Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reshape, support, or reposition the lateral canthus, which is the outer corner of the eye. It may be considered for aesthetic purposes when a patient would like a more balanced or elevated eye contour, as well as for functional concerns such as lower eyelid laxity, downward displacement, or insufficient eyelid support.
The appearance of the eye area is not determined only by the amount of skin on the upper and lower eyelids. The tendons and supporting tissues that hold the eyelids in position, the projection of the eyeball, lower eyelid tension, skeletal support, and the relationship between the inner and outer corners of the eyes can all influence eye shape.
For this reason, canthoplasty surgery should not be viewed simply as a procedure that makes the eyes look more “slanted” or lifted. In some patients, the main objective is to modify the outer corner of the eye for aesthetic reasons. In others, the priority may be to improve lower eyelid support and restore a more appropriate eyelid position.
The surgical technique should therefore be planned according to the patient’s eye anatomy, existing eyelid support, ocular surface condition, and individual treatment goals.
What Is Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty refers to surgical procedures involving the lateral canthus, the point where the upper and lower eyelids meet at the outer corner of the eye.
The lateral canthus contains important supporting tissues that help maintain the position of the eyelids against the surface of the eye.
Its height and angle also influence the visible shape and orientation of the eyes.
In some people, the outer corner of the eye may naturally sit lower. Aging, previous eyelid surgery, trauma, or structural eyelid laxity may also change the position of the lateral canthus over time.
During canthoplasty surgery, these supporting structures may be modified, repositioned, or reinforced depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical needs.
Why Is Canthoplasty Surgery Performed?
Canthoplasty may be performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
In aesthetic cases, the aim may be to create a more harmonious relationship between the eye shape and the rest of the face. Patients whose outer eye corners are positioned lower or who prefer a slightly more elevated eye contour may be evaluated for surgery.
Functional canthoplasty may also be considered when the lower eyelid does not have adequate support.
Canthoplasty surgery may be evaluated in situations such as:
- Noticeable lower eyelid laxity
- Downward positioning of the lateral canthus
- Structural asymmetry between the eyes
- Separation of the lower eyelid from the eyeball
- Reduced eyelid support after previous eyelid surgery
- Certain eyelid malposition problems
- Changes in lateral canthal anatomy following trauma
- Aesthetic reshaping of the outer corner of the eye
Whether canthoplasty is suitable should not be determined only by the desired eye shape.
Maintaining appropriate eyelid function and protecting the ocular surface are also important parts of surgical planning.
Can Canthoplasty Change Eye Shape?
Because canthoplasty can alter the position of the outer corner of the eye, it may change the way the eye shape is perceived.
For example, positioning the lateral canthus slightly higher may contribute to a more elevated or elongated eye contour.
However, canthoplasty does not change the actual size of the eyeball.
The visual difference comes from changes in the anatomical relationship between the eyelids and the outer corner of the eye.
When planning aesthetic surgery, several features should be evaluated together, including:
- Eyebrow position
- Cheekbone structure
- Globe projection
- Lower eyelid position
- Existing canthal angle
- Differences between the right and left eyes
This helps ensure that the eye shape is not changed independently of the patient’s overall facial proportions.
Who May Be Suitable for Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty surgery may be considered in patients who have an anatomical concern involving the outer corner of the eye or lower eyelid support that can potentially be addressed surgically.
Patients who develop lower eyelid laxity with aging may be candidates for evaluation.
In some people, the outer corner of the eye is naturally positioned lower, and surgery may be considered for aesthetic reshaping.
Canthoplasty may also be used in selected patients who develop eyelid position problems after previous surgery around the eyes.
However, the same procedure is not appropriate for every person who wants to change the appearance of the eyes.
Patients with significant dry eye symptoms, ocular surface problems, incomplete eyelid closure, or certain anatomical features such as prominent globe projection may require more detailed evaluation before surgery.
How Is a Patient Evaluated Before Canthoplasty?
Preoperative assessment for canthoplasty involves more than simply looking at the outer corner of the eye.
The entire eye area should be evaluated.
The surgeon may first assess lower eyelid tension and position.
Clinical examination can provide information about how well the lower eyelid is supported and how quickly it returns to its normal position after gentle manipulation.
Other factors that may be evaluated include:
- Symmetry between the eyes
- Height of the inner and outer canthi
- Presence of scleral show
- Ability to close the eyelids completely
- Ocular surface condition
- History of dry eye symptoms
- Previous eyelid surgery
- Projection of the eyeball
- Midface and skeletal support
Previous blepharoplasty or other eyelid procedures may alter the available tissues and therefore influence the surgical plan.
How Is Canthoplasty Surgery Performed?
The surgical technique used for canthoplasty varies depending on the patient’s needs.
In general, the procedure is performed through a small surgical area close to the outer corner of the eye.
The surgeon accesses the supporting tissues of the lateral canthus and makes the necessary adjustments to the structures supporting the outer part of the lower eyelid.
In certain techniques, the lateral canthal tendon or surrounding supporting tissues may be reshaped and secured in a more appropriate position.
The goal is not simply to pull the outer corner of the eye as high as possible.
The new position should maintain natural contact between the eyelid and the eyeball, allow appropriate eyelid closure, and create as much balance as possible between the two sides.
The surgical technique may vary depending on:
- Degree of eyelid laxity
- Existing position of the lateral canthus
- Amount of desired correction
- Whether another procedure is being performed at the same time
Canthoplasty may be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the extent of surgery and the individual patient.
What Is the Difference Between Canthoplasty and Canthopexy?
Canthoplasty and canthopexy are not exactly the same procedure.
Although both techniques involve support of the outer eye corner and lower eyelid, the extent of surgery differs.
Canthopexy is generally a more conservative procedure designed to reinforce the existing lateral canthal support with sutures without requiring extensive reconstruction of the tissues.
Canthoplasty may involve more substantial release, reshaping, or repositioning of the lateral canthal structures when necessary.
Canthopexy may be sufficient for milder eyelid laxity, whereas canthoplasty may be considered when there is more significant loss of support or when greater structural reconstruction is required.
The appropriate technique is determined after evaluating the lower eyelid and lateral canthal anatomy.
Is Canthoplasty the Same as Almond Eye Surgery?
“Almond eye surgery” is a general aesthetic term used for procedures intended to create a more elevated outer eye corner and a longer-looking eye contour.
Canthoplasty, on the other hand, describes a surgical technique involving specific anatomical structures at the lateral canthus.
For this reason, the two terms do not always refer to exactly the same procedure.
In selected patients, canthoplasty techniques may be used as part of surgery intended to create an almond-shaped appearance.
However, the method should be chosen according to the patient’s existing anatomy.
Excessive elevation or tension at the outer corner of the eye may create an unnatural appearance and can potentially affect eyelid function.
For this reason, the desired angle should be planned individually.
Can Canthoplasty Be Combined With Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Yes.
Canthoplasty may be performed as part of lower eyelid surgery in selected patients.
When surgery involving the skin or fat of the lower eyelid is planned, the existing support of the lower eyelid should also be assessed.
In patients with inadequate eyelid support, reinforcement of the lateral canthus may be included in the surgical plan.
Canthopexy or canthoplasty may therefore be considered in patients with significant lower eyelid laxity or an increased risk of postoperative downward eyelid displacement.
However, this does not mean that every lower blepharoplasty requires canthoplasty.
The need for additional eyelid support should be determined according to the patient’s anatomy.
Recovery After Canthoplasty Surgery
Swelling, bruising, tenderness, or a sensation of tightness may occur around the outer corner of the eye during the first few days after canthoplasty.
The two sides may not look perfectly symmetrical during the early recovery period.
Differences in swelling can temporarily make one side appear higher, tighter, or more swollen than the other.
Swelling and bruising generally begin to decrease gradually during the first week.
The time required to return to work or social activities varies depending on the extent of surgery, the patient’s individual healing response, and whether additional procedures were performed.
It may take several weeks or longer for the tissues to settle and for the eye area to appear more natural.
During recovery, the surgical area should be protected from trauma, postoperative care instructions should be followed, and scheduled follow-up examinations should not be missed.
What Are the Risks of Canthoplasty Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, canthoplasty surgery involves potential risks and complications.
Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary tightness are common during the early healing period.
Other possible risks may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry between the eyes
- Lateral canthal position different from the planned position
- Excessive eyelid tension
- Insufficient correction
- Changes in lower eyelid position
- Ocular surface irritation
- Temporary or prolonged dry eye symptoms
- Noticeable scarring
- Need for revision surgery
If the lower eyelid is pulled too far downward or outward, ocular surface protection may be affected.
For this reason, evaluation of eyelid support and ocular surface health is an important part of preoperative planning.
Is Canthoplasty Permanent?
Because the tissues are surgically repositioned or reinforced during canthoplasty, the procedure can create long-lasting structural changes.
However, the natural aging process around the eyes continues after surgery.
Over time, additional laxity may develop in the skin, muscles, or supporting tissues.
Trauma, future eyelid procedures, and individual anatomical characteristics can also affect eyelid position in the long term.
For this reason, canthoplasty should not be described as a procedure that will remain completely unchanged for the rest of a person’s life.
In selected cases, revision surgery or an additional supporting procedure may be considered in later years.
Canthoplasty Surgery Cost in 2026
The cost of canthoplasty surgery in 2026 may vary depending on the surgical technique, the patient’s eyelid anatomy, and the overall extent of the procedure.
Some patients may require a procedure limited to the lateral canthus, while others may undergo canthoplasty together with lower blepharoplasty or other eyelid-support procedures.
Factors that may influence canthoplasty cost in 2026 include:
- Surgical technique
- Type of anesthesia
- Extent of surgery
- Hospital and operating room requirements
- Additional eyelid or facial procedures performed during the same operation
For this reason, there is no single canthoplasty price that accurately applies to every patient.
The current cost can be determined after the eye area has been evaluated and an individualized surgical plan has been created.
Why Is Individualized Planning Important in Canthoplasty Surgery?
Eye shape varies considerably between individuals.
In one patient, the main aesthetic concern may be a slightly downturned outer eye corner.
In another patient, the more important issue may be lower eyelid laxity or insufficient support following previous surgery.
The position of the eyeball and the skeletal structure of the midface may also affect the result of eyelid surgery.
For this reason, using the same angle or the same degree of elevation for every patient is not appropriate.
The purpose of canthoplasty surgery is not to raise the outer corner of the eye as much as possible.
The aim is to plan a balanced result that is compatible with the patient’s facial anatomy while preserving eyelid function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canthoplasty
When Can Makeup Be Used After Canthoplasty?
The healing status of the incision should be considered before applying makeup around the eye area.
Using cosmetic products directly over a fresh incision may increase irritation or contamination during the early healing period.
The appropriate time to resume eye makeup should therefore be determined during postoperative follow-up.
Can Contact Lenses Be Worn After Canthoplasty?
Placing and removing contact lenses may require manipulation of the eyelids.
For this reason, patients may be advised to avoid contact lenses during the early recovery period.
The appropriate time to resume contact lens use depends on the extent of surgery and the individual healing process.
Is Sleeping on the Side Safe After Canthoplasty?
During early recovery, patients may be advised to avoid sleeping positions that place direct pressure on the surgical area.
Keeping the head slightly elevated during the first days may also help control swelling.
Individual postoperative instructions should be followed.
How Long Does It Take for Canthoplasty Results to Settle?
During the first weeks, swelling and tissue tension may cause the outer corners of the eyes to appear different from the final result.
The appearance generally becomes more natural as swelling decreases.
The time required for the tissues to settle completely varies depending on the extent of surgery and the patient’s individual healing response.
Does Canthoplasty Affect Vision?
The purpose of canthoplasty is not to alter vision.
The procedure is performed on the eyelid and lateral canthal structures.
However, eyelid position is related to protection of the ocular surface, so preserving appropriate eyelid function is an important part of surgical planning.
When Are Canthoplasty Stitches Removed?
Some sutures may dissolve on their own, while others may need to be removed during a follow-up appointment.
The timing depends on the type of suture used, the surgical technique, and the patient’s healing progress.
Can Someone Who Previously Had Blepharoplasty Undergo Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty may be considered in patients who have previously undergone upper or lower blepharoplasty.
However, scar tissue, existing eyelid support, and ocular surface condition may affect the planning of a second operation.
Details of previous eyelid surgery should therefore be discussed during the consultation.
Can Glasses Be Worn After Canthoplasty?
Glasses may generally be used according to the surgical plan as long as they do not place direct pressure on the operated area.
Heavy frames or glasses that come into contact with the surgical site may need to be used cautiously during the early healing period.
