Does a canthopexy leave an incision scar at the outer corner of eyes?

Question

I received a consultation for lower blepharoplasty revision. After the original fat removal, the skin under my eyes became saggy and loose making me look older. I consulted with a board certified plastic surgeon whose specialty is oculoplastic surgery. He suggested revision with canthopexy to address loose skin and scleral show. He noted I would have an incision under both lash lines and an incision at the outer corner of each eye. It worries me that I'd have scars at the corners, is this typical?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The is no one post-blepharoplasty situation. A photograph would be very helpful to understand your particular situation. There are patients who benefit from lateral canthoplasty. In some cases it can be done through a very small (less than 5 mm in length incision outside the outer corner) that does not disrupt the actual corner and heals very inconspicuously. However, that may not be appropriate for you. If you have a prior lower eyelid retraction from your first lower eyelid surgery, canthoplasty will seldom be sufficient to address the issues. I would recommend seeking additional opinions even if you have to pay to see some of the more exclusive Beverly Hills based surgeons for their opinions before committing yourself to a particular surgeon and their plan. You don't want to have to do this more than once.

Michael B. Lyons, MD, FAACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Lower lid laxity and extropion with scleral show will quite often require a canthopexy to tighten and lift the lower lid up to a more youthful position. This incision is placed in the crease where the two lids meet laterally. The length of the incision typically is only a few millimeters in length and is usually undetectable once it heals. This is because it is in a natural skin crease. You stated that you made the appointment in regards to the sagging and looseness of the eyelid skin as well. Once you have healed from the procedure and if your eyelid position is corrected and you still have loose skin, you might be a candidate for a skin tightening laser or chemical peel procedure. Ask to see before and after photos of actual patients that your doctor has performed this procedure on to help you make the decision on who will perform the procedure.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

In order to perform a canthopexy, an incision is made just under the lash line and extends just a tiny amount past the corner of your eye. These incisions are expected to heal without any long-term visible scar. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MDBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Harold Bautista, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. I canthopexy is a procedure that helps support the lower eyelid in patients who are prone to getting what is known as ectropion or lid lag. The standard incision for the lower blepharoplasty eyelid tuck would be extended approximately a quarter of an inch in the horizontal direction at the outer corner of the eye lid commissure. That scar extension typically looks like crows feet.
I hope this helps. Good luck. 
Doctor B

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

If you have significant redundant skin and scleral show the incision suggested may very well be the most appropriate. Choice in a secondary procedure depends on the kind of lower blepharoplasty you originally had, the degree of scleral show, the degree of laxity and symptoms to name a few of the factors involve. If your really hesitant consult one or two more surgeons.

Does a canthopexy leave an incision scar at the outer corner of eyes?

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Answer: Does a canthopexy leave an incision scar at the outer corner of eyes?

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Does a canthopexy leave an incision scar at the outer corner of eyes?

Answers (9)

Answer: Canthopexy

Answer: Canthopexy

Answer: Does a canthopexy leave an incision scar at the outer corner of eyes?

Answer: Does a canthopexy leave an incision scar at the outer corner of eyes?

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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