Canthopexy - Beautify the contour of your eyes
What is canthopexy ?
Canthopexy is a surgical procedure that is used to correct the drooping or sagging of the lower eyelid. It involves the tightening of the lower eyelid by repositioning the horizontal muscles that support the lower eyelid margin. Canthopexy is often performed in conjunction with other eyelid procedures like blepharoplasty or canthoplasty to achieve a more natural and youthful appearance of the eyes.
Who is a good candidate ?
Good candidates for canthopexy are those who experience mild to moderate drooping or sagging of the lower eyelid and those who have no significant medical conditions that could interfere with the healing process. Candidates should also generally be in good health, with no serious pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions.
The ideal candidate for canthopexy should also have realistic expectations about the procedure and its results. Patients should understand that canthopexy is a relatively minor procedure that can improve the appearance of the eye but cannot completely transform it.
What is the difference between canthopexy and canthoplasty ?
Canthopexy and canthoplasty are two surgical procedures used to improve the appearance of the lower eyelid. Although these procedures are similar in many ways, there are a few key differences that set them apart.
Canthopexy is a procedure that is used to tighten the lower eyelid and prevent it from sagging or drooping further. During canthopexy, a small incision is made at the outer corner of the eye, and the lower eyelid is then repositioned, attached to the outer orbital rim. This helps to provide support and firmness to the lower eyelid margin, which is often lost due to aging, trauma, or injury. Canthopexy is usually performed on patients who have mild to moderate ptosis (drooping) of the lower eyelid.
On the other hand, canthoplasty is a more extensive surgical procedure that also involves tightening the lower eyelid, but it is often used in cases of severe drooping or sagging of the lower eyelid. During canthoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower eyelid and repositions the canthal tendons, which are the fibrous bands that provide support to the lower eyelid. The tendons are then tightened and re-anchored to the bone or surrounding tissues to provide additional support to the lower eyelid.
Overall, the main difference between canthopexy and canthoplasty is the degree of surgical intervention and the severity of the eyelid droop. Canthopexy is a less invasive procedure that can address mild to moderate eyelid droop, while canthoplasty is a more extensive surgical procedure that is typically used for patients with more significant eyelid sagging.
Are there alternatives to canthopexy to correct the position of the canthus ?
Canthopexy is a surgical procedure that can be used to correct the position of the canthus and enhance the appearance of the lower eyelid. However, alternatives to canthopexy also exist that can be used to address this issue.
One alternative to canthopexy is the use of injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid fillers. These fillers can be used to add volume under the lower eyelid and provide support to the canthus, lifting it slightly and correcting its position. Fillers can be an effective option for patients with mild to moderate drooping of the lower eyelid or for those who are not good candidates for surgery due to medical or personal reasons.
Another alternative to canthopexy is a non-surgical laser treatment called a laser canthoplasty. This procedure involves using laser energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin around the lower eyelid, helping to tighten and firm the area and lift the canthus. While this treatment is less invasive than canthopexy and has a shorter recovery time, it may not provide the same dramatic improvements in the appearance of the lower eyelid.
In some cases, canthoplasty may be recommended instead of canthopexy. Canthoplasty is a more invasive surgical procedure than canthopexy that involves reattaching the canthal tendons to the bone or surrounding tissue. This procedure may be recommended for patients with more severe eyelid droop that cannot be corrected with canthopexy or other non-surgical treatments.
Ultimately, the best treatment option for a patient will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the eyelid droop, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences.
How is the surgery performed ?
Canthopexy is a surgical procedure for correcting the position of the canthus and enhancing the appearance of the lower eyelid. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may sometimes be used. Here is a step-by-step guide to how the surgery is performed:
Pre-surgery preparation: Before the surgery, the surgeon will mark the area where the incision will be made. They will also administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure that the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
Creating the incision: The surgeon will use a scalpel to create a small incision at the outer corner of the eye to allow access to the lower eyelid muscles.
Repositioning the eyelid: The surgeon will then reposition the lower eyelid by attaching it to the outer orbital rim. To do this, the surgeon will grasp the lower eyelid and lift it slightly, pulling it towards the outer corner of the eye. The eyelid is then anchored in its new position using sutures to secure it to the outer orbital rim.
Closing the incision: Once the eyelid has been repositioned, the surgeon will close the incision using sutures or surgical glue. The surgeon may also apply an ointment or dressing around the eyelid area to protect it and promote healing.
What are the postoperative consequences?
Immediately after the operation, patients may experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising around the treated area. To reduce the pain, the surgeon may prescribe a painkiller, as well as antibiotics to prevent infections.
It is also essential to avoid any action that may put pressure on the eyes throughout recovery. Patients should avoid activities that involve eye stress, such as reading, watching television or computers. Antiseptic eye drops should be applied to the eyelids 4-6 times a day to prevent infection.
The patient should also stay away from sun exposure and high temperatures, so as not to aggravate the formation of edemas and hematomas around the eyes. It is recommended to wear sunglasses and apply sun blocks, completely avoiding bathing and smearing the eyes for too long.
What are the advantages ?
The main benefit of canthopexy is the correction of drooping of the lower eyelids which usually occurs with age. This procedure restores firmness and tone to the area around the eyes and improves their symmetry.
Canthopexy also improves the vision of patients whose lower eyelids tend to sag, avoiding the appearance of bags under the eyes that can impair vision. It also brings a redefinition of the outer angle of the eye, which is often the solution to find a younger and more lively look.
In addition to these aesthetic benefits, canthopexy is a quick and safe procedure, which can be performed on an outpatient basis. Patients can therefore resume their activities quickly after the procedure.
What are the associated risks and complications ?
Although canthopexy is a relatively simple surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that should be considered before deciding to have the surgery. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon to minimize risks and avoid potential complications.
Infections are one of the most common complications in cosmetic surgery, including canthopexy. Patients are often prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections, but this does not guarantee that patients will not develop an infection. If an infection occurs, it can be treated with antibiotics and additional care.
Another potential risk of canthopexy is bruising and swelling around the eyes. Although these side effects are common, they can cause some discomfort and mild pain. Fortunately, they will subside within a few days to a few weeks after treatment.
There is also a risk of changes in the shape of the eyes or misalignment of the canthuses, which can occur due to inadequate care of the treated area. Patients should follow the instructions given by the surgeon to avoid unnecessary tension in the treated area.
In rare cases, excessive bleeding and more serious complications may occur, including problems with wound healing. These problems are therefore the reason why it is important to choose a qualified surgeon with a solid experience to minimize the risks.
Results
The main expected result of canthopexy is to restore firmness and tone to the outer corner of the eye. The eyes will appear larger and more open, with a tighter lower lid. The aesthetic result is therefore often a younger and more lively look.
Canthopexy can also correct bags under the eyes or deformities, while improving the symmetry of the face. This procedure can also improve patients' vision, especially for those with lower eyelids that tend to sag.
The results of canthopexy are often long-lasting, which means that the effects of this procedure on the firmness of the canthus and outer angle of the eye are often permanent. However, the aging process will continue to affect the soft tissues of the eyes and results may diminish over time. The results obtained may therefore vary according to the patient.
In sum, canthopexy can offer impressive and long-lasting aesthetic results, which can improve the appearance of the eyes and face in patients. Patients can make their face look younger and more refreshed with this procedure.