Canthopexy Vs Canthoplasty to Correct Blepharoplasty Result?

Can a canthoplasty be better than a canthopexy to correct a lower eyelid mild ectropion after a few weeks of a Blepharoplasty? And what other support is needed to help correct the damage?

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lower eyelids

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Scared in Florida

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (0)

What you need is a doctor who can manage this complication.

Dear Scared You posted another variation of this question yesterday. Obviously you are concerned about what is going on. Ask yourself if you are unhappy with the way your surgeon is addressing your concerns. If you are lacking confidence in his attitude or approach, it is appropriate to seek a second opinion. I recommend that you start by asking him to arrange a second opinion. This will undoubtedly be someone friendly to your surgeon. However, often the second opinion is someone... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Canthopexy is safer than canthoplasty

Canthopexy is a less complex and safer procedure to tighten the eyelid and improve lid position and shape after lower eyelid blepharoplasty. In canthopexy, the canthal ligament is simply tightened with a suture, whereas in canthoplasty, the ligament is actually cut and re-sutured. Canthoplasty can often require drilling holes in the bone of the eyesocket through which the canthoplasty sutures are placed. Your surgeon should be expert enough to advise you as to which procedure is most... more

Canthopexy is less extensive than canthoplasty

Lateral lid tighteninig can be accomplished in several different ways. For mild cases of lid laxity a canthopexy or muscle tightening procedure may be adequate to correct the lid laxity and malposition. If the lid malposition is severe then a canthoplasty such as a lateral tarsal strip may be necessary.

Massage is the answer now.

At 2 weeks what you have is a lot of swelling. The weight of that pulls the lid down occasionally. This generally creates what is called scleral show, not ectropion. At this point, the treatment is massage (up & lateral) of the lid. This will usually go away in several more weeks. You also need to make sure that you are not doing anything to worsen the problem, such letting your glasses rest on the lid. If this is an ectropion, eversion of the lid margin, then you do have a problem... more

Yes and No but too soon

It is not uncommon to have mild ectropion a few weeks after surgery, especially if extensive work was done. So first don't do anything for 6 months. With that said, if you still have ectropion after that time there are several things that must be done. First I would do either a canthopexy or canthoplasty but that is dependent on what was previously done. Second I like to plicated or tighten the obicularis muscle. Finally, you must support/elevate the cheek. This remove the downward... more