Canthoplasty: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Canthoplasty is a type of surgery that involves correcting and lifting the eyelids. Also referred to as cat lift or cat-eye surgery, it involves the slight lifting and slanting of the upper outer eyelids for a brighter, enhanced or youthful appearance. Cosmetic surgery is an option if you are concerned with sagging, uneven or droopy eyelids.

What does the Canthoplasty procedure involve?

The canthoplasty procedure involves tightening the muscles and ligaments on the outer eyelid by shaping and repositioning the upper outer corner of the eye. Performed on the lateral canthus (where the lower eyelid meets the upper eyelid), a small incision is made to reposition and tighten the area. With the procedure taking approximately 1-2 hours, we will provide you with a shield to protect the eyes post-surgery, depending on the surgeon’s method.

What are the symptoms?

There are no acute symptoms. However, the shifting shape of the eyelids may be because of ageing and the change in skin tensity as we do so. Dark circles, sagging eyelids may be making the orbital area appear aged and lacklustre. Combining this treatment with filler for the under eyes will brighten, lift and enhance the eye area, noting a significantly younger appearance.

Post Surgery of Canthoplasty

It is normal to experience soreness, swelling and bruising after surgery, especially considering how delicate the eye area is. This discomfort can continue for 7-10 days post-surgery, and at this time, we recommend that you receive as much as possible. Similarly, avoiding touching and playing with the eye area, exercising or wearing makeup is advised to prevent infections or complications post-surgery. It can take 2-4 weeks after surgery to make a full recovery, and in this time, little strain is to be placed on the eyes, so no contact lenses are being worn in the recovery period.