Chemosis After Lateral & Lower Canthoplasty: Recovery and Care

A swollen, jelly-like white of the eye after lateral and lower canthoplasty does not mean your surgery went wrong. This symptom is called chemosis (conjunctival swelling), and it is a natural reaction that can appear during recovery. For patients who had lateral and lower canthoplasty at a plastic surgery clinic near Sinsa Station in Gangnam for a brighter, more open eye shape and were startled by what they saw in the mirror, we've answered common questions about the causes of chemosis, how long recovery takes, and what you can do at home.

Why does chemosis happen?

Lateral and lower canthoplasty widen the horizontal length of the eye and lower the eye line, so the tissue around the eyeball is inevitably stimulated. When lymphatic circulation temporarily slows down, fluid collects beneath the conjunctiva, causing chemosis. It tends to appear more often when the surgical area is larger or the eye shape has been corrected more dramatically.

How long until it goes down?

In most cases it improves within two weeks after surgery. For the first two to three days the swelling may actually seem to get worse, and after that the lymphatic fluid gradually starts to be reabsorbed. If it lasts more than a month, it's a good idea to have the clinic check for any other cause.

It's natural to feel scared and worried the first time you experience this, but knowing how things typically change during recovery can help ease the urge to rush.

Caring for your eyes at home

The most important rule of aftercare following lateral and lower canthoplasty is not to rub your eyes. The conjunctiva is quite fragile at this stage, and even minor irritation can make chemosis worse.

• Use the eye drops prescribed by the clinic on schedule.
• Keep the eyes from drying out with artificial tears.
• Keeping your head higher than your heart while sleeping helps reduce swelling.

Rest over rushing

Even if you notice chemosis after lateral and lower canthoplasty at a plastic surgery clinic near Sinsa Station in Gangnam, time often resolves it, so getting plenty of rest rather than rushing is the fastest path to recovery. There's no need to be too alarmed by what you see in the mirror.

• Cause: fluid collects under the conjunctiva as lymphatic circulation slows after lateral and lower canthoplasty
• Recovery time: mostly within two weeks; see the clinic if it lasts over a month
• Care: no rubbing, eye drops and artificial tears, cold compresses, sleeping with your head elevated

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Last reviewed: 2026-10-07 This article provides general medical information. Individual diagnosis and treatment plans are determined through an in-person consultation.