How does a lateral canthoplasty work? (photo)

Question

I have pretty round eyes (for an Asian) and natural double eyelids, but I don't like the round shape of my eyes.  I'm not looking for bigger eyes I just want longer eyes. I put a photo reference with no makeup on one side and eyeliner on the other.  I just would like to know if a lateral canthoplasty can make my eyes longer without changing the height of my eyes.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The shape and appearance of the inner and outer corners of your eyes can be altered with medial epicanthoplasty and lateral canthoplasty, respectively.  Lateral canthoplasty requires an incision through your skin and the tendon supporting your lower eyelid, with subsequent repositioning.  As  you've demonstrated, extending the "wings" of your eyeliner achieve the effect of making your eyes appear longer.  This effect is actually more dramatic than what you can achieve with surgery.  Surgically, lengthening the inner corner of the eye usually achieves more predictable and satisfactory outcomes than the outer corner.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Asian lateral canthoplasty is actually a canthotomy requiring a cut horizontally at the canthus or corner of the eye where the upper and lower lids meet. While a traditional lateral canthoplasty is a functional procedure to repair the lateral canthal tendon, the Asian lateral canthoplasty is an aesthetic procedure. Because of the nature of the procedure, there may be functional impairment if the tendon is weakened, manifesting later in life. That being said, I would be hesitant to perform this procedure on you. Although the photographs are difficult to assess because of the makeup and obscuring of your eyes with your hair, it does seem that your eyes have a good shape and are not too narrow. Please reconsider undergoing this procedure.

How does a lateral canthoplasty work? (photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Canthoplasty

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

How does a lateral canthoplasty work? (photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Canthoplasty

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