What type of surgery can widen your eyes?

Question

There is no surgery other than craniofacial surgery to make the eyes look father apart. The distance between my eyes is 2.5 cm, I would like it to be about 3 cm.

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not practical to move the eye socket around, but frequently the nasal bridge height can greatly affect the apparent distance between the eyes. A high bridge will make the eyes look closer together; a lower bridge can make the eyes look further apart.  A front and side view of your face would help better assess your options.

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Only craniofacial surgery can move the eye sockets and adjust the distance between the eyes, but this surgery is not usually performed for cosmetic reasons. However, there are two cosmetic procedures can give the appearance of more space between the eyes. A rhinoplasty procedure which reduces the nose bridge between the eyes can make the eyes seem farther apart without changing the distance between the eyes. Additionally, a canthoplasty can also alter the shape of the eye to give the appearance of a wider space between the eyes. Discuss your goals with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon during an in-person consultation to determine your best course of treatment. Good luck! 
 - Jacqueline T. Cheng

Jonathan Britto, MB, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Your 'distance between the eyes' is probably what we would call the intercanthal distance - straight line between the inner corners of the two eyes. At 25mm, this would be within the normal range! Increasing this to 30mm would tend towards distances seen in some craniofacial syndromes...
You have not posted photos. However, If you really want to see how you would look at 30mm, try some prism lenses from your ophthalmologist or easier still some image manipulation software. You will have some fun with the software and your facial images, and perhaps come to realise that a balanced 'normal' aesthetic is a favourable thing.
good luck!
Jonathan A Britto, Consultant craniofacial plastic surgeon, London, UK

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It  is considered normal to have distance between two eyes equal to the width of the eye. In severe cases only extensive craniofacial procedure can address interorbital width. However, there are some ways of visually correcting that deformity (if present). In person evaluation and discussion about your expectations and options is recommended. Good luck.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. In general, the only way to make the eyes wider apart is with some pretty involved orbital repositioning surgery. However, there are often changes that can be made that can give the illusion of the eyes being further apart. If you are able to submit some photos, we might be able to comment on how that might be possible.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Widening of the eye sockets can be done for reconstructive purposes such as congenital deformities or severe facial trauma. 2.5cm is within the normal range of eye distances. There are significant scars and risks associated with this type of procedure. Sometimes a high nasal bridge or other features can give the illusion of narrow set eyes. If that were the case, then it may be feasible to correct the part that is disporportionate. Otherwise, I would not recommend performing a cranial remodelling procedure in order to widen the eyes. Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
@drjohnsonlee

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Moving the actual eye sockets within the skull bone is rather difficult, and not done for cosmetic reasons, since it carries too many risks.  There are however procedures such as canthoplasty to make the eyes appear wider.  Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations. Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

Orbital surgery is a big deal, and yes, there is generally no other surgery to do that.It's possible your lids now may be creating an illusion of being closer together.See an expert with lots of experience doing cranio-facial and orbital surgery.

Shoib Myint, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Hello vanesacrral,There are ways to widen the distance between your eyes. Without pictures it is difficult to give sound advise.  It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. This orbital surgery comes with risks and it is something you need to discuss with your doctor in detail to determine the risks vs benefit. My suggestion is to seek outa expert Oculoplastic surgeon who has experience in orbital surgery to have this discussion. Cheers

What type of surgery can widen your eyes?

Answers (9)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

What’s the cause of these sudden under eye bags at 25 years? (Photos)

Is there surgery to fix my uneven eyes and how much would that cost? (Photo)

How can I stop getting occasional hooded eyes when I wake up? (Photo)

6.5 months post op lower blepharoplasty. What can I do to make swollen pockets of fluid/bruising go away? (Photo)

Is lateral canthopexy able to change eye shape permanently?

What can I do about the haggard, fleshy, saggy appearance of my face? Nasolabial folds and eye bags (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS