Lateral Canthoplasty in Asian Patient to Lengthen and Open Eyes?

Question

i am getting asian blepharoplasty and epicanthoplasty soon, but i would also like to open up and lengthen the outer corners of my eyes with lateral canthoplasty because the length of my eyes horizontally is too short. i have been unable to find that much information on it, or pictures of patients that have gotten lateral canthoplasty. will it be beneficial to me? how is the procedure done? i want my eyes to be as big as possible so i am interested in any procedures that could achieve such result. thank you!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

In looking at you photo, I would strongly advise you against a lateral canthoplasty.  These are not cosmetic procedures.  They are for reconstruction.  You are highly likely to be disappointed with the result of this procedure even in the hands of the most expert surgeon.  Similarly for epicanthoplasty.  I generally advise strongly against these procedures.  
The purpose is to take an inside fold to an outside fold.  This can be a very nice adjunct to the double fold surgery.  However, it can also place a visible scar in the middle of the face that can trouble you for the rest of your life.  When we do the double fold surgery, the scar is hidden under the fold.  I would also strongly recommend that you have a very clear understanding with your surgeon regarding how much platform will be exposed by your surgery and where the fold will sit on the platform so you are not surprised after surgery.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photo. Many young people have interest in lengthening their eyes horizontally. The problem is that the lid and skin are usually already tight and performing canthoplasty would make the eyelid tighter. This could cause several different problems. The other procedures you discussed are reasonable to have performed.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  You are young with good eyelid tone.  The position of your lateral canthus is good.  So no canthoplasty is needed. In fact, it can cause problems.  What you can have is Asian upper blepharoplasty, with removal of small amount of skin only.  The eyelid crease can be reformed as well.

Pierre Guibor, MD · Answer

I would NOT recommend this procedure for you. The lower lid lashes would not be present in the lateral canthal extension area. I have done this, as requested in the past, and the patients were not happy with results. Have a cosmetic blepharoplasty with invagination of upper lid crease.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Lateral canthoplasty will not be of much benefit for your tight lower lids.  There is no sense in performing the procedure on someone who is very young and has very tight lower eyelid structure.  It would only make your eyes smaller in vertical dimension. Lateral canthoplasty will not make your eyes bigger.

Lateral Canthoplasty in Asian Patient to Lengthen and Open Eyes?

Answers (10)

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty for eye lid for horizontal expansion

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty for eye lid for horizontal expansion

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty will not make eyes bigger

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty will not make eyes bigger

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.

Lateral Canthoplasty in Asian Patient to Lengthen and Open Eyes?

Answers (10)

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty for eye lid for horizontal expansion

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty for eye lid for horizontal expansion

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty will not make eyes bigger

Answer: Lateral canthoplasty will not make eyes bigger

Browse related questions

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.