How is a canthoplasty reversed? Can this be done under local?

Question

Since the outer canthus is raised, I am aware that it can be lowered. However, what methods (if any) can be used to regain/make up for the excised skin? Thank you for your time.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

No, I do not think that one can have a skype consultation to plan what is necessary to fix this situation.  In many cases, these is no completely satisfactory fix for these because the prior surgery has done irreparable harm to the eyelid tissues.  Can a lateral canthoplasty be reversed? Not entirely.  Can you be helped? Most likely.  There are many options to helping these situations.  However, it is unlikely that you can be restored to the perfect status that you are looking for.  Eyelids are not like car engines.  I personally do not like short cut surgeries.  I do encourage to personally seek multiple opinions even though this is a time consuming and costly proposition.  There is no substitute for personal time with your potential surgeon.  Keep in mind that most oculoplastic surgeons are unfortunately focused on the eyelid tissue.  The orbital bones and surrounding face must be considered in addressing these issues.

Guy Cappuccino, MD · Answer

It is hard to say without seeing a picture, but in time, the skin of the lower eyelid will relax.  The most important thing is that you had a lateral canthal support procedure done in the first place (presuming this was in conjunction with a lower blepharoplasty).   If the canthus doesn't relax on its own (and it may), the sutures used to hold the canthus up can be removed and redone.

Andrew G. Silver, MD · Answer

This is a difficult question to clearly answer, as it truly depends on a lot of different factors, especially factors that deal with exactly how your operation was performed. 
It is likely that things can be improved, but not entirely reversed. 
Please ask your surgeon what can be done, and get multiple opinions before going down the path of revision eyelid surgery.

Hope this helps!
dr. silver

Matthew Sniegowski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, the lateral canthus of the eyelid can be raised or lowered based upon where the anchoring sutures are placed between the eyelid and the bone. In general, this can be done under local anesthesia in the office. In regards to skin, several options are available, if a small amount of skin is needed and there is some laxity to your skin, it is often possible to recruit skin from the eyelids (essentially undermining the skin and elevating it), in situations were a significant amount of skin is needed or there is little to no laxity a full thickness skin graft is sometimes used, these tend to heal very well on the lower eyelid.

How is a canthoplasty reversed? Can this be done under local?

Answers (4)

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