Canthoplasty

Canthoplasty surgery, also known as lower eye lift surgery, is not recommended for patients suffering from one or more of the following:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Glaucoma
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Detached retina
• Overactive thyroid gland

Smoking can affect blood vessels; thus, it may reduce the blood flow to your eyes. Therefore, it is also advised that patients do not smoke; they ideally need to quit smoking before the surgery.

Apart from quitting smoking, oral supplements, herbal teas, and blood thinners such as aspirin need to be avoided for at least 2 weeks before canthoplasty surgery. Alcohol consumption is prohibited for at least 48 hours before and after the lower eye lift surgery.

Canthoplasty surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Surgeons discuss these options with the patient and decide the most appropriate approach according to the patient's condition.

After anesthesia is applied to the patient, the surgeon begins to mark the incision points. The incisions are usually formed in a bend in the corner of the eye so that the scars can be hidden.

A thin plastic shield is used to protect the patient's eyeball. The canthoplasty operation varies from patient to patient but is usually cut by the lower canthal tendon, repositioned, and tightened to obtain a more pleasant appearance. When the procedure is finished, the plastic shield is removed, and the incisions are carefully closed. Bandages are applied to the area that is operated on to prevent infection.

The canthoplasty surgery recovery period usually lasts around 2 weeks. If normal stitches are used, they will be removed around a week after the procedure. If soluble sutures are used, they do not need to be removed. Approximately one week after the Canthoplasty surgery, patients can return to work and normal activities. Eye drops can be used to keep the eyes moist. Patients will be provided with a special type of gel that can be used to keep the eyes region clean. 

Makeup should be avoided for at least a week after the canthoplasty surgery. Patients can also use cold compresses to help reduce swelling during the canthoplasty recovery time.

Canthoplasty surgery complications can include: 

• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Infection
• Damage to deeper structures
• Hematoma
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Dry eye problems
• Asymmetry
• Canthoplasty revision surgery
• Canthoplasty surgery side effects can include: 
• Dry eyes
• Bruising
• Increase in sensitivity to light
• Teary and itching eyes
• Eyelash Hair Loss
• Pain
• Discomfort
• Allergic reactions
• Swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unsatisfactory results
• Blurred vision

The average canthoplasty surgery success rate is over 90%.

The procedure’s results are visible immediately. After canthoplasty surgery, patients can enjoy a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. The patient’s eyes will be bigger, and any droopiness or sagginess will be a thing of the past. These results usually continue between 10 and 15 years. Some patients prefer revision surgery to wipe out the effects of aging during or after this time.