Lateral Canthoplasty Sydney

Dr Scott Turner - FRACS (Plas)

Canthoplasty Eye Surgery in Sydney & Newcastle by Dr Scott Turner

Canthoplasty Surgery is a cosmetic procedure of the eyelids that aims to correct the outer edge of your eye. The outer angle of the eye called the lateral canthus helps determine the shape of your eyes. Lateral canthoplasty repositions the tendons that shape the outer eye corner. Most patients get lateral canthoplasty to lift the outer eye corner.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Scott Turner performs lateral canthoplasty technique in combination with blepharoplasty.

What Is Canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is an oculoplastic cosmetic procedure that lifts the outer corner of the eye, called the “outer canthus.” Its goal is to reshape the outer eye corner.
The outer corner of the eye called the canthus is made up of a tendon called the lateral canthal tendon. The direction and shape of this tendon determine how the lateral (outer) part of your eye looks. Your eyes either have a:

  • Positive slant: The outer corner is tilted upward and outward.
  • Neutral slant: The outer eye is not tilted.
  • Negative slant: The outer eye corner is tilted downward and inward.

During canthoplasty, the lateral canthal tendons are cut and repositioned to change the way your eyes look. It can also be combined with upper or lower blepharoplasty for more comprehensive results.

Canthoplasty vs Canthopexy

Both canthoplasty and canthopexy are cosmetic procedures that target the outer eye corner. Canthoplasty is more extensive and involves cutting the lateral canthal ligaments and repositioning, lengthening, or shortening them. Canthopexy, on the other hand, involves no tendon cutting. The lateral canthal tendons are repositioned and fixed with sutures in the desired tilt.

Who Needs Canthoplasty?

You should consider getting canthoplasty if:

  • You have downward tilted outer eye corners (negative slant).
  • You have excessively upward-tilted eyes (positive slant) causing your eyes to look narrow.
  • You’ve had previous eye or eyelid surgery that has led to eyelid deformity

The reasons for getting a canthoplasty may differ from one person to another.

Effects of Canthoplasty

A canthoplasty has the following effects:

  • Widens the eyes and brings them out
  • Gives you an upward-slant eye
  • Adjusts the excessive upward tilt
  • Resolves outer eye issues and concerns

If you’re considering getting surgery to change the shape of your eyes, then canthoplasty might be right for you.

How is Canthoplasty Performed

Canthoplasty can be performed under general or under local anaesthesia.

Canthoplasty surgery steps include:

  • You will be asked to sit in a surgical chair with your head tilted backward on a support cushion.
  • Dr Turner will ask you to close your eyes and will commence cleaning the surgical site.
  • He will then apply drapes to keep everything sterile.
  • Dr Turner will inject a local anaesthetic into the skin at the outer corner of the eye. You may feel a stinging sensation during the injection process.
  • Once the area is numb, Dr Turner will perform a small incision around the corner of the eye. This might extend to the upper eyelid or lower eyelid depending on the desired outcome.
  • The lateral canthal tendon is exposed and separated from the surrounding tissue.
  • Dr Turner will cut the tendon, relocate it, shorten or lengthen it, and fix it in its final position.
  • Once the tendon is relocated, the tissue will be closed around it.
  • Any additional eyelid surgery (e.g. upper or lower blepharoplasty) is performed.
  • The skin is then closed with tiny sutures.
  • The eyes are cleaned and you can then open them.

Canthoplasty duration is usually 1-2 hours. This depends on what exactly needs to be done and whether you’ll have additional blepharoplasty or not.

Can Canthoplasty be Combined with Other Procedures?

Procedures that are usually combined with canthoplasty include:

During your first consultation, Dr Turner will examine your eyes and suggest the most suitable procedure/s for your specific needs.

Recovery after Canthoplasty

Full recovery can be achieved after 2 weeks depending on the extent of the surgery. If you get additional blepharoplasty, you should expect up to 4 weeks for the symptoms to be gone.

Recovery symptoms after canthoplasty include:

  • Bruising around the eyes
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Double vision
  • Burning sensation in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Itching of the eyes
  • Pain

The symptoms decrease within one week and go away completely in 3-4 weeks. You can usually go back to work after 2-3 days, however, keep in mind that the bruising and swelling need more time to be less noticeable.

You can consider applying ice packs to reduce swelling after canthoplasty. Wearing sunglasses can also help keep your eyes protected from sunlight and hide the bruises as you recover.

Risks and Complications of Eye Surgery

Some of the risks and complications of canthoplasty include:

  • Asymmetric eyes
  • Abnormal conjunctival exposure (the “red” part of the inner eyelid is exposed)
  • Excessive scarring
  • Surgical site infection
  • Continued bleeding from the wound
  • Irritated eyes
  • Inability to properly close the eyes (if the eyelids are tightened too much)
  • Extremely rarely, sustained vision problems

Canthoplasty Sydney Cost & Prices – How much is Canthoplasty in Sydney?

The type of canthoplasty you are getting, type of anaesthesia, medical facility fee, surgeon’s fee, and geographic location can influence the overall costs of the procedure.

After your initial consultation with Dr Turner, you will be given a detailed quote. This will include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, surgical assistant fee, and hospital fees.

For an estimate of the canthoplasty price in Sydney or Newcastle, please phone 1300 437758 – contact Dr Turner’s team or download the Price Guide on the Pricing page.

Funding your Eye Surgery

Check out the information on a Canthoplasty Payment Plan and medical finance for more details about funding your canthoplasty intervention.

Canthoplasty Surgery FAQs

What is the difference between canthoplasty and blepharoplasty?

Canthoplasty is surgery to adjust and reshape the corner of the eye. It involves the surgical manipulation of the “lateral canthal tendon”. Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, is surgery of the eyelids. It lifts and tightens the eyelid without affecting the tilt or location of the outer corner of the eye.

Does canthoplasty reshape the corner of your eyes?

Yes. Canthoplasty reshapes the corner of the eyes. It can widen the corner, exposing more of your eyes.

Can the effects of canthoplasty be reversed?

Yes. Canthoplasty can be reversed using a variety of plastic surgery techniques. This is done when there’s asymmetry or when the result of canthoplasty is unsatisfactory.

How long do the results of canthoplasty last?

Canthoplasty can last more than a decade. However, the results can be affected by ageing. In such cases, a second canthoplasty might be needed.

Medical References – Further Reading about Canthoplasty:

Walking into FacePlus Bondi Junction

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

  • Enquire to find out more about your surgery.
  • Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

  • A medical referral is helpful but NOT essential for purely cosmetic consultations.
  • Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
  • Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.

Making The Most of Your Consultation

  • Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

How to Book Your Consultation

  • You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.

Book a Phone Call for More Info

  • To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.

Contact us or call 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information: [email protected]