Canthoplasty

What is Canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is the surgical procedure to reconstruct the lateral canthus, which is the outer corner of eye where the upper eyelids meet the lower one. This procedure is done either by a local anaesthetic or intravenous sedation.

What are the types of Canthoplasty?

Epicanthoplasty:

Epicanthoplasty surgery is done to remove the epicanthal fold which is also called as “Mongolian fold” and enlarge the opening of the inner corner of the eye. Epicanthal fold is a part of the skin of the eyelid obstructing the inner corner of the eye and impairing the beauty of the eye by making it look sleepy, horizontally short and widely spaced.

Lateral Canthoplasty:

Lateral Canthoplasty is performed to reshape the lateral epicanthus by excising the skin covering the lateral canthus. Performing this surgery increases the exposure of the white eye, making the eye look longer and opened. People with upward sloped outer eye corners can also take this surgery since, the inferior eyelid can be pulled by the physician to a position parallel to the medial canthus to create a semi-circular, bigger and brighter eyes that the patient desires.

What are the risk factors of Canthoplasty?

The risks involved with Canthoplasty are:

• Canthal distortion
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring of the outer canthus
• Changing the eye shape

Why one might need Canthoplasty surgery or treatment?

This surgical procedure can be carried out for either cosmetic or medical purposes and create almond/cat-eye shape. It is performed to reduce the effect of droopy eyes (ptosis) or the eye bag which occurs due to ageing, to correct a lower lid malposition or laxity caused by either trauma or previously performed eyelid surgery(blepharoplasty).

What is the treatment?

In Canthoplasty surgery, the lateral canthal tendon is detached, shortened and re-attached to the lateral orbital rim. There are two types of Canthoplasty surgery. The first is called a lateral Canthoplasty, which is used to achieve a cat-eye appearance and the second one is called an epi-Canthoplasty, which involves reshaping of the inner corner of the eyes. Both procedures take between 1-2 hours and are performed under local anaesthetic where the eye area is numbed. A special clear plastic shield will cover your eyeball, which is removed after the incisions are closed. The eye will then be dressed to protect the wound and reduce swelling.

What to expect after the surgery?

The Canthoplasty surgery can be performed in one day and generally, the patient can return home within the same day. You may need someone to drive you home as you may feel discomfort and some pain after the surgery, but painkillers can be used to manage this.

Alternative to this treatment?

Although it is not strictly an alternative, canthopexy is a less invasive technique that does not cut the tendons, but merely uses carefully placed sutures to tighten and stabilise the lateral canthal tendon. Hence, there is a quicker recovery time than with a Canthoplasty. However, it is uncommon for a canthopexy not to accompany another form of lower eyelid surgery and is usually carried out in conjunction with this.

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• The name of the test or procedure
• The reason you are having the test or procedure
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• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
• What the possible side effects or complications are
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
• What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
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