If you’re unhappy with how small your eyes appear and would prefer for them to look larger and brighter, a cosmetic canthoplasty procedure may be a good option for you. Dr. Sean Paul is an oculofacial plastic surgeon who has been trained specifically in this area to achieve natural looking, beautiful results. 

What is a lateral canthoplasty?

The lateral canthus of the eye is the outside corner, where the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid meet. The angle of the lower eyelid at this point is part of what determines how much of your eye is seen. Having a lower eyelid that sits high can make the eye appear smaller. Lowering the angle can make the eye appear larger and brighter. A canthoplasty is a surgical procedure where the eyelid position is changed to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing shape to the eye.

Cosmetic Canthoplasty at Austin Face & Body

Austin Canthoplasty Procedure by Austin Face and Body

How is a canthoplasty procedure performed?

Once you are on the operating table, local anesthesia will be injected into the eyelids. After the injections are done, most patients have no additional pain during the procedure. The surgery will then be performed, and the lower eyelid position will be adjusted. The incisions will be closed with sutures. It is important to note that you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery.

Recovery from canthoplasty

After the surgery is complete, an ointment will be placed over the incisions and the eyes. The ointment will blur your vision, but will help keep your eyes lubricated. 

Pain typically subsides within the first week, but soreness and swelling may be present for a few weeks. You can reduce bruising by avoiding blood thinners including aspirin, Ibuprofen, fish oil, and alcohol. Taking Arnica may reduce your bruising, and using Skinuva can reduce your scar appearance.

Medications may be prescribed to prevent infection and to help with pain and inflammation. Rest is important to healing and preventing complications. For the first week, plan on only doing light activity with no lifting or bending. During the second week, you can implement moderate activity with no heavy lifting. After two weeks, there are usually no restrictions on activity.

Dr. Paul will give you specific post-operative care instructions, which should be followed closely. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled within one to two weeks to monitor your healing progress.

Are there any risks?

Risks are present with any procedure or medical treatment, and being aware of them may help you weigh the pros and cons so that you can make the right decision. A canthoplasty is a low-risk surgery, but no surgery is without risk. Most patients only experience mild bruising, swelling, and pain. Serious complications are very rare. During your consultation, please have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about the risks that come with a canthoplasty.

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What type of surgeon should perform canthoplasty?

Lateral canthoplasty is a subtle and delicate surgery, and it’s very important to find an oculofacial plastic surgeon who has been trained in an official fellowship by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This means the surgeon went through four years of training as an ophthalmic surgeon, and did an additional two years of intensive training in oculofacial plastic surgery. When it comes to your eyelids, it is critical to choose someone trained specifically in eye and eyelid surgery.

Who is a good candidate for a canthoplasty procedure?

A good candidate is someone who is unhappy with the appearance of their eye or eyelids. The most common concern we hear from our patients is that they think their eyes appear too small and want them to be larger. It’s also important that the candidate has realisitc expectations about what the surgery can accomplish. Besides this, ideal candidates are healthy individuals who do not smoke. 

Providers who perform Cosmetic Canthoplasty at Austin Face & Body

Dr. David Gay

Dr. Gay is an experienced, dedicated surgeon who has been passionate about medicine from a young age. He is known for his surgical excellence and compassionate patient care. Dr. Gay is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) and is also a candidate member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).

Dr. David Gay »

Why choose Austin Face & Body?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, please schedule a consultation with us at Austin Face and Body. We are an aesthetic plastic surgery practice that brings together top specialists from all over the country to Austin, Texas to provide the highest level of patient care. Our practice consists of oculofacial plastic surgeons, full body and women’s health plastic surgeons, and rhinoplasty and face lift surgeons that collaborate to bring their patients the best service and results. Our surgeons stay at the top of innovation and research while delivering comfort and luxury to our patients. At Austin Face & Body, you will receive the best care and attention, and will receive the absolute best outcome. To schedule a consultation, please call 512-559-3544 or contact us online.

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