Canthoplasty surgery refers to several cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that reposition the lateral canthus (the outer corner of the eyes where the upper eyelids meet the lower eyelids). Canthoplasty results in a wider-eyed appearance or cat-eyed. The term originates from the Greek word "kanthos" which means the corner of the eye and the term "plasty" which means to form.
Why do people undergo canthoplasty?
People consider undergoing canthoplasties for several reasons:
Drooping or sagging lower eyelids (Ectropion): with age, the skin around the eyes can lose elasticity, resulting in drooping of the lower eyelids.
Eye Trauma: This can result in lower eyelid laxity or lower eyelid retraction.
Dissatisfaction with a prior surgical outcome: Surgery to correct lower lid complications resulting from prior surgery.
Almond-shaped: Uplifting a downward-slanting eyelid & increasing the horizontal length of the eye
Canthoplasty and Blepharoplasty: How Are They Different?
Whileblepharoplasty is a rejuvenation procedure focusing on removing excess skin from the lower eyelids or upper eyelids, canthoplasty focuses on modifying the shape or size of the eye and giving it a cat-eye shape. This is the main difference between the two surgeries.
How do you prepare for canthoplasty surgery?
Before the surgery, you may need to undergo some lab tests, such as blood work, to check your health status and suitability for the procedure. You should also inform your surgeon about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some of them may interfere with the surgery or increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking certain drugs, such as blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs, for a few days or weeks before the surgery. You should also avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using recreational drugs, as they can affect your healing and increase the risk of complications.
On the day of the surgery, you should eat a light meal the night before and avoid eating or drinking anything for at least six hours before the surgery. You should also take your essential medications as directed by your doctor and surgeon. You should wear comfortable and loose clothing and avoid wearing any makeup, jewelry, or contact lenses. You should arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery center and stay with you for the first night after the surgery.
After the surgery, you should follow the post-operative care instructions given by your surgeon. You should attend the follow-up visits and check-ups as scheduled by your surgeon and report any signs of infection, bleeding, or abnormal changes in your eye or vision.
What happens during a canthoplasty surgery?
Your surgeon will first examine your eye shape function carefully, after you reach an understanding of the length you wish to accomplish, your doctor will design the desired eye shape based on your eyes’ shape, proportion, and symmetry.
The surgery will be performed with local anesthesia, taking 1-2 hours. An incision is usually made within the natural crease at the eyelid’s outer corner to minimize visible scarring. Afterward, the tendon is pulled to elevate where the upper and lower eyelids meet and is then reattached using stitches. A temporary protective shield will then be placed over the eyes.
Canthoplasty Procedure
Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape the outer corner of the eye, also known as the lateral canthus. It can be done for functional or cosmetic reasons, such as to correct drooping eyelids, enlarge the eye-opening, or create a cat-eye appearance. The procedure usually takes one to three hours and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The steps of canthoplasty are as follows:
The surgeon will mark the incision site and the desired position of the new lateral canthus on the skin.
The surgeon will administer the anesthesia and make a small incision near the lower eyelid, exposing the lateral canthal tendon and the orbital rim.
The surgeon will detach the lateral canthal tendon from the orbital rim and reposition, shorten, or tighten it according to the desired outcome. The surgeon may also remove some excess skin, fat, or muscle from the lower eyelid to create a smoother contour.
The surgeon will reattach the lateral canthal tendon to the orbital rim with sutures, creating a new lateral canthal angle. The surgeon will also close the skin incision with sutures and apply a dressing to prevent infection.
The surgeon will monitor the patient for any complications, such as bleeding, infection, or wound dehiscence, and provide instructions for postoperative care and follow-up.
Canthoplasty is performed by an oculoplastic surgeon, who is a specialist in eye and facial plastic surgery.
Recovering from Canthoplasty
Have someone at home to help you for at least the first 48 hours after your surgery.
Take prescribed medications as advised.
Report any medication side effects, like nausea or allergic reactions.
Increased pain, increased redness around the incision, and fever should be viewed as an emergency. Contact your doctor right away or go to the emergency room.
Attend a follow-up appointment, usually at the two-week mark, so a nurse can check your incision and answer any questions.
Avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks after surgery.
Use SPF 30 or higher for the first six months after surgery, as your incisions will be sensitive to sunlight.
Canthoplasty Risks
Common risks associated with the canthoplasty procedure include:
Infection if the sutures are not properly cared for
Painful recovery
Bleeding in patients who have hemorrhagic conditions
Sensitivity to light
Dry eye
Ectropion
In some cases, the recurrence of the droopy eyelid
Asymmetrical eyes
If the procedure is done while you’re young, the incision may need to be touched up as you age and your skin becomes less elastic.
Some complications of canthoplasty include:
Failure to correct the problem
Stitches falling out
Swelling around the stitches
Problems with the tear duct function
Lid retraction
Diplopia (double vision)
Rarely, the patient may experience facial nerve palsy resulting in weakness or paralysis in the face
Conclusion
Canthoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reconstructs the eyelid by tightening the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. It can be done for aesthetic or functional reasons, such as changing the shape of the eye, correcting eyelid malposition, or improving vision. Canthoplasty is performed by an oculoplastic surgeon, who makes an incision at the outer corner of the eye and reshapes the eyelid to achieve the desired outcome. The recovery time for canthoplasty varies depending on the individual patient and the extent of the surgery but generally involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days.
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