What is a Canthoplasty, or a Cat Eye Surgery?

What is a Canthoplasty, or a Cat Eye Surgery?

The technical terminology used to describe cat eye surgery is canthoplasty. This is because the procedure essentially changes the “lateral canthus,” which is the outer corner of the eye where the eyelids meet. Canthoplasty is designed to give patients a sort of cat eye lift, creating a more exotic and sexy eye shape.

The procedure works by slightly raising the outer corner of the eye, resulting in a wing-like appearance. Think about the makeup looks that use eyeliner or eyeshadow to drag the outer corners of the eyes up and outwards. Canthoplasty mimics that technique, only by surgical means. Your surgeon will tighten and reposition the lateral canthus to achieve that eye lift in a more permanent and natural sense.

The exact treatment plan varies from patient to patient based on Dr. mert observations during your consultation as well as your own desired results. However, most canthoplasty surgeries involve a combination of Botox, fillers, and both a temporal and endoscopic brow lift. A temporal brow lift repositions the eyebrow, while an endoscopic brow lift elevates the tissue of the eyebrow.

Canthoplasty vs. Blepharoplasty

Canthoplasty can also be done in addition to what is called a blepharoplasty. A blepharoplasty is similar in nature to a canthoplasty in that it works to repair droopy eyelids. However, it involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat in the lower and upper eyelid.

How to Prepare for a Cat Eye Lift Procedure

Although a canthoplasty procedure is typically performed as a quick, outpatient procedure, you still need to properly prepare. This cat eye lift surgery requires both local anesthesia around the eye and intravenous sedation. If you’re undergoing more than one procedure, you will also need general anesthesia. Because you’ll be sedated with anesthesia during a canthoplasty surgery, your doctor will likely ask you to:

• Stop taking medications that act as blood thinners, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Avoid large meals the night before your surgery
• Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight
• Have a friend or family member drive you home after your procedure
• Avoid wearing makeup on your surgery date
• Only take essential medications with small sips of water on the morning of your surgery

How Soon After a Blepharoplasty Can You Have a Canthoplasty?

Blepharoplasty and canthoplasty are often both performed at the same time. By combining these procedures, you can expect a more dramatic cat eye appearance. However, if you do choose to have separate procedures or if you decide you would like a canthoplasty after already undergoing a blepharoplasty, you’ll need to wait until you are properly healed before going under the knife again.

Recovery Time

Most patients return to their normal, everyday activities about a week following their blepharoplasty procedure. At around two weeks post-op, the majority of swelling and bruising around the eye will resolve. You should see the final result of your blepharoplasty at around six weeks. Once you are completely healed and the results of your surgery are evident, it may be safe to go forward with a canthoplasty. To be safe, however, we recommend waiting at least two months before undergoing another facial procedure.

The same timeline applies for a canthoplasty, with 7-10 days rest time, two weeks healing time, and about six weeks for the results to completely set in. Recovery from either or both surgeries may involve mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising of the eye area. Pain medication should help with any discomfort you may experience. During the recovery period, you may also need to wear bandages and your vision may be blurry for a short time before it returns to normal.

Possible Complications From Canthoplasty

As with any surgery, cat eye lift surgery comes with its own set of complications. These complications are generally rare, especially with an experienced surgeon, however plastic surgeons must inform their patients of all risks anyway. Possible complications include:

• Infection
• Hemorrhage
• Muscle damage to the upper or lower eyelid, which can cause drooping
• Double vision if muscle damage in lower lid occurs 
• Difficulty closing the eyes if too much skin is removed from the upper eyelid
• Lower lid falling away from the eye due to swelling
• Noticeable scarring
• Eyelid asymmetry 
• Eye or vision damage due to the laser used in many eyelid procedures
• Eyeball or lid bruising

How Long Does a Canthoplasty Last?

A canthoplasty is the most permanent way of lifting the eyes. Most patients can expect results to last at least ten years or more. However, even plastic surgery cannot stop the hands of time completely. There are a number of personal factors that affect the lifespan of cat eye surgery.

These factors include:

• The aging process
• Skin laxity
• Lifestyle choices
• Diet
• Smoking
• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• Severity of concerns
• Technique of the surgeon

Though the results of a canthoplasty may be much longer lasting than things like a thread lift, it – like most cosmetic procedures – is not guaranteed to last forever.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty can be performed on virtually any age group or gender. However, because it is more of a recent trend, the surgery tends to appeal most to the younger generations. We find most patients tend to be under 40, the majority being in their 20’s or 30’s. As almond-shaped, cat’s eyes are universally appealing, all genders are well-suited for this type of procedure. 

Of course, as with most surgical procedures, there are other factors that must be taken into account to determine if canthoplasty is right for you. Health concerns are generally the most determining factor. To find out if you are a good candidate for canthoplasty, call Dr. mert at TURKEY  BEAUTY PLASTIC today.

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