Can lateral canthoplasty be reversed?

Question

I had lateral canthoplasty as part of a midface lift in April 2015. I've been left with persistent chemosis and my eyes are smaller. It was done because I had too much scleral show. I still have it. Can the lateral canthoplasty be reversed without causing permanet damage or further lower lid lag? The eye shape change has made me look weird. If so, when can it be done?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I have developed reconstructive surgery to help these situations.  While the reconstruction is very good in my opinion, it does not fully reverse the permanent damage that has been done by this April 2015 surgery.  You have a very high lateral upper eyelid crease, the lower eyelids are pulled down, and you are missing the volume just lateral the lateral canthal angle.  That bit of tissue was damaged by the mid face procedure.  Unfortunately this tissue fullness helps isolate the eye aesthetic area from the temple aesthetic area.  Help starts with a detailed personal consultation.  Try to avoid further surgery that does not help you put only uses up precious resources.

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

Thank you for the question and sharing the photos. Usually there is less scleral show following canthoplasty, especially if there is a complaint of "small eyes". It is probably not a good idea to reverse the canthoplasty, but it looks like Botox might help your situation. See an oculoplastic surgeon for comprehensive evaluation in person. Good luck.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You don't look abnormal in these pictures.  Any canthoplasty is going to change the shape of the eye, and may make it appear smaller especially initially.  Reversing this may be difficult and you may not get back to where you were before.  When you smile you get some bunching in the corner, but it looks like some of this is from a low temporal brow.  Try some Botox to lift the brow and see if that helps.  The scar can easily be improved with some light laser.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a difficult eyelid problem that is best evaluated in person by an oculoplastic specialist. I am sure something can be done for improvement.

Pierre Guibor, MD · Answer

You should speak directly with your surgeon, before going to see someone else. We us steroid injections into the scar at times. Topical steroid cream may be of some assistance. Additional surgery is possible, but the post operative period is quite long.Really, your surgeon is the best one to consult on this situation.

Can lateral canthoplasty be reversed?

Answers (6)

Answer: Revisional canthal eyelid surgery

Answer: Revisional canthal eyelid surgery

Answer: Steroid injections

Answer: Steroid injections

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Everything you need to know about Canthoplasty

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

Can lateral canthoplasty be reversed?

Answers (6)

Answer: Revisional canthal eyelid surgery

Answer: Revisional canthal eyelid surgery

Answer: Steroid injections

Answer: Steroid injections

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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.