-weight: bold; font-size: .95em; color: #222;\">Dr. Jun Karibe<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 .1em; font-size: .75em; color: #999;\">MD<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: .75em; color: #555; font-weight: bold;\">Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 200px;\">\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .75em; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #ebebeb; border-radius: 6px; padding: .7em 1em;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 .35em; font-size: .78em; font-weight: bold; color: #666; border-bottom: 1px solid #f2f2f2; padding-bottom: .3em;\">Education &amp; Career<\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: .82em; color: #444; line-height: 1.75;\">\n<div>Juntendo University School of Medicine<\/div>\n<div>Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tokyo Hospital<\/div>\n<div>Assistant Professor, Plastic &amp; Cosmetic Surgery, Saitama Medical University<\/div>\n<div>Assistant Professor &amp; Chief Resident, Yamanashi University Hospital<\/div>\n<div>2019: Founded Kojimachi Dermatology &amp; Plastic Surgery Clinic (Ichigaya, Tokyo)<\/div>\n<div>2021: Founded BIOTOPE CLINIC Shirokanedai (Minato-ku, Tokyo)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .75em; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #ebebeb; border-radius: 6px; padding: .7em 1em;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 .35em; font-size: .78em; font-weight: bold; color: #666; border-bottom: 1px solid #f2f2f2; padding-bottom: .3em;\">Certifications<\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: .82em; color: #444; line-height: 1.75;\">\n<div>Board-certified Plastic Surgeon \u2014 Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery<\/div>\n<div>Specialist \u2014 Japan Society of Anti-Aging Medicine<\/div>\n<div>Certified Industrial Physician \u2014 Japan Medical Association<\/div>\n<div>Allergan VST-certified Injector (Botox &amp; Hyaluronic Acid)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #ebebeb; border-radius: 6px; padding: .7em 1em;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 .35em; font-size: .78em; font-weight: bold; color: #666; border-bottom: 1px solid #f2f2f2; padding-bottom: .3em;\">Awards<\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: .82em; color: #444; line-height: 1.75;\">\n<div>Best Presentation Award \u2014 Dept. of Plastic Surgery, University of Tokyo (2016)<\/div>\n<div>Excellence Award \u2014 Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2018)<\/div>\n<div>Featured Presentation \u2014 ASPS Annual Scientific Meeting, USA (2018)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 1em; padding-top: .75em; border-top: 1px solid #e8e8e8; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: .5em;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #e1306c; color: #fff; padding: .4em .9em; border-radius: 4px; text-decoration: none; font-size: .8em; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dr.jun_\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 1em; padding-top: .75em; border-top: 1px dashed #d5d5d5; font-size: .78em; color: #555; line-height: 1.7;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 .3em; font-size: .72em; font-weight: bold; color: #888; letter-spacing: .08em;\">MEDICAL REVIEW<\/p>\n<div><strong>Jun Karibe, MD<\/strong> \u2014 Board-certified Plastic Surgeon \u2014 Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery<\/div>\n<div>Medical Director, BIOTOPE CLINIC<\/div>\n<div>Last medically reviewed: 2026-09-15<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Compare Japanese vs Korean epicanthoplasty: natural finish vs dramatic eye-opening in Tokyo. Learn recovery, cost, and candidacy \u2014 book a consultation.","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12318,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[992,1013,1014,1015],"class_list":["post-12319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin-dermatology","tag-epicanthoplasty","tag-korean-style","tag-japanese-style","tag-eye-shape-surgery"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12319","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12319"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12479,"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12319\/revisions\/12479"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kojihifu.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}