What is Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to alter the eye’s shape for aesthetic or functional purposes. During the procedure, the area at the outer edge of the eye, called the canthus, is manipulated. The connective tissues in this area are reshaped to change the eye’s angle, length, or slope. Canthoplasty can be performed not only for aesthetic purposes but also for functional reasons.
For example, this procedure can correct congenital asymmetries, trauma, or aging-related sagging. The surgery allows for a more balanced eye shape that is compatible with the individual’s facial structure.
What is the Purpose of Canthoplasty?
The primary goal of canthoplasty is to improve eye shape. Some people desire their eyes to appear more slanted, larger, or more youthful. Canthoplasty offers both aesthetic and functional benefits, particularly when the lower lids are sagging or droopy.
It is also performed to correct aging-related sagging at the corners of the eyes, address asymmetries, and support the eyelids. The procedure creates a more youthful and youthful appearance around the eyes. Furthermore, the results achieved after canthoplasty are long-lasting and positively impact the overall aesthetics of the face.
In Which Situations Is Canthoplasty Preferred?
Canthoplasty is a procedure that can be chosen for various reasons. One of the most common is loosening and sagging of the lower eyelids. This condition can develop both with aging and due to genetic factors. People with significant eye asymmetry may also choose this procedure.
Canthoplasty can also be performed to lift the outer corner of the eye for those seeking almond-shaped eyes. It is an appropriate procedure for those seeking a more youthful, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing appearance around the eyes. Functionally, it also provides significant benefits, including supporting the eyelids and preventing future problems.
Is Eye Shape Changing Aesthetics Possible?
Yes, eye shape can be surgically altered, and canthoplasty is one of the most effective. This procedure allows for a more slanted eye shape, tightened lower lids, or a longer appearance. Canthoplasty provides a natural rejuvenation of the eye contour while also positively altering the overall facial expression.
Because eye structure varies from person to person, the technique applied is tailored to each individual. This results in a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
How is Canthoplasty Performed?
Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the canthus, the area located at the outer edge of the eye. During the procedure, the area around the eye is initially numbed with local or general anesthesia. A small incision is then made to access the tissues supporting the lower eyelid. Through this incision, loose or sagging tissues are reshaped, and the outer corner of the eye is moved to a higher position.
During the surgery, the ligaments are strengthened, creating a firmer and more taut lower eyelid. Because the incisions are generally hidden within the natural lines of the eye, there are no visible scars after recovery. The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, and patients can be discharged the same day.
What is the Difference Between Canthoplasty and Canthopexy?
While canthoplasty and canthopexy serve similar purposes, they differ technically. Canthoplasty involves incising the tissues at the outer corner of the eye to reshape and tighten them. This results in a more permanent and durable result.
Canthopexy, on the other hand, is a simpler procedure; the eyelids are lifted without any incisions. Canthopexy is generally preferred for milder deformities, while canthopexy is more effective for more severe sagging and looseness. In short, canthopexy acts as a lift without damaging the tissue, while canthopexy is a surgical procedure that provides reconstruction.
Who can have Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty is suitable for individuals experiencing loose, sagging, or asymmetry in their eyelids. This procedure is particularly popular with those who have lost support in their lower eyelids due to aging. Canthoplasty is also an effective solution for congenital eyelid problems or trauma-related deformities. At a younger age, it can be performed for aesthetic purposes, making the eyes appear more slanted and prominent.
Both men and women can undergo this procedure. However, the individual’s eye structure, skin thickness, and expectations are carefully evaluated before the procedure. Anyone in good general health, with no active infections around the eyes, and with realistic expectations is a candidate for canthoplasty.
Will the Eye Appear Larger After Canthoplasty?
After canthoplasty, the eyes can achieve a more slanted, youthful, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. By supporting the lower lids, the area around the eyes becomes more taut, making the eyes appear larger and more defined. However, this enlargement does not actually change the eye’s size; it merely creates an aesthetic illusion.
Eyes that appear smaller due to fatigue, sagging, or laxity appear more vibrant and larger after canthoplasty. Therefore, the procedure has both a rejuvenating and aesthetically pleasing effect.
Is Canthoplasty Permanent or Will It Deteriorate Over Time?
Canthoplasty surgery offers long-lasting results. Because the tissues are restructured during the procedure, its effects last for years. However, as the aging process continues, loosening of the skin and tissues may occur again over time. This usually occurs many years later and does not completely eliminate the effects of the surgery.
While some people are satisfied for a lifetime, others may require minor revision procedures in the future. While canthoplasty is a permanent solution, factors such as a healthy lifestyle, regular skin care, and sun protection are also important to maintain the results.
Is Canthoplasty a Risky Procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, canthoplasty carries certain risks. However, the likelihood of these risks is quite low when performed by an experienced surgeon and using modern techniques. Minimal tissue manipulation during surgery reduces the likelihood of post-procedural complications. However, temporary complications such as infection, bleeding, bruising, or swelling may occur.
In rare cases, eyelid asymmetry or excessive tension may occur. These conditions can usually be corrected with minor adjustments. Canthoplasty is considered a safe procedure when performed by a specialist. The patient’s general health, skin type, and attention to the healing process all play a significant role in minimizing risks.
What is the Canthoplasty Recovery Process Like?
It’s quite normal for some mild bruising and swelling to occur around the eyes after surgery. These symptoms usually begin to subside within a few days and are significantly gone within a week. Avoiding eye-straining activities, avoiding strenuous exercise, and taking the doctor’s prescribed medications regularly in the first few days will speed up the process.
Patients can return to their daily routine in approximately 7-10 days. Full recovery may take several weeks. Regular checkups, maintaining good hygiene, and protecting the eye area from the sun will all help promote healthy healing. Recovery after canthoplasty is generally comfortable and controlled.
Will There Be Any Scars After Canthoplasty?
The incisions made during surgery are hidden within the natural creases of the eyelids. This eliminates any visible scarring once healing is complete. The incision line may appear red or pinkish in the initial days, but this will gradually adapt to your skin tone. The likelihood of scarring varies depending on skin type, age, and the individual’s attention to the healing process.
Regular use of sunscreen, sun protection, and the doctor’s recommended care methods will help the scars fade more quickly. In most patients, the scars are almost imperceptible after the surgery.
Canthoplasty Results and Patient Experiences
The results obtained after canthoplasty are both aesthetically and functionally satisfactory. With the corners of the eyes more lifted and the lower lids firmer, the facial expression rejuvenates and a more vibrant appearance emerges. Patients undergoing the surgery for cosmetic reasons report that their eyes appear larger, more slanted, and more symmetrical. For those undergoing the procedure for functional reasons, the correction of looseness and sagging in the lower lids improves visual comfort.
The most frequently emphasized point in patient reviews is the significant change in facial expression. The swelling and bruising that appear in the first few days quickly disappear, making the procedure more comfortable. Generally, canthoplasty is one of the aesthetic procedures with a high satisfaction rate, thanks to its natural and long-lasting results.
Canthoplasty Prices 2025
Canthoplasty prices in 2025 range between $2,500 and $6,000, depending on the clinic, surgeon’s expertise, and procedure complexity. This surgical technique reshapes and tightens the outer corner of the eye, creating a more lifted and elongated appearance. Recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, with long-lasting results becoming more noticeable after swelling subsides.
Costs can vary based on anesthesia type, hospital facilities, and whether the operation is combined with blepharoplasty or brow lift. Some clinics may also offer package deals that include consultation, surgery, and postoperative care, which can influence the overall price.
Can Almond Eyes Be Made with Canthoplasty?
Almond eye surgery, performed to give the eyes a more slanted and aesthetically pleasing appearance, can be performed in conjunction with canthoplasty. Canthoplasty reshapes the tissues at the outer corner of the eye, creating a more slanted appearance. For this reason, many patients combine canthoplasty and almond eye surgery during the same procedure.
This not only corrects sagging and looseness around the eyes but also gives the eyes a more lifted and aesthetically pleasing appearance. In conclusion, canthoplasty and almond eye surgery are an effective method for achieving a youthful, vibrant, and attractive facial appearance.
Will the Eyelid Droop After Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty is a procedure performed to correct drooping eyelids and tighten them. Therefore, drooping eyelids are not expected after the surgery. However, in rare cases, if the tissues don’t heal properly during the healing process or if new sagging occurs due to aging, the lids may sag.
These conditions usually develop over time and can be corrected with minor revision surgery. Generally, after canthoplasty, the eyelids are more taut and lifted, giving the eyelid a more youthful appearance.
How Long Does the Canthoplasty Procedure Take?
Canthoplasty takes a varying amount of time to complete, depending on the surgical technique and the extent of the procedure. On average, it can take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Preparation and recovery time is shorter for procedures performed under local anesthesia, while the surgery may be slightly longer for cases requiring general anesthesia.
If canthoplasty is combined with other cosmetic procedures, the total time may increase. However, when performed alone, canthoplasty is a short and safe procedure, with the possibility of same-day discharge.
Does the Slant in the Eyes Increase After Canthoplasty?
One of the primary goals of surgery is to lift the corners of the eyes, creating a more slanted appearance. Therefore, the slanted shape of the eyes increases significantly after the surgery. However, this change is planned to match the natural contours of the face. It is crucial for the surgeon to use proper technique to avoid creating excessive slanted or unnatural-looking eyes.
The slanted shape achieved after canthoplasty gives the eyes a more youthful, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The tired appearance disappears, and the patient achieves a more vibrant facial expression.
Is the Canthoplasty Procedure Painful?
Thanks to the local or general anesthesia administered before the surgery, the procedure is pain-free. The patient may only feel a slight pressure or tension on the tissues during the procedure, but this is not uncomfortable. Postoperatively, there may be a feeling of tightness, a slight burning sensation, or a stinging sensation around the eyes for the first few days.
These symptoms are usually temporary and can be controlled with simple painkillers recommended by the doctor. The pain gradually decreases during the recovery period and disappears completely within a short time. Canthoplasty is generally considered a tolerable and comfortable surgical procedure in terms of pain.
Is This Procedure Also Applicable to Men?
Canthoplasty isn’t just a cosmetic procedure for women. In men, it can also correct sagging, looseness, or asymmetries around the eyes. It’s particularly popular with men who want to reduce the signs of aging and achieve a more youthful and youthful facial appearance. In male cases, the procedure aims to achieve a more masculine appearance while preserving the natural contours of the face.
Exaggerated slanting of the eyes isn’t created; it’s performed for rejuvenation and symmetry. With the increasing interest in cosmetic surgery in men in recent years, canthoplasty has become a more frequently chosen procedure.
Does Canthoplasty Cause Permanent Dry Eyes?
The surgery doesn’t have a direct negative impact on dry eyes. During canthoplasty, the eyelids are reshaped, but the tear glands or the structures that maintain the eye’s moisture balance are not interfered with. Therefore, the risk of permanent dry eyes is quite low. However, some patients may experience a temporary dryness or stinging sensation in the first weeks after surgery.
This is usually a natural part of the healing process and resolves quickly. Artificial tear drops recommended by the doctor make this process more comfortable. To avoid permanent dryness, it is important that the surgery be performed by experienced surgeons and that techniques appropriate for the patient’s eye structure are selected.
