We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Canthoplasty?

By Douglas Bonderud
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 19,881
Share

A canthoplasty is a specific type of plastic surgery procedure used to tighten a patient's lower eyelid. It falls under the general category of blepharoplasty, which is any surgical modification of the eyelids. This procedure, also known as inferior retinacular suspension, usually permanently alters the shape of the eye.

Performing a canthoplasty begins with severing the lower canthal tendon, which holds the lower eyelid in place. The tendon is then divided in two, and a new, tighter tendon is created and reattached to the orbital bone. This pulls the lower eyelid up and into the outer canthus, which is where the corners of the upper and lower eyelids meet.

This procedure is often sought after by patients looking for a more youthful shape to their eyes. People who suffer from drooping eyelids as a result of stroke or other other trauma also request this surgery. A canthoplasty can be performed for purely cosmetic reasons, and, done properly, can give the eyes a cat-like appearance. Often, canthoplasties are done at the same time as other facial cosmetic surgeries, such as an face or eyebrow lift.

Another common type of blepharoplasty is the canthopexy. This is similar to a canthoplasty and is often used as a synonym. A canthopexy, however, does not involve cutting the lower canthal tendon, but merely tightening it. The shape of the eye does not change when a canthopexy is performed.

Typically, a canthoplasty surgery takes between one and two hours to complete. Only local anesthetic is required, however, sedation or general anesthetic are also options. During the operation, a small incision is made in the outer corner of the eyelids so that the surgeon can access the tendon. When complete, any scarring should be concealed by the natural crease created by the canthus.

While the procedure has a low possibility of any serious side effects — such as blood clots, scarring, or infection — care must be taken to select an experienced and skilled surgeon. If performed incorrectly, a canthoplasty can result in deformation or retraction of the eyelids in the area of the canthus. This can present either immediately after surgery or several years in the future.

Also, patients must be clear about the realistic outcomes for the surgery. Canthoplasty can occasionally result in the opposite of the intended effect, meaning it can cause the eyelids to droop downward. In addition, if this procedure is performed on an individual with deep-set eyes and the tendon is over-tightened, it can result in an unnatural upward slant.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By SteamLouis — On May 05, 2013

@ddljohn-- Doctors actually intentionally make the eyelids too tight because it will relax over time and will eventually droop again after many years. So they want to buy the patient time.

By ddljohn — On May 05, 2013

@fBoyle-- I had this surgery and I'm happy with the results.

The side effects you mentioned are possible, but for the most part they're temporary or show up if something has gone wrong.

Canthoplasty can affect the blinking mechanism and if it does, the eyes may look uneven or they may become dry. As for the tightness, that's a normal and temporary side effect that resolves itself over time. Canthoplasty has a recovery time of minimum six months and some people forget that.

I do recommend the surgery to others. Find a doctor who has a lot of experience with plastic surgery for eyes. Make sure to see before and after pictures of their patients. If you work with a good doctor, you won't have problems.

By fBoyle — On May 04, 2013

I've been considering getting eyelid surgery for my lower eyelids because they're droopy. But I've heard some nightmare stories about the possible consequences. I heard that it makes the eyes too tight which makes it difficult to blink. I've also heard that the eyes may be permanently uneven after the procedure or that it might cause chronic dry eye afterward.

I understand that there are risks with every procedure. But what are the chances that I will have these problems due to canthoplasty?

Has anyone here had the procedure? Are you happy with the results or do you regret it?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-canthoplasty.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.