A new look for your eyes - what you need to know about Canthoplasty surgery

Do you sometimes wonder about the appearance of your eyes when you look in the mirror? Perhaps your eyelids are drooping a little with age, or do you wish the shape of your eyes could be changed a little? Today we are talking about a popular solution in medicine for these problems. This is called canthoplasty.

Simply put, what is Canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that reshapes the eyelids. It involves strengthening, tightening, and reshaping the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue in your eyelids. Some people also call it an 'almond eye' surgery.

To be precise, the corner where our upper and lower eyelids meet is called the 'canthus'. This surgery is about reshaping that area.

So, who is doing this surgery?

There are several reasons for having this surgery. Some are cosmetic, some are medical.

• Tighten sagging eyelids: As you age, your eyelids can become saggy because your skin loses elasticity. Fix this.
• Change the shape of the eyes: Some people use this surgery to make their eyes look more elongated and almond-shaped if they are not happy with the shape of their eyes.
• Correct eye asymmetry: Some people's eyes are not the same. Correct that asymmetry.
• Improve your vision: Sometimes drooping eyelids can obstruct your vision. Remove that obstruction.
• As a treatment for medical conditions: Some medical conditions can affect the eyelids. For example:
• Ectropion: The eyelid turns outward.
• Entropion: Inward rolling of the eyelid.
• Lagophthalmos: Inability to close the eyes completely.
• Keratopathy: Damage to the white of the eye (cornea).
• Trauma to the eye.

Your doctor may also recommend this surgery as a treatment for conditions like this.

Are there types of canthoplasty?

Yes, there are two main types. It depends on which corner of the eye is being operated on.

This surgery is performed by an 'oculoplastic surgeon' who specializes in plastic surgery related to the eyes.

How do you prepare before surgery?

If you decide to have this type of surgery, you should first meet with your surgeon. He or she will examine your eyes, talk to you about 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.

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

• They will ask you to do the necessary lab testing, such as blood tests .
• You may be asked to temporarily stop or change some of the medications you are currently taking.
• If you smoke, you will need to stop a few weeks before the surgery.
• If you wear contact lenses , you will be asked to use a pair of glasses instead.
• It is very important to arrange for someone to take you home after surgery and someone to help you for a couple of days.

What happens during and after the surgery?

On the day of the surgery, you will be given anesthesia. So you will not feel any pain during the surgery . You may be put to sleep completely, or you may only be numbed around your eyes.

Next, the surgeon makes a very small incision near your eyelid. Through this, the eyelid tendon and muscles are tightened, brought into position, and the drooping is eliminated. Finally, the incision is closed using dissolvable stitches.

This entire process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the type of surgery you are having.

During the recovery period after surgery, you should take care of the following:

• Avoid exercising and lifting weights for a few weeks.
• Use the medications (especially antibiotics and steroids) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. He or she may also recommend using eye drops, such as artificial tears.
• Never rub your eyes .
• Do not let the cut be exposed to water, soap, or creams until it is completely healed.
• Avoid swimming pools and saunas for three weeks.
• When sleeping, place a few pillows under your head and keep it slightly elevated . This will reduce swelling.
• Applying ice for about 15 minutes can help control swelling.

It can take about two to four weeks to fully heal. It is normal for the eyes to appear different sizes and asymmetrical at first. This will resolve as the swelling goes down.

Risks and differences from other surgeries

Like any surgery, there are some minor risks. These include:

• Scarring
• Bleeding
• Swelling and bruising
• Pain
• Dry eyes
• Difficulty closing the eyes
• Infections

However, when this surgery is performed by an experienced, skilled doctor, these risks are very minimal .

You may have heard of other eye surgeries. Let's look at the differences between three major surgeries.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, see your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• If the swelling increases instead of decreasing.
• If there is severe pain at the surgical site.
• If the cut does not heal and a pus-like fluid is coming out.
• If you have a fever .

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