Canthoplasty​

If you have eyelids which are starting to droop as you get older, have a medical condition which causes your eyelids to sag, or simply want to make your eyes larger and brighter, canthoplasty surgery could provide the answer.​

Canthoplasty

Surgery at a Glance

Canthoplasty Surgery at a Glance

Surgery Time

1 - 2 hours

Hospital Stay:

day case

Light Activities:

first 2 weeks

Fully Recovered:

6 weeks

Canthoplasty in Detail

This surgical procedure reconstructs the eyelid and gives a more almond-like shape by creating an eye which is more ‘open’. In fact, canthoplasty is also known as almond eye surgery, cat-eye surgery, cat eyelift or fox-eye surgery.

As well as having aesthetic benefits, canthoplasty can enhance vision which is affected by sagging lids. The procedure is performed on the lateral canthus, where the lower eyelid meets the upper eyelid. During it, the muscles and ligaments on the outer eyelid are tightened by reshaping and repositioning the eye’s outer corner via a small incision.

If you are unhappy with sagging lower eyelids and would like to have surgery for cosmetic or medical reasons, canthoplasty could provide the following benefits:

  • Can help reduce bagginess for a more youthful appearance
  • Can give a more ‘open,’ alert and brighter look to the eyes
  • Can help drooping eyelids to close
  • Can restore symmetry to the eyelids

All kinds of surgery have some element of risk and may have side effects as well as benefits. Those associated with canthoplasty include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Asymmetrical eyes
  • Double vision
  • Issues with tear duct function

Canthoplasties can be performed under local anaesthetic, when you’ll be awake during the procedure but the area being treated will be numbed, or less often under general anaesthetic, when you’ll be asleep during the surgery.

Your surgeon will make several small incisions so that the lateral canthal tendon, which is a main support structure for the lower eyelid and the point at which your upper and lower eyelids form a horizontal ‘V’ shape, can temporarily be detached from the lower eyelid.

They will then shorten and reattach the tendon, close the incisions and stitch them. A dressing will be applied to protect the area from infection and reduce swelling.

If you are bothered by eyelids which tend to sag and make you look older or more tired, have uneven eyelids, have problems with closing your eyes fully because of drooping eyelids, or want to just generally make your eyes more open and brighter, canthoplasty surgery may be able to help.

It’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising after this type of treatment, as the eye area is delicate. Your eyes may be bloodshot, too. The initial recovery period from canthoplasty is usually quick, lasting for around 7 – 10 days. Over-the-counter painkillers should help with any discomfort.

You should keep your head elevated and rest the day after your surgery. If you have dissolvable stitches, these will disappear on their own. To help with your recovery, you should avoid touching or rubbing the eye area, exercising, splashing your face with water, wearing contact lenses or wearing makeup during the first 14 days post-surgery.

Try to protect your eyes in the first few months after surgery by wearing sunglasses when it’s bright weather or when it’s windy, as your incisions will be sensitive. You should be fully recovered within 6 weeks.

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Canthoplasty FAQ's

Because canthoplasty is performed by making a small incision in a natural fold where the upper and lower eyelids meet in the corner of the eye, any scars are not visible. You can ask us for ‘before and after’ pictures of previous patients so you can understand what to expect following your procedure.

Canthoplasty surgery is considered to be a permanent procedure and revision surgeries are rare, provided that the procedure is carried out by a suitably qualified surgeon. Although it changes the shape of the eye, it won’t prevent the effects of further ageing.

Canthoplasty surgery is considered to be a permanent procedure and revision surgeries are rare, provided that the procedure is carried out by a suitably qualified surgeon. Although it changes the shape of the eye, it won’t prevent the effects of further ageing.

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