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Canthoplasty is a type of plastic surgery that alters the shape of your eye. It is a complex procedure that involves making a cut and repositioning the "canthal tendon," which is the small tendon at the outer corner of your eyelid. This surgery can be used to create a more almond-shaped or "cat eye" look.
read more about canthoplasty ...Canthoplasty can be done for both cosmetic and medical reasons. Cosmetically, it is used to change the eye's shape, often to create a more lifted or exotic-looking eye. Medically, it is a reconstructive surgery. It can be used to repair sagging, drooping lower eyelids or to fix damage to the eyelid corner from an injury or a previous surgery.
During this surgery, a surgeon makes a small cut at the outer corner of your eyelid to access the canthal tendon. The surgeon will then cut the tendon, shorten it, and re-attach it to the bone around the eye in a new, higher position. This process tightens the eyelid and changes the tilt of the eye corner.
Recovery from canthoplasty involves significant bruising and swelling, which can last for several weeks. Your vision may be blurry, and your eyes may feel tight. You will need to carefully follow your surgeon's instructions, which include avoiding strenuous activity and protecting your eyes as they heal. The final results may not be visible for several months.
These two procedures are often confused, but canthoplasty is more invasive. A "canthopexy" is a simpler procedure that uses stitches to tighten and lift the eyelid corner without cutting the tendon. A canthoplasty is a more powerful surgery that actually detaches and re-positions the tendon to create a more dramatic change in shape.
The main aesthetic goal of a canthoplasty is often to change the "canthal tilt." This refers to the angle of a line drawn from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye. A "positive" tilt means the outer corner sits higher than the inner corner, creating an uplifted, youthful look. A "negative" or "neutral" tilt can make the eyes look downturned or sad. This surgery physically moves the outer corner up to create a positive angle.
No, it is a highly specialized and relatively uncommon procedure. It is considered more complex than other eyelid surgeries like a blepharoplasty.
The results of the surgery are considered permanent, as the tendon is repositioned. However, the natural aging process will, of course, continue.
Reversing a canthoplasty is extremely difficult and often not possible. This is why it is very important to be certain about the decision and to use a highly skilled surgeon.
You should only consult with a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon who has extensive, specific experience with canthoplasty. This is a very delicate surgery, and you should schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and all the possible risks. This is a good procedure to ask for a second opinion on before moving forward.
1. Canthoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/canthoplasty. December 9, 2023.
2. Oculoplastic Surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/oculoplastic-surgery. June 19, 2024.
3. Canthoplasty vs. Canthopexy: What’s the Difference? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/canthoplasty-vs-canthopexy. August 22, 2022.
4. Eyelid Surgery: Blepharoplasty, Canthoplasty & More. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/eyelid-surgery. October 10, 2024.
5. Aesthetic Goals and Techniques in Oculoplastic Surgery. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. https://journals.lww.com/ophthalmicplasticreconstructivesurgery/Fulltext/2015/39010/Aesthetic_Goals_and_Techniques_in_Oculoplastic.7.aspx. September 5, 2025.