Tightening the outer corners of the eyes with Blepharoplasty?

I am planning to have a face lift with both upper and lower blepaharoplasty. I have dry eyes which I am concerned with that may have been a result of a previous blepharoplasty. My eyes are big and they also somewhat pretrude slightly, but are not unsightly. My surgeon says that he can tighten the outer corners of my eyes during the blepharoplasty to prevent futher dryness. Is this possible, and if so, will I look different?

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16 answers to “Tightening the outer corners of the...”

A: Second blepharoplasty on protruding eyes is risky

By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

Secondary blepharoplasty is always more risky than a primary blepharoplasty. This is especially so in patients with large protruding eyes. The risk is that the lower eyelid will retract downward and expose the eye further in a condition called an ectropion. It sounds as though your doctor plans a lid... more

A: Eyes will look different

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Before undergoing a canthoplasty or canthopexy to reduce dry eyes, one should check with their ophthalmologist about placing silicone plugs in the tear ducts to gain more tears in the eye itself. Other eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist can help with dry eyes. Tightening the corners of the eyes will... more

A: Canthopexy can help with lateral laxity

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Dry eye syndrome after a previous blepahroplasty is not uncommon, especially if you sleep with your eyes partially open at night. I think your surgeon is talking about a canthopexy or canthoplasty when describing tightening the corner of your eye. This can help symptoms in some patients that have laxity... more

A: You have a risky situation

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What you are describing having previous surgery, complicated by dry eyes and bulging eyes poses great risk for exacerbating the problems by doing further surgery on your eyes. Don't take this part of your surgery lightly! Tightening the outer corner of the lower lid is called a canthopexy or canthoplasty... more

A: Need further evaluation of your dry eye problem

By Jeffrey Zwiren, MD - Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

I would not be so concerned about appearance of the lower eyelid as I would with the function of the lid itself and protection of your eye. There are many points of caution for your to consider. 1. this is a repeat surgery, there may already be problems with your lower eyelid function since you continue to... more

A: Revision blepharoplasty during facelift procedure: Outcome and Risks of Blepharoplasty and Dry Eyes

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

A blepharoplasty procedure can be performed successfully during a facelift procedure. In the case of a patient with dry eyes, a plastic surgeon should be cautious of exacerbating the dry eyes by revisional surgery on the upper or lower eyelid. A thorough analysis of the causes of dry eyes is appropriate,... more

A: More than just the eyes

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Page, Your situation is a very complex one, in which your dry eye syndrome may be worsened if the wrong procedure is done and may be improved if the correct procedure is performed. It sounds as if your surgeon is familiar with the issues that your present eye condition creates. However, the... more

A: Blepharoplasty and Dry Eyes

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your questions Page - In my practice, we perform upper and lower blepharoplasty, and a careful history about dry eye must be obtained. The issue is that blepharoplasty can make eye dryness worse and interfere with your ability to protect your eyes, causing complications that can be as serious... more

A: You are at very high risk for problems with your eyes.

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

To Page, Hi. You should consider leaving your eyes alone. Consult with an oculoplastic sugeon. You list a number of risk factors and could easily end up worse, both cosmetically and medically. I have seen this over and over. If you do have surgery, it sounds as if you... more

A: A canthopexy is a good way to approach your problem. That is probably what your surgeon wants to do.

By Roger P. Friedenthal, MD - San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Your problem is actually quite common. With time, the attachment of the lower eyelid to the bony rim of the eye laterally stretches, particularly if your eyes protrude slightly. This stretching changes your eye shape from almond to round. Tightening the attachment can restore the shape. The procedure is called... more

More answers to Tightening the outer corners of the eyes with Blepharoplasty?
Los Angeles - Be careful
New York City - This canthopexy may help with dryness
Santa Barbara - Corner of the eye surgery
Southlake - Yes, and caution advised

Comments

aliu
109 posts
14 Jan 2009

Dear Page, Having a strong interest in eyelid surgery, I can tell you that the lower eyelid is very unforgiving to surgery performed incorrectly and to correct it can be quite difficult. That being said, what your doctor told you is correct. Tightening the corner of your eyelids can help dryness but only if you have ectropion (laxity of the lower eyelid). If your dryness is secondary to another cause, tightening the lower eyelid will not address your dryness at all. Any lower eyelid procedure can alter the shape and appearance of your eyes. Thankfully there are different procedures that can tailor your eyelids to look the way you want them to. I would recommend you discussing with your doctor your specific goals and concerns to make sure you are both on the same page during surgery. Good luck!

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