What is Canthoplasty & Canthopexy?
Canthoplasty and canthopexy are eyelid surgeries that focus on the outside corner of the eye, where the upper and lower eyelids meet. When the tendon in the outside corner of the eyelid is lax, the lower eyelid can hang low and appear loose or rounded. By tightening and reshaping this part of the eye known as the “lateral canthus”, our oculoplastic surgeons create a sharper and more refined eye appearance.
The Surgery:
While both canthoplasty and canthopexy may be used to transform a sagging lower eyelid, they are different in their approach. With canthopexy, the procedure is less invasive. Sutures are used to internally stabilize the eyelid tendon. Canthoplasty is more nuanced and invasive, involving cutting the eyelid muscles and outside tendon, then repositioning and reattaching it to create the desired effect.
Canthopexy and canthoplasty are often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as blepharoplasty. For some patients, canthopexy is used as part of a revision eyelid surgery to correct a previous lower lid blepharoplasty that has resulted in a rounded outer eye appearance.
Canthoplasty and canthopexy takes approximately 15-30 minutes to perform, but may be longer if combined with other eyelid procedures.
What to Expect After Surgery:
Bruising and swelling is typical after eyelid surgery and peaks in the first post-operative week. We recommend remaining home to recover for approximately one week. Thereafter, most patients can comfortably return to work. During the recovery period, heavy exertion and makeup use is avoided.