Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the outer corner of the eye, known as the canthus, where the upper and lower eyelids meet. This cosmetic surgery aims to alter the eye’s appearance, often creating a more lifted or almond-shaped look. It addresses concerns like sagging or uneven eyelids. The procedure works by tightening the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues within the eyelid.
Understanding Canthoplasty
Canthoplasty alters the eyelid structure at the canthus for aesthetic and functional goals. It reshapes the eye corner to modify its overall appearance. Beyond cosmetic enhancement, it addresses conditions affecting eyelid function, such as sagging or drooping eyelids that might impact vision. The surgery can adjust eyelid tilt, correct unevenness, and potentially increase the field of vision by reducing obstructions.
The procedure often creates an “almond eye” shape, or gives the eyes a brighter, more open, and alert appearance. It can also address lower eyelid laxity, where the eyelid appears saggy or loose. By tightening supportive structures, canthoplasty helps restore a youthful and defined eye contour.
Variations of Canthoplasty
Canthoplasty is a broad term encompassing several distinct procedures, each targeting a specific area. Lateral canthoplasty reconstructs or reshapes the outer corner of the eye. This procedure lifts and defines the outer eye, often creating an almond or “cat-eye” appearance. It can also address a downturned outer corner, giving the eye a more upturned or positive canthal tilt.
Medial canthoplasty focuses on the inner corner of the eye. This less common procedure reshapes the inner canthus and is often combined with other surgeries for a comprehensive eye rejuvenation. Epicanthoplasty is a specific type of medial canthoplasty that reduces or removes the epicanthal fold, a skin fold over the inner corner of the eye prominent in some ethnic groups, particularly those of East Asian descent. This procedure aims to make the eyes appear larger and more open by exposing more of the inner eye.
Canthopexy is often discussed alongside canthoplasty. While canthoplasty involves cutting and repositioning the canthal tendon, canthopexy reinforces the canthus with sutures without detaching the tendon. Canthopexy is used for mild drooping or subtle support, whereas canthoplasty offers more significant reshaping for pronounced sagging or malposition.
What Happens During Surgery
A canthoplasty procedure typically begins with anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Depending on the complexity and specific type, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be used. The surgeon then makes a small incision, often discreetly placed near the eyelid to minimize visible scarring.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon tightens and repositions the canthal tendon and surrounding tissues. This often involves detaching the lateral canthal tendon from the bone at the side of the eye socket, shortening it, and reattaching it at an adjusted height to achieve the desired eye shape and lift. Excess skin, fat, or muscle might also be removed to refine the eyelid contour. Procedure duration varies, typically from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the specific technique. The surgeon then closes the incision with stitches.
The Recovery Process and Results
Following canthoplasty, patients can expect a recovery period. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are typical, most pronounced in the first few days. Applying cold compresses helps reduce these effects, and discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Stitches are generally removed within one to two weeks. Noticeable improvements are often visible after the first week, but full healing and final results can take several months. During recovery, patients should elevate their head while sleeping, avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, and protect their eyes from sun exposure. Temporary side effects like dry eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision may occur.
The results of canthoplasty are generally permanent, creating a more defined, lifted, or almond-shaped eye. The procedure leads to a more youthful and alert appearance, correcting sagging eyelids and enhancing overall eye symmetry. While the changes are lasting, natural aging processes can still subtly affect the eye area over time.