Can a canthopexy produce a lateral canthal tilt? (Photo)

Question

I desire a lateral canthal tilt and a more “cat eye” look about my eyes. Ariana Grande (attached photo) had some procedure done to make her eyes smaller and more laterally tilted. Her eyes after look a lot more feminine and sexy. Right now my eyes look more like the top photos, big with a lot of sclera showing around the iris and a neutral tilt. I also have a of excess skin above my eyelids at twenty-seven. How do I achieve what she did? Can a canthoplexy help?

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Canthopexy by itself will not achieve natural long-lasting results you want. The lower eyelids also need to be raised.

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

Dr. Robert Flowers, now retired from practice in Honolulu, was famous for his cat eye results.  He accomplished this with a repositioning of the lateral canthal tendon, elevating its position to a higher point on the lateral orbital rim.  I suggest discussing this with a board certified plastic surgeon familiar with this technique.

Kevin Dieffenbach, MD · Answer

Aloha and thanks for your question. Yes a canthopexy can produce a lateral canthal tilt. But without photos, or better, a personal exam and discussion, it's difficult to make specific recommendations.        I would recommend you see an experienced Surgeon certified by The American Board Of Plastic Surgery[ABPS] and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) for an in-depth consultation to review your options. Mahalo, Dr D

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

However she accomplishes her cat like eyes with make up by extending the shaping eye liner. No surgery.  Can radical canthoplasty be performed to alter the shape of the eyes and make a them tilt? The answer is yes but the results are often unpredictable and unnatural. I recommend consider posting photos or having an actual personal consultation with someone like myself who can better advise you based on an actual examination.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  A canthopexy can achieve a lateral canthal tilt.  There are variants of this procedure that can produce more tilt if desired.  Please see a board certified surgeon who is experienced with these types of procedures.

Nabil Fakih, MD · Answer

Yes a canthopexy produce a lateral canthal tilt. I would recommend to get a personal evaluation to see if you can correctly benefit and if it is worth it. 
Dr. Nabil Fakih

Jeffrey H. Lee, MD · Answer

To answer your question, canthopexy/canthoplasty will pull the outer corner of the eye further out to the side and generally up to create the canthal tilt that you are referring to.  It's hard to say without actual pictures of your eyes but if you have scleral show and a negative or neutral canthal tilt, then you may benefit from a lid tightening procedure such as a canthopexy/canthoplasty.  Best to go seek an in person consultation.  Good luck!

Can a canthopexy produce a lateral canthal tilt? (Photo)

Answers (7)