Canthal tilt refers to the angle of the eye, measured from the inner corner (medial canthus) to the outer corner (lateral canthus). This facial feature has gained public attention due to its influence on overall facial aesthetics. The position of these eye corners can create different visual impressions, influencing how awake or youthful a person appears.
Understanding Canthal Tilt
Canthal tilt is an anatomical characteristic that describes the angle formed by an imaginary line drawn between the inner and outer corners of the eye relative to a horizontal plane. There are three general classifications for this angle: positive, neutral, and negative. A positive canthal tilt occurs when the outer corner of the eye sits higher than the inner corner, often creating an upward slant. Conversely, a negative canthal tilt is present when the outer corner is lower than the inner corner, resulting in a downward slant. A neutral canthal tilt means both corners are approximately on the same horizontal level.
This angle is generally assessed by imagining a straight line from the inner to the outer canthus and comparing it to a perfectly horizontal line. The natural canthal tilt of an individual is primarily influenced by genetics, meaning people are born with a certain eye angle. Bone structure and the surrounding soft tissues also play a role in determining this feature. Some individuals may seek to alter their canthal tilt due to perceived aesthetic ideals, often desiring a more “lifted” or “awake” appearance.
Non-Surgical Methods for Appearance
Many individuals explore non-surgical methods to modify the visual perception of their canthal tilt, primarily through cosmetic techniques. Makeup application, such as strategic use of eyeliner and eyeshadow, can create an illusion of a different eye angle. Applying eyeliner with an upward flick or placing eyeshadow to lift the outer corner can make the eyes appear more upturned. Concealer can also be used to brighten and lift the outer eye area.
Methods circulating online, including various facial exercises, massage techniques, or “mewing” (a supposed tongue posture practice), are often discussed for their potential to alter facial structure. However, these methods have limited or non-existent ability to permanently change the underlying bone or tendon structures that determine canthal tilt. Their impact on the anatomical angle is not supported by scientific evidence.
Additionally, temporary cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers or neurotoxins (e.g., Botox) can be used in the eye area. These treatments might indirectly affect the perception of canthal tilt by altering brow position or reducing skin laxity, but they do not change the fundamental bony structure of the eye. Their effects are temporary and require repeat applications to maintain any visual alteration.
Surgical Options for Adjustment
For individuals seeking a physical alteration to their canthal tilt, surgical procedures are the primary option. Canthoplasty is a specialized surgical procedure designed to modify the shape and position of the outer corner of the eye, known as the lateral canthus. The goal of this surgery is to tighten and reposition the lateral canthus, often to create a more upward or almond-shaped eye appearance. During a canthoplasty, the surgeon may cut, reposition, or tighten the lower canthal tendon, securing it to the orbital rim with sutures.
Other surgical procedures can also indirectly influence the overall eye appearance, which might be perceived as a change in canthal tilt. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, primarily addresses excess skin or fat pads in the upper or lower eyelids. While it can rejuvenate the eye area and improve sagging, its main purpose is not to directly change the canthal tilt, although it can complement canthoplasty.
Brow lifts, which involve raising the brows, can also affect the appearance of the eye by repositioning the skin and soft tissues of the forehead. These procedures are invasive and require specialized surgical expertise to achieve desired outcomes.
Factors to Consider Before Intervention
Considering any intervention to alter canthal tilt, especially surgical options, involves several important considerations. It is important to have realistic expectations regarding the potential outcomes of such procedures. Surgical results are not always exactly as envisioned, and individual healing processes can vary.
Surgical procedures, including canthoplasty, carry inherent risks and potential complications. These can include scarring, bleeding, and swelling. Other possible complications include dry eyes, difficulty fully closing the eyes, infection, and asymmetry between the two eyes.
There is also a possibility of ectropion, where the eyelid turns outward, or recurrence of the original concern. The changes made through surgery are generally permanent, and reversal can be challenging. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the implications of such a decision.
Consulting with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon is essential to discuss individual suitability, potential risks, and expected recovery. Recovery time for canthoplasty can range from two to four weeks, with initial swelling and bruising subsiding over this period. Costs for cosmetic canthoplasty are typically not covered by health insurance. Beyond the physical aspects, it is also important to consider the psychological motivations for seeking such changes to ensure they are healthy and well-considered.