Canthoplasty
In this surgical procedure, the shape and position of the outer corner of the eye, known as the canthus, is altered.
Canthoplasty
In this surgical procedure, the shape and position of the outer corner of the eye, known as the canthus, is altered.
Key Points
Surgery at a Glance
- Surgery Time: 1 - 2 hours
- Hospital Stay: day case
- Light Exercise: 2 weeks
- Full Recovery: 6 weeks
Procedure Time:
1 - 2 hours
Hospital Stay:
day case
Light Exercise:
2 weeks
Fully Recovered:
6 weeks
Canthoplasty Surgery in Detail
In this surgical procedure, the shape and position of the outer corner of the eye, known as the canthus, is altered. Canthoplasty can be performed for cosmetic or functional reasons. In cosmetic canthoplasty, the appearance of the eyes is enhanced by adjusting the angle of the outer corners to make them more youthful or aesthetically pleasing. Functional canthoplasty may be performed to correct issues such as the eyelid turning outward or inward, which causes discomfort and potential vision problems.Â
- Can help with the overall aesthetic appearance of the eyesÂ
- Can help make the eye area more youthfulÂ
- Can correct asymmetryÂ
- Can resolve issues like ectropion (outward-turning eyelids) and entropion (inward-turning eyelids)Â
- Can improve visionÂ
- Can improve comfortÂ
- Can enhance quality of lifeÂ
- InfectionÂ
- BleedingÂ
- AsymmetryÂ
- Overcorrection or under correctionÂ
- Risk of developing ectropion or entropionÂ
- Eye irritation or drynessÂ
- Changes in eyelid functionÂ
- Corneal problemsÂ
For this procedure, you may be given local anaesthetic, where you’ll be awake during the procedure but the area being treated will be numbed. Sometimes, but less often, canthoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, in which case you’ll be asleep during the surgery.Â
The surgery begins with your surgeon making several small incisions so that the lateral canthal tendon, which is the main support for the lower eyelid and the area where your upper and lower eyelids form a horizontal ‘V’ shape, can be detached temporarily from the lower eyelid.Â
Your surgeon will shorten the tendon and reattach it. They’ll then close the incisions and stitch them before applying a dressing to protect the area from infection and reduce swelling.Â
Canthoplasty improves the appearance of the eyes and can address concerns such as asymmetry, drooping, or an eye shape that’s changed because of ageing. It can help the eyes to appear more youthful through, for example, reducing sagging at their outer corners.Â
If you’re having functional problems like eyelids which turn inwards or outwards and are causing discomfort, vision problems and/or eye irritation, a canthoplasty procedure could help. It could improve your eyesight, improve your eye health and, as a result, make a positive difference to your life.Â
Immediately after canthoplasty surgery, swelling and bruising are common. This is a natural part of the healing process, and usually peaks within the first few days. You might also experience some discomfort or mild pain, which can be managed with appropriate pain medication, and your eyes may feel irritated or dry. Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops may help.Â
It’s important to keep your head elevated and make sure that you rest up the day following your surgery. Any dissolvable stitches will disappear on their own. You can help your recovery by avoiding the following: touching or rubbing your eye area, exercising, splashing your face with water, wearing contact lenses or wearing makeup during the first 14 days after your surgery.Â
Your incisions will be sensitive and so you can help to protect your eyes in the first few months following your canthoplasty by wearing sunglasses outdoors when it’s bright or windy. You can expect to be fully recovered by the 6-week post-op stage.Â
From Our Team
Your Journey
Step 1
Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Step 2
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
Step 3
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
Step 4
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Canthoplasty FAQ's
It’s common to have discomfort and mild pain after canthoplasty, but this can be managed with pain medications and will start to lessen as your recovery progresses.
While every effort is made to minimise scarring, there may be some residual scarring at the incision sites. However, scars usually become less noticeable over time.
It’s typically recommended to avoid wearing makeup around your eye area for at least the first week after surgery to prevent infection.
The results of canthoplasty are long-lasting, whether you’re having surgery for cosmetic and functional reasons. However, you should bear in mind that the ageing process can still affect your eyes over time.
Meet Our Team
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Sur Wellness presents an approach that truly stands unparalleled. It brings a fresh, multidimensional perspective to patient care, taking the journey beyond just medical excellence. Coupled with our unique VIP and medical concierge offerings, Sur’s approach caters not only to the physical, but also to the emotional and holistic needs of our patients. It’s this synthesis of care, commitment, and luxury that offers a new, profound dimension to the patient experience, setting Sur Wellness apart in the realm of surgical well-being.