Many people researching eye aesthetics often ask: Is widening the inner corner of the eye painful, and will it affect daily life? The answer is that it is mildly painful, but not as painful as many people worry. In this article, Dr Xuan Quan Clinic will explore in detail the level of pain during widening the inner corner of the eye, the procedure, and important considerations to help you feel at ease before deciding to undergo the procedure.
Is eyelid widening surgery painful?
This is the most common question when learning about this procedure, especially for those undergoing eyelid surgery for the first time. In reality, the level of pain during canthoplasty is not overly concerning and varies depending on the stage:
- During the procedure: You will receive local anesthesia beforehand, so you will feel almost no pain. Instead, you will only feel a slight tightness or mild numbness in the eye area.
- After the procedure: Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild pain, swelling, or discomfort for the first 2-3 days. However, this is completely tolerable and can be managed with medication.
- During the recovery phase: The pain will gradually decrease each day and almost disappear once the eye area stabilizes. With proper care, the recovery process will be quick and smooth.

How long does it take to recover from canthoplasty?
The recovery time after eyelid widening surgery depends on individual factors and aftercare, but it generally follows these stages:
- From 2 to 3 days after surgery: The eye area may experience slight swelling, tightness, or mild bruising around the corners of the eyes. This is a completely normal reaction of the body after cosmetic surgery and is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other abnormalities.
- From 5 to 7 days: Swelling begins to significantly decrease, and the feeling of tightness also subsides. At this time, the eye area is more stable, and the patient can resume light activities and some daily routines.
- Around 7 to 10 days: This is when stitches are usually removed (depending on the doctor’s instructions). After stitches are removed, the wound begins to close better, helping the recovery process to proceed faster and reducing the risk of complications.
- After 2 to 4 weeks: The eye shape gradually stabilizes and becomes more natural. Symptoms such as swelling, tightness, or discomfort almost disappear, and the area around the eyes begins to take on a more complete shape.

How to reduce pain and care for yourself after canthal surgery
After the procedure, proper aftercare not only helps reduce discomfort but also determines the speed of recovery and the aesthetic outcome of the eyes. To minimize pain and promote faster healing, you should follow these guidelines:
Apply cold compresses immediately during the first 1-2 days
After returning home, apply a gentle cold compress around the eye area (do not apply directly to the stitches). This helps reduce swelling, pain, and bruising. Each compress should last about 10-15 minutes, and can be done several times a day, especially during the first 48 hours.
Keep the wound dry and do not wash it vigorously
For the first 5 to 7 days, only gently wipe the outer areas of your face, avoiding direct contact of water with the surgical incision. Do not use facial cleansers or products with strong ingredients around the eyes during this period. When cleaning your face, only gently wipe the surrounding area; do not scrub or use facial cleanser on the surgical site.
Do not rub your eyes, and avoid applying eye makeup
Rubbing your eyes can easily loosen stitches or stretch the sutures. Additionally, you should avoid eye makeup for at least two weeks to prevent infection and allow the tissue to heal better.
Sleep in the correct position to reduce swelling
You should sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first 3 to 5 days. This helps reduce blood pooling around the eyes, thereby reducing swelling and making your eyes feel more comfortable upon waking. Additionally, avoid looking at your phone for too long during the first 2-3 days as this can easily cause eye strain and tension in the surgical area.
Avoid foods that can easily cause scarring
Limit foods such as sticky rice, seafood, and beef to reduce the risk of unsightly scarring and help wounds heal faster.
Important note: If you experience any unusual symptoms such as prolonged swelling, increased pain, discharge, or significant redness, you should contact your doctor immediately for examination and treatment.

A reputable address for eyelid widening surgery is Dr Xuan Quan Clinic.
In eye aesthetics, safety and precision in each surgical procedure play a crucial role in determining long-term results. At Dr. Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic, eye shaping services are designed with a focus on in-depth, personalized, and medically standardized approaches, helping clients improve imperfections while maintaining a natural and harmonious look that complements their overall facial features.
- Our team of specialized eye shaping surgeons: Each surgery is performed by experienced doctors who directly examine and perform the procedure. Before prescribing a method, the doctor carefully assesses:
- Personalized eyelid design: Each client receives a unique eyelid crease design instead of a generic template. This ensures that the results after shaping are not “visible surgical scars,” maintaining a natural and balanced appearance on both sides.
- Medical-standard equipment and procedures: Sterile operating rooms adhere to strict surgical safety procedures. Clients have their stitches removed after 5-7 days and have regular follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery progress.
- Commitment to safety and long-lasting effectiveness: The results of cosmetic eye surgery at Dr. Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic last an average of 5-10 years, depending on individual factors and aftercare. A clear post-operative monitoring and support policy ensures customer peace of mind throughout the recovery process.

Currently, Dr. Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic offers eyelid widening surgery at a cost of 4,000,000 VND.
All services come with a 6-month warranty, lasting 5-10 years, combined with a standardized surgical procedure and close post-operative monitoring. Sutures are removed after 7 days, shortening recovery time and allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canthoplasty
When researching this procedure, many people still worry about whether eyelid widening is painful and the recovery process. Below are detailed answers to help put your mind at ease:
Is eyelid widening very painful?
No. During the procedure, you will be given anesthesia, so it will be virtually painless. Afterward, you will only experience mild pain that gradually subsides after a few days.
How long does the pain last after eyelid widening?
The pain usually lasts for the first 2-3 days, then quickly decreases with proper care.
Does eyelid widening leave scars?
If performed correctly and with good aftercare, the scars will fade and become almost invisible.
How long does it take for the eyes to fully recover?
Typically, after 2-4 weeks, the eye area will stabilize and look more natural.
Does it affect vision?
No. This method does not affect visual function if performed correctly.
When should you see your doctor again?
You should schedule a follow-up appointment or go immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as prolonged swelling, increased pain, discharge, or significant redness.
Generally, whether or not widening the eye corners is painful is not a major concern if you choose the right aesthetic clinic and follow the post-procedure care instructions. If you are considering safe and effective cosmetic procedures, contact Dr. Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic for detailed consultation and to experience professional, medically approved services.
Tiếng Việt