What is the difference between canthopexy and canthoplasty?

Question

I can't quite get a clear answer online. Often they seem to be used interchangeably. And when I go on Youtube, there are some videos, but they go into such anatomical detail to the point that I don't really get what's going on. Can someone explain what the difference is - both from a final result perspective and then in terms of what's actually done during the surgery?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The lateral canthus is a tendon structure that attached the eyelids to the outer orbital rim. As such this structure is very important for the shape and function of the eyelids. In many situations, eyelid surgery can destabilize the position of the eyelids and lateral canthal surgery is performed to strengthen this attachment. These are surgeries are seldom sufficiently noticeable in their effect to be considered cosmetic surgeries. They are much more about support and can be thought of as foundational. Cannthopexy is generally a much more superficial procedure that mildly strengthens the lateral canthus. This is generally done using a superficial stitch. It does effectively shorten the eyelid but the effect is mild. It is generally employed by surgeons who are not comfortable with performing a lateral canthoplasty. The lateral canthoplasty can also be performed in a variety of ways. An open lateral canthoplasty with a lateral tarsal strip is perhaps the most powerful of these procedures. It requires a lot of surgeon judgment and experience to perform this surgery. Yes the corner can be raised, lowered, or left in the same height. It is not just about raising the corner. Another lateral canthal procedure is the closed lateral canthoplasty also know as a canthoplasty sine canthotomy. If is performed through a small skin incision on the skin just outside of the lateral canthus. Be advised that lateral canthoplasty is almost always performed with other eyelid procedures. There are enterprising surgeon who imply that lateral canthal surgery alone is a cosmetic surgery. You should be very skeptical of this.

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Those are the words that are used to describe the anatomical positioning of lateral canthus, especially for plastic or oculo-plastic surgeons.The only difference that you should know, lateral canthal tendon (which fixes your eyelid to orbital bone) is cut and positioned to a higher position is canthoplasty surgery. canthopexy surgery is done for the similar purposes but the lower eyelid position is changed without cutting the lateral canthal tendon.I hope it helps.

Anand R. Kumar, MD · Answer

Canthoplasty is the term used when moving the lateral corner of the eyelid to a new position. This involves a greatly level of surgery and dissection as well as attachment to a new location within the orbit or eye socket. This is used more often when more extensive damage has occurred to the eyelids in trauma or cancer reconstruction or with congenital disorders of the eyelid such as Treacher Collins Syndrome.
Canthopexy is the term used when tightening the lower eyelid and removing excess skin or lateral lower eyelid and suturing the tissue together for a very loose or lax lower eyelid often seen with aging. This is more commonly done in conjunction with cosmetic lower eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty. 
Both procedures seek to move the lateral or outside attachment of the lower eyelid to a more pleasing position typically slightly upward in orientation. More severe deformity requires great movement and thus canthoplasty.
Anand Kumar MDTrust your face with a craniofacial surgeon!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

A pexy is a tightening procedure while a plasty is a reshaping procedure that can include retightening.
After the words are used interchangeably when the goal is simply to tighten the lower eyelid.
If the insertion of the tendon is moved, then this would be more of a plasty procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

What is the difference between canthopexy and canthoplasty?

Answers (4)

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