Are you concerned about the shape of your eyes? Let's talk about Canthoplasty Surgery!

Many people pay a lot of attention to their eyes when thinking about their appearance, don't they? Sometimes, with age or for other reasons, the eyelids can droop, the eyes can look tired, or the shape of the eyes can change. So, today we are talking about a special surgery that is performed to give the eyes a fresh, youthful look and reduce sagging. This is called canthoplasty.

Simply put, what is Canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reshapes your eyelids. This surgery involves tightening the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue in your eyelids. Simply put, it lifts and tightens the corners of your eyes to give them a more beautiful shape.

The word "canthoplasty" literally means reshaping the 'canthus'. The canthus is the corner of your eye where your upper and lower eyelids meet. This is sometimes called 'almond eye' surgery.

So what are the reasons why someone would want to have this surgery?

• Tighten drooping eyelids.
• Reduce the slant of the eyes.
• Make the shape of the eyes the same.
• Change the shape of the eyes (for example, to an almond shape).
• Increase your field of vision (if your vision is obstructed by drooping eyelids).
• As a treatment for a condition affecting the eyelashes.

Who performs this surgery?

This is not something that just any doctor can do. This surgery is performed by an 'oculoplastic surgeon' . That is, a doctor who has highly trained and specialized knowledge in both the fields of eye surgery (ophthalmologist) and plastic surgery (plastic surgeon). Therefore, he has a good understanding of both the health and appearance of your eyes.

Are there types of canthoplasty?

Yes, there are mainly two types:

• Lateral canthoplasty: This involves reshaping the outer corner of your eye, that is, the corner toward the ear.
• Epi-canthoplasty: This involves reshaping the inner corner of the eye, that is, the corner on the nasal side.

Conditions treated with canthoplasty surgery

In addition to cosmetic reasons, your doctor may also recommend this surgery as a treatment for certain medical conditions.

• Damage to the cornea (Keratopathy): If the cornea becomes dry and damaged because the eyelids do not close properly.
• Ectropion: A condition in which the lower eyelid turns outward.
• Entropion:A condition in which the lower eyelid turns inward and pinches the eyebrow.
• Lagophthalmos: A condition in which the eyes cannot be completely closed during sleep or normally.
• Trauma to the eye: When the corner of the eye is damaged due to an accident.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Once you have decided to have this surgery, you will need to meet with your surgeon. He or she will examine your eyes, discuss what to expect from the surgery, and explain what will happen after the surgery. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have about the surgery.

Your doctor may give you these instructions to prepare for surgery:

• Get some necessary lab tests done.
• You may be asked to temporarily stop or change some of the medications and supplements you are currently taking.
• If you smoke, you will be asked to stop a few weeks before the surgery.
• If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to use a pair of glasses instead.

Also, it is essential to arrange in advance for someone to take you home after the surgery. It will be much easier if you have someone to help you for a day or two after the surgery.

How the surgery is performed and the pain

On the day of your surgery, you will be given anesthesia. You may be given general anesthesia , which puts you completely to sleep, or local anesthesia, which numbs only the area around the eye being operated on. With local anesthesia, you will be conscious but will not feel any pain.

After administering anesthesia, the surgeon makes a very small incision near your eyelid. The sagging tendon and muscle are then pulled, tightened, and brought into position. Finally, the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.

How long does the surgery take?

Depending on the nature of the surgery, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to about 3 hours. Your doctor will inform you in advance about the approximate time it will take for your surgery.

Things to take care of after surgery

After surgery, your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to care for your wound until it heals properly. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.

• Avoid strenuous exercise and weight lifting for a few weeks.
• Use prescribed medications (antibiotics, steroids, artificial tears) exactly as prescribed.
• Never rub your eyes.
• Do not apply water, soap, or other skin products to the surgical site until the wound has completely healed.
• Avoid swimming in swimming pools and saunas for three weeks.
• Keep your head elevated with a few pillows while sleeping. This will help reduce swelling.
• Apply ice for about 15 minutes to reduce swelling.

About a week after the surgery, the doctor will call you in to see how your wound is healing.

What are the benefits and risks?

The main advantages of this surgery are that it allows you to change the appearance of your eyes as you wish and eliminates the discomfort caused by drooping eyelids. When performed by an experienced, skilled surgeon, it is a very safe and successful surgery.

The results are usually permanent. However, as your body changes over time and as you age, you may need to make a small adjustment to maintain the results.

As with any surgery, there are some risks involved. Your doctor will discuss these with you before the procedure.

How long does it take to recover?

It can take about two to four weeks to fully heal. There may be some discomfort, swelling, and bruising during the first two weeks, but these will gradually disappear.

What is the difference between Canthoplasty, Canthopexy and Blepharoplasty?

Many people get confused about all three of these eye surgeries. Let's take a quick look at the main differences between them.

What time should I see the doctor?

If you have any of these symptoms after surgery , call your doctor immediately.

• If the swelling increases day by day instead of decreasing.
• If there is unbearable pain at the site of the surgery.
• If the wound is not healing, is red, and looks like it is festering.
• If you have a fever and/or pus-like fluid is coming from the wound.

If you are unhappy with the drooping eyelids or the shape of your eyes, Canthoplasty surgery may be a good solution for you. However, before making such a decision, it is important to consult a qualified and experienced oculoplastic surgeon to discuss your situation and determine the best solution.