Epicanthoplasty

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Epicanthoplasty sometimes referred to as "Westernization" is a type of eye surgery to remove the presence of epicanthal folds. It is considered to be a challenging procedure by some surgeons because the epicanthal folds overlay the lacrimal canaliculi (tear drainage canals).^[1]

It often leaves scar lines visible post surgery. A common technique involves using what a called a "Z" plasty.

Currently, epicanthoplasty is seldom carried out, as removal or reduction of the epicanthal fold is not widely seen as particularly beneficial for practical or cosmetic reasons,^{[citation needed]} but this procedure was very common in the past when Asian eyes were not understood or accepted by westerners. Asians who immigrated to the U.S. who opted to have Asian blepharoplasty, "double eyelid" surgery which involves the creation of a crease in the upper eyelid, also had their epicanthal fold removed in one operation. The removal of the epicanthal fold gives a more western appearance and may rid the patient of their ethnic look whereas a simple "double eyelid" surgery preserves the ethnic appearance.