Canthoplasty (for sagging eyes)

Who is a good candidate for Canthoplasty?

People consider undergoing Canthoplasty for several reasons:

• Drooping or sagging lower eyelids (known as ectropion)
• Eye trauma resulting in lower eyelid laxity (loss of elasticity)
• To correct a previous eye surgery that left them with lower lid complications
• Some patients seek out Canthoplasty surgery to achieve a more almond-shaped eye.

What happens during a Canthoplasty surgery? 

During your initial consultation, our surgeon will examine your eye shape and function and discuss what you wish to accomplish with your surgery. Our doctor will design the desired eye shape based on your eyes’ shape, proportion, and symmetry.

Our surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and, if necessary, IV sedation. The procedure typically takes one to two hours.

After the surgery, a temporary protective shield is placed over your eyes.

What is the recovery from Canthoplasty? 

Your vision will be blurred immediately following surgery. This is due to an antibiotic ointment applied to your eyes to prevent them from drying out during surgery. You’ll be sent home with this ointment with instructions to apply it several times daily to prevent infection.

Recovery after a Canthoplasty is like other eyelid surgery. It typically takes two to three weeks. Most patients experience swelling and bruising that decrease to a great extent over the first two weeks but may take several more weeks to resolve fully. The final results will become apparent after a few months.

Are Canthoplasty results permanent?

Canthoplasty requires a very high level of skill and experience to be performed well. When done by a very experienced board-certified oculoplastics surgeon like Dr. Israel, the results of a Canthoplasty procedure are considered a permanent solution for eyelid malposition, and revision surgeries are rarely necessary. 

Why choose AGEI for your Canthoplasty surgery? 

Your eyes are one of the most delicate structures in your body. That’s why, when you’re looking for a Los Angeles area surgeon to correct the appearance or function of your eyelids and the structures surrounding your eyes, you want to seek an Oculoplastics surgeon.

In contrast to a plastic surgeon who performs browlifts, facelifts, and fat transfers, an Oculoplastics surgeon is an ophthalmologist with extensive training in microsurgical eye surgery followed by highly specialized training in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. The health and safety of your eyes are the number one priority in all surgical planning performed by an Oculoplastics surgeon.

As trained ophthalmological surgeons, our doctors thoroughly examine your eyes, understand any underlying eye disease, and identify potential complications or eye problems that might impact the surgical plan -- things that a plastic surgeon is not trained to do.

We have extensive experience treating functional eye problems affecting patients’ vision and eye health, performing cosmetic procedures, and doing revisions of surgeries performed elsewhere that have gone bad.

Among the conditions we treat are excess eyelid skin or fat, drooping eyelids, wrinkles around the eyes, eyelid reconstruction after tumor removal, excessive tearing, revising prior unsatisfactory eyelid surgeries, abnormally turned in (entropion) or turned out (ectropion) lid margins, and traumatic eye injuries.

Other facial rejuvenation procedures performed by our renowned surgeons include Botox and fillers.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Israel in our Beverly Hills ophthalmology clinic to discuss your concerns about the appearance or function of your eyelids and to learn what treatments might be right for you, please call 866-945-2745 or click here to request an appointment online.

Canthoplasty FAQs  

What are post-op directions following a Canthoplasty procedure?

Avoid rubbing your eyes and strenuous exercise, wearing makeup and contact lenses for at least two weeks or until your doctor releases you to do so. 

Are there any risks or complications from a Canthoplasty? 

Every surgery involves risk; however, serious complications from a Canthoplasty are extremely rare. Swelling and bruising are common during the first few weeks post-operatively, and you may also experience dry eyes, excess tearing, and blurred vision during the first few weeks after surgery. 

What’s the difference between a Canthoplasty and a Blepharoplasty? 

Canthoplasty cosmetic surgery should not be confused with another type of eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty (often done to correct ptosis). A blepharoplasty is performed to make the eye appear younger by removing excess skin, muscle, and possibly fat from the lower or upper eyelid, but it does not modify the shape or size of the eye. A lower blepharoplasty removes or redistributes excess fat or skin in the lower eyelid, which can cause "bags" under the eyes or a tired appearance.

 

In contrast, a Canthoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to lift the eye’s outer corner (the lateral canthus), reshape the eye to a more almond configuration, and enlarge the eye-opening. The result is a brighter, wider, more vibrant eye appearance.

What is Canthopexy, and how is it different from lateral Canthoplasty? 

Canthopexy (also called cat eye lift) is a cosmetic eyelid surgery that tightens the lower eyelid by reinforcing the lateral canthal tendon, which is the tendon on the outer corner of the eyelid. This procedure elevates the position of the lower eyelid without significantly altering the eye's shape.

 

On the other hand, Canthoplasty is a more invasive procedure that involves cutting and repositioning the lateral canthal tendon to reshape the eye.

How do you prep for Canthoplasty surgery? 

You may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and ibuprofen, and to avoid smoking for a certain period before the surgery to promote better healing. You must also arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as your vision may be temporarily affected. As with any surgery, following your healthcare provider's preoperative and post-operative instructions is essential.