Can a Canthoplasty Be Reversed?

I had canthoplasty to correct one round eye (lower lid sclerosis) and one elongated eye (droopy lower lid). While eye symmetry is improved, both eyes are much smaller, one worse than the other, with lower lids and tighter corners. Would a buccal fat transfer to both upper lids, TransBleph of the lower brow, and lowering of higher brow correct this? Do you know any Australian doctors who could fix this?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by anna2009 in Australia

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Canthoplasty can be reversed

Yes, a canthoplasty can be reversed, but the patient runs the risk of having lower lid sclerosis and a droopy lower lid. There are some conservative asymmetrical procedures that can be done to try to correct symmetry on the eyelids.

How long has it been?

When was your surgery and for what reason? Had you had previous blepharoplasty surgery that developed complications? Waiting is your best bet as many structures loosen with time. Canthoplasty is designed to enhance lower lid support and decrease the risk of exposure to your cornea, etc. It typically doesn't have any effect on position of the upper lid unless your surgeon purposely creates scar to narrow the outer corner of your eye. You were used to seeing a big open eye because of the... more

Seek second opinions first prior to revisionary surgery

Lowering of the brows and buccal fat transfer may in fact cause your eyelids to appear even smaller. Since your stated concern was that your eyes now look smaller, I would avoid this. Patients generally have their brows elevated to make their eyes appear wider or more open rather than lowering the brow.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Try not to lose ground with the "fixes."

Dear Anna Be very careful what fixes you seek out to fix your issues. In particular, yes buccal fat can be used to graft into the upper eyelids like any fat material. However, removal of the buccal fat will alter your facial appearance. When fixing a problem, I think it is very important not to cause a new problem. There is no evidence that there is any thing inherently special about the buccal fat. If you are going to have fat placed, there are many other sites it can be harvested... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Canthoplasty is difficult to reverse

The canthopexy was done to improve your lower eyelid support and it sounds like it worked. A canthoplasty always makes the eyes look smaller. If you release the canthoplasty, your eyelids will droop. The buccal fat injection or transfer to your upper lids will make the situation worse. Brow elevation may help, but the doctor must be certain that elevating the brow will not limit closure of the upper lids.