Is lateral strip canthoplasty prone to failure with time?

Question

According to some experts on the subject, a lateral strip canthoplasty is prone to "give" over a period of months to years. What's your opinion on this and should this procedure routinely be done on people in there late thirties or forties for cosmetic reasons?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It is done for very specific indications.  If you not have a specific indication for canthoplasty, then the surgery will not help your appearance.  Done correctly and in the right tissue, it is a service with amazing longevity.  The biggest issue with canthal surgery occur when it is done for the wrong reason or in abnormal tissue that lacks the strength to adequately hold the sutures.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

This surgery is done for lower eyelid laxity where the tendon to the bone has stretched.  At age 30-40 it would be very unusual for a patient to have enough laxity to warrant a canthoplasty.  When doing a lower eyelid blepharoplasty this will sometimes be done to make sure that there is no post-op ectropion.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The procedure is a good one as long as a permanent suture is used and positioned correctly.  The procedure is performed not based on age but based on the finding of lower lid laxity.Dr. ES

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

the answer to the question is yes, and a younger person below the age of say 50 argument sake would be prone to this loosening with time.  The younger you are of the faster it will relax.  If you're looking for a canthopexy or canthoplasty for cosmetic purposes as a young person you are more likely to be disappointed than pleased.  It is of procedure best used and reconstructive capacity in older patients with functional issues.I perform this procedure every week and I am asked about it by younger patients every week.  It is not likely a good choice for you.  I don't know you and I have an even significant for a but if you're young it may not be of benefit.  I have used this procedure in conjunction with other procedures in patients under the age of 40 but again this was for functional purposesbest of luckChase Lay, MDEyelid specialist and double board certified facial plastic surgeon

Is lateral strip canthoplasty prone to failure with time?

Answers (4)

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