Canthoplasty in Westchester, New York

Ideally, the inner corner of the eye is directly in line with the outer corner or even a few degrees higher. In a drooping eye, the outer corner of the eye is several degrees below the inner corner. Canthoplasty is an eyelid surgery that lifts the outer corner of the eye to create a more awake and youthful appearance. Patients may also consider a canthoplasty for cosmetic reasons like creating the popular cat eye look where the corner of the eye slants upward. Dr. James Gordon, an oculofacial plastic surgeon with offices in Westchester County and New York City, performs canthoplasty to correct medical concerns and for aesthetic benefits.

Canthoplasty may be performed in Dr. Gordon’s minor procedures room with local anesthesia and numbing eye drops, or in his accredited surgical facility. To lift a drooping eye corner, Dr. Gordon begins by making a small incision in the outer corner of the eyelid to expose the lower canthal tendon. Once the tendon is cut, the lower lid will be lifted into position and the incisions will be closed.

The procedure usually takes about 1 – 2 hours to complete. Patients should expect to have temporary bruising and swelling around their eyes for the first week. Some patients may also notice a change in their eyesight, but this should resolve on its own. Patients should also use glasses instead of contact lenses for the first few weeks after the procedure.

To help the eyelid heal properly, patients should massage their eyelids in an upward direction for 3 – 5 minutes at least 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks after their surgery. This will help the lid maintain its position and prevent the skin from losing tone.

An upper or lower blepharoplasty removes the excess skin, fat, and tissue from the eyelid for a smoother look without wrinkles or sagging skin. A canthoplasty changes the shape of the eyes by cutting the cathal tendon and lifting the corner of the eye.

If the patient is having canthoplasty to correct a medical condition, such as an ectropion eyelid or chronic dry eyes, their health insurance may cover some of the cost of the surgery. Insurance will not cover a canthoplasty if it is being performed only for cosmetic reasons.