Would a tarsorrhaphy or canthoplasty be the better option for minimizing the white of my eyes horizontally? (photos)

Question

Hello! I want to horizontally shorten my outer corners of the eyes.My eyes have a lot of white and i'd like for my iris to be the main focus. I'm not looking for drastic results.I know it can be done for droopy eyes and i've seen amazing results of that. I really like my eyes when i pinch the outer upper and lower eyelids together. Again not by a lot, a little goes a long way. What's better for that result tarsorrhaphy or canthoplasty?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

In particular, tarsorrhaphy is a reconstructive surgery that is highly disfiguring. It is done to protect the cornea in very specific situations such as after facial paralysis where the eye does not close. Lateral canthoplasty reanchors the outer corner of the eyelids. It can in some cases elevate the lower eyelid but generally shortening the lower eyelid causes the lower eyelid margin to ride lower under the curvature of the globe frustrating surgeons efforts to accomplish this. I have colleagues who attempt to recess the lower eyelid retractors to accomplish what you are looking for but my opinion is that these procedures are underwhelming. I caution you on pursuing you goal. Well meaning surgeons can aesthetically harm you in trying to accomplish what you are looking for.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.As far as I can see from your photos you want your eyes to be more slanted and upward. For this image I suggest canthopexy ( cat eye) procedure. If you can provide photos with better lighting, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation.Best Regards!

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Her knowledge of cosmetic eyelid surgery is impressive as most people even some surgeons do not know about canthoplasty

The canthoplasty will elevate the lateral corner of your lower eyelid to lessen the white show and give the eyelid a slight peeling upward tilt.

A tarsorrhaphy will close both the upper and lower eyelid and lessen the appearance of both the white sclera and the iris.

Choose your surgeon carefully.  Canthoplasty is not a commonly performed operation in many cities so you want to specifically ask the surgeon you choose how many of these procedures he or she has done and how often they do this procedure.

Would a tarsorrhaphy or canthoplasty be the better option for minimizing the white of my eyes horizontally? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Canthoplasty is the better option for minimizing the white of my eyes horizontally?

Answer: Canthoplasty is the better option for minimizing the white of my eyes horizontally?

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Would a tarsorrhaphy or canthoplasty be the better option for minimizing the white of my eyes horizontally? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Canthoplasty is the better option for minimizing the white of my eyes horizontally?

Answer: Canthoplasty is the better option for minimizing the white of my eyes horizontally?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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