CANTHOPLASTY / CANTHOPEXY
   Lower Eyelid Suspension

Canthoplasty and canthopexy means the tightening of the ligament and/or muscle that support the outer corner of the eyelid.
A canthoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to change the architecture and/or appearance of the corners of the eyes (where the upper and lower eyelids meet), and is typically performed to address eyelid laxity (looseness).

The surgery is used for raising the corners of the eyelids when the patient considers his/her eyes to be too rounded and wishes them to have a more almond-like shape.
It is also used for tightening the lower eyelid when it is too lax. Get rid of that sad expression on your face and brighten up your look.

Many different names are used for this surgery, including: Canthoplasty, tarsal strip re-suspension, lateral retinacular suspension and inferior retinacular suspension.

BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF CANTHOPEXY / CANTHOPLASTY:
The main benefit brought by this cosmetic surgery is tightening the tissues at either corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet in order to better support the eyelid. By lifting and strengthening the outer corner of the eyelids, the surgeon can remove wrinkles and is able to lift the excess skin as well. The result is a more pleasing eye appearance, often called the "cat eye" look.
Another aim of the operation is to minimize the occurrence of surgical complications following a transcutaneous (skin incision) lower blepharoplasty.

The advantages provided by this cosmetic procedure are also:

It models the eyes when they are too rounded, like those of patients that suffer
      from hyperthyroidism or from other factors.

It raises the external corners of the eyes when they are sagging, eliminating the
      tired and sad appearance of the look.

Correcting the lower lid droopiness caused by ageing or previous surgery

It tightens lax lower eyelids (hypotonic) and corrects ectropion (inversion of the
      eyelid).

Reducing the chance of risks associated with lower blepharoplasty

Protecting the ocular surface

Eliminating wrinkles

Rejuvenating the eye appearance

In patients that suffer from myopia, it prevents the 'bulging eye' effect that may
      develop after a blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids.

It partially corrects the asymmetry produced by a facial paralysis.

Reduction of the symptoms from excessive conjunctival and corneal exposure
      (such as weeping, inflammation, irritation, redness and blurring of vision).

It is an ideal complement of blepharoplasty, since it can make use of the same
      incisions made for refreshing and rejuvenating the look.

As with other types of cosmetic procedures, you need to have a clear and realistic understanding of your reasons and goals for the surgery.
Before undergoing the operation, it is advisable to discuss your expectations with your surgeon.
 

HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?
There are many variations in the surgical technique, which allows for the level of reinforcement to range from patient to patient, each patient is different and so therefore there are varying ways of performing this procedure.
The choice of the procedure most appropriate to each patient depends on Individual characteristics such as: the degree of sagging, the prominence of the eyes, the eye position in the orbital rim/cheek bone patient's preferences surgeon's recommendation and experience with undergoing certain techniques

Related to the above factors, canthopexy is designed for less prominent eye lid droopiness while canthoplasty is preferred for more severe eye lid condition.

The incision is placed in the outer corner of the eye towards the orbital bony rim. The resulting scar will be hidden within a crease.

By applying various surgical techniques the tendons supporting the eye lids will be strengthened. The surgeon may use both dissolvable and non-absorbable sutures to close the incision.

If a minimal reinforcement is needed, a much simpler procedure will be utilized. In this case, it is possible to extract a full-thickness of the lower eyelid. This will allow the eyelid to grip the eye without the need to recreate a new tendon.

The most important step in all these procedures is the attachment of supporting tendon, muscle, and/or tarsal plate to the external lining of nearby bone.


ANESTHESIA
Local anesthesia and complementary intravenous sedation.

SURGERY LENGTH
The length of surgery is usually 1 to 2 hours.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY
You may have slight swelling and bruising which is only natural. However you should be up and about without any problems. The bruising and swelling will subside in a few days to a week, and there shouldn’t be much pain with this procedure, though your eyes may feel a little dry so therefore a little uncomfortable.


PAIN
Moderate. At the beginning you may feel your eyes are too dry, you may experience irritation or itching.

BRUISES AND SWELLING
Local swelling and bruising is usually present for a few days to a week. In most cases, you need only 1-2 days off from work; however this will depend on the individual patient.

SCARS
The scars heal very quickly and become almost invisible after a few months. But even before that happens, after only two or six weeks, the results of the canthopexy on your look will be evident. Your look will be more stylized, permanently.


A canthoplasty or canthopexy is often combined with: eyelid surgery, facelift, mid face lift, fat transfer.