Canthoplasty

In cases where the eyelid turns outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion), canthoplasty can be resorted to.
In terms of aesthetics, it aims to achieve wider, more open eyes and younger eyes by reshaping the outer corner of the eye according to the patient's expectations. Whether you want to design the almond-shaped eyes you desire or have eyelids that cause physical discomfort, canthoplasty is a versatile procedure that can offer you that.
 

How the Procedure Works

The canthoplasty operation can be performed under sedation or general anesthesia according to the patient's request or when the surgeon deems it appropriate. The incisions will be placed according to the type of canthoplasty performed.
After the incision, the surgeon will access the canthal tendon and either release and reposition it or tighten it, depending on the type of case. The incisions will be closed with self-dissolving sutures at the end of the operation and no external sutures will be required.
 

Types of Canthoplasty

• External Cantoplasty: The lateral canthoplasty technique, also known as external canthoplasty, aims to alter the shape and position of the outer canthus of the eye. During lateral canthoplasty, the surgeon accesses the lateral canthus tendon, which supports the outer corner of the eyelids, and tightens or repositions it according to the patient's expectations. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove some skin to improve the eye contour. In combination with a blepharoplasty (upper eyelid lift) procedure, canthoplasty redesigns the eye shape, eliminates unwanted excess eyelid skin and lifts the downward-sloping outer corners of the eye upward in appearance.

• Internal Canthoplasty: Medial canthoplasty, also known as internal canthoplasty or medial canthal tightening, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that focuses on changing the shape and position of the inner corners of the eyes, particularly the medial canthus. The medial canthus is the area where the upper and lower eyelids meet at the innermost corner of the eye.
  It is planned to correct the socketed or enlarged appearance of the inner corners of the eye or eye asymmetry.
   

   In this technique, the medial canthal tendon that supports the inner corner of the eyelids is accessed and the tendon is tightened or repositioned.
  In some cases, some skin may need to be eliminated to achieve the desired result.
   

• Cantopexy: Canthopexy is a technique usually used for mild to moderate eyelid laxity or lower eyelid malposition.
  In this technique, the lateral canthal tendon is not excised or repositioned. Your surgeon strengthens and stabilizes this area to provide support to the outer corner of the eye. During this stabilization, the lateral canthal tendon is attached to the bone or other structures around the eye using sutures or special anchoring techniques. It is less invasive than internal and external canthoplasty techniques. Canthopexy is generally considered a more conservative approach for patients with specific eyelid concerns, as it does not significantly alter the length or position of the eyelids.
   

Incision and Scar

The specific incisions and scars associated with canthoplasty surgery may vary depending on the surgical technique used. 
An experienced and skilled surgeon will strategically place the incisions for this surgical procedure to make them inconspicuous.

• External Canthoplasty: External canthoplasty incisions are positioned at the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus).
  The incision is concealed within and along the contour of the eye's natural wrinkles and is intended to be inconspicuous after recovery. The incision scars are very small so that the postoperative scars are inconspicuous. The sutures used here are very thin and self-absorbing.
   
• Internal Canthoplasty: In internal canthoplasty, the incisions are less invasive as they are made on the inside of the eyelids, in the medial canthus, the inner corner of the eye.  As the incisions are made on the inside of the eye, they are invisible and there is no scarring afterwards.
   
• Cantopexy: Canthopexy anchors the position of the lateral canthus to the bone or structures around the eye without incisions or repositioning of the lateral canthal tendon. It is therefore less invasive. Canthopexy typically involves smaller incisions. Scars are minimal and well concealed.
   

In some cases, these techniques can be combined with each other according to the general needs of the patient or according to the surgeon's recommendations. Incision scars will be shaped accordingly. In each method, your surgeon will try to camouflage the incision scars as much as possible and place them strategically.