Can a canthoplasty be slightly loosened? (Photo)

Question

Hi doctors, A few years ago I had a canthoplasty done with an enduragen graft spacer to correct lower eyelid retraction of the right eye due to it sitting in a higher orbital socket than the left one. Apart from some asymmetry, the surgery I feel was a success and the eyelid has settled, but the lower eyelid still feels very tight to the point of annoyance and when I look down, I still catch a little bit of eyelid. Can the canthoplasty be slightly loosened as to avoid any droopiness but not be as tight?

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You look good at this point.  Every time you  go back in here surgically, you run the risk of more issues.  It is a tough area to get perfect as there are many vectors of pull working at the same time.  So I would be very cautious of doing anything else.  With time it will relax more and the tight feeling will resolve. If you go in to cut the canthoplasty you may be back to where you were pre-op.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your photos show an excellent result and you should consider whether you want to risk disturbing that result for a minor improvement, that may improve on its own over time.  Each surgery creates scars which can be unpredictable in how they heal and the effect they cause.   I recommend not doing anything, but you should have a very detailed discussion with your surgeon about whether your issue could be improved without creating another issue.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You will need a very careful consultation to determine what precisely your issue is and why you want the lid "loosened."  The tightness may be related to tissue tightness, dryness, or possibly something else.  It would be bad to have a surgery that destablizes the eyelid but does not solve the problem.  What does your original surgeon say?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Canthoplasty can be loosened by release of some scar bands in the lateral canthus.  However any drastic measures are risky as it can return you to the previous problem of showing too much sclera in the lower lid.RegardsDr. J

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Revising a canthoplastyThis can be tricky, You need to talk to your surgeon and evaluate all pre and post op photos There may be simpler non surgical options

Can a canthoplasty be slightly loosened? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Loosening of canthoplasty

Answer: Loosening of canthoplasty

Answer: Revising a canthoplasty

Answer: Revising a canthoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Canthoplasty

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Can a canthoplasty be slightly loosened? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Loosening of canthoplasty

Answer: Loosening of canthoplasty

Answer: Revising a canthoplasty

Answer: Revising a canthoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Canthoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.