Will a Lateral Canthopexy Change the Shape of the Eyes on a 45 Year Old? Has my Doctor over Tightened One Side? (photo)

7 days ago i had a lateral cantholpexy performed at the same time as rhinoplasty. We agreed to do a Lower Blepharoplasty to remove the bags under my eyes, but not a LC. My doctor assures me the shape will return to normal within 2-3 months. I am worried about perm. altering the shape of my eyes more asian/upward, which i do not want....and that he has overtightened one side? I really hope I am worrying for nothing? Can this procedure be adjusted if not?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by aleaussi

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (1)

Lateral Canthopexy Will Relax

The lateral canthopexy will relax, and patients always complain about the awkward looking shape after the procedure.

Canthopexy appearance

Your eyes were different before surgery so they may be a little different afterward. Canthopexies do relax, but if the difference does bother you it can be revised. You would need to wait several months before doing this.

Canthopexy and eye shape

A canthopexy is done to support the lower lid after a blepharoplasty when the lower lid tone is weak. I use it quite often in my patients. Usually within a few weeks to months, the canthus relaxes and the lateral eye position adjusts.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

This will resolve, but...

The resolution will also bring changes to your eye appearance. Generally canthoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure. It is performed as part of other reconstructive procedures. Unfortunatley many surgeons have started performing this procedure in the mistaken belief that it helps make the eye more youthful. The consequences of the procedure will very much depend on how much of your lower eyelid was resected as part of your canthoplasty. Right now the eyelid looks... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Canthopexy a wise choice

Your 7 day post op photos look good. This is what you can expect from a canthopexy at your stage of healing.The position of the lids will return to a normal position with time. What"s important is that they are less likely to retract in to a lower than normal postion following the lower lid blepharoplasty.The Canthopexy was an appropriate step in your surgery to help prevent post operative lower lid retraction.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD

28 reviews

Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.8west.ca

Bilateral canthoplasty often look amiss for a few weeks.

The photograph demonstrates nothing of concern at this point in convalescence. With time both lids should relax and a revisional procedure will be unlikely.

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Comments (1)

aleaussi 10 Jan 2013

Well i am extremely grateful to read all these answers... even if they are not unanimous. Just having educated 2,3, and 4th opinions bring much greater peace of mind and ability to relax and wait and see if it will actually change the shape of my eyes. And to Dr Kenneth D. Steinsapir the operation was a L canthopexy not L. canthoplasty if that makes any difference to your opinion. From what little i understand a canthoslasty involves cutting the lateral canthon tendon and is therefore quite irreversible anyway. I am very heartened coming from an old school medical family background to see how progressive and service orientated you doctors have become. It makes things so much easier for us laypeople to make a more informed decision about which doctor to choose. Hats off to you all for your willingness to update your industry with the internet and share your valuable time and opinions with us.

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