Canthoplasty or Blepharoplasty? How to Decide

The eye area is the most striking and expressive part of the face, so its aesthetics directly affect both appearance and expression. Over time, changes such as sagging of the upper and lower eyelids, excess skin, bags, or drooping of the outer corner of the eye may occur. At this point, two basic aesthetic procedures come into play: canthoplasty and blepharoplasty. If you want to learn more about these two excellent procedures and decide which one is more suitable for you, please take a look at our content. We wish you good reading and healthy days.

What is Canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reshape or support the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus). This procedure typically aims to slightly lift the corner of the eye upward or extend it outward. As a result, the eyes gain a more slanted, dynamic, and youthful appearance. In addition, the muscles and connective tissue around the eye are repositioned or strengthened during the procedure. Thus, it is an effective solution for problems such as drooping of the eye corner, a round and “tired” appearance of the eye shape, or incomplete closure of the eyelids. As a result, canthoplasty significantly improves the overall expression of the eyes while giving the facial features a younger, more balanced, and aesthetic appearance.

How is Canthoplasty Performed?

Before the canthoplasty procedure, a small incision is made at the outer corner of the eye, and loose or sagging connective tissue and muscles are repositioned or strengthened. This step slightly lifts the corner of the eye upward or pulls it outward, giving the eyes a more slanted and dynamic appearance. In some techniques, the natural contours of the eyelid are preserved with minimal scarring, resulting in an outcome that is both aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking. As a result, canthoplasty not only changes the shape of the corner of the eye; when combined with lower or upper eyelid surgery, it also enhances the overall harmony around the eyes, making the gaze appear younger and more vibrant. The recovery process after the procedure is generally quick, and patients can return to their daily activities in a short time.

Benefits of Canthoplasty Surgery

Canthoplasty offers numerous benefits to the individual. These benefits provide advantages to the individual both mentally and physically. These benefits are as follows:

• It creates a more slanted and youthful look by pulling the outer corners of the eyes upward or outward.
• It creates a dynamic expression by reducing sagging and looseness around the eyes.
• When performed in conjunction with upper and lower eyelid surgery, it provides a comprehensive aesthetic improvement around the eyes.
• It preserves the natural contours of the eye corners, offering aesthetic results with minimal scarring.
• In some cases, it provides functional benefits by increasing eyelid support and reducing closure problems.
• It contributes to a more balanced and symmetrical appearance in the upper and middle parts of the face.
• It refreshes facial expression by making the eyes appear more alert, lively, and energetic.
• It makes the rejuvenation around the eyes permanent in the long term.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to correct signs of aging around the eyes and give the eyes a younger, more dynamic appearance. This procedure removes excess skin and muscle tissue to make the eyes appear more open and lively, while lower eyelid blepharoplasty eliminates bags, hollows, and dark circles under the eyes for a smoother and brighter appearance. It is an effective cosmetic solution that refreshes the overall expression of the face, reduces a tired or aged appearance, and boosts self-confidence. Furthermore, blepharoplasty not only provides aesthetic improvement; if there is excess skin or sagging on the upper eyelid, it also offers functional benefits by expanding the field of vision.

How is Blepharoplasty Performed?

Blepharoplasty is performed in two different ways. The first is upper eyelid surgery. In this procedure, a small incision is made along the natural curve of the lash line, and excess skin and muscle tissue are removed to give the eyelid a smoother and more youthful appearance. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually made along the lower lash line or from the inside of the eye (transconjunctival), and excess fat tissue is removed or repositioned as needed to reduce skin laxity and fine wrinkles. Patients who are curious about potential risks often ask whether eyelid surgery can affect facial nerves; in this context, reviewing the topic “Can Eyelid Surgery Cause Facial Paralysis” may provide additional clarity. In both cases, the surgeon takes care to preserve the natural contour of the eye area, and the scars are usually hidden in such a way that they are barely noticeable.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty Surgery

Blepharoplasty surgery offers numerous benefits to the individual. These benefits are quite significant and provide many advantages to the person. To address these benefits:

• It removes excess skin and sagging from the upper eyelid, making the eyes appear more open and youthful.
• It reduces bags, hollows, and dark circles under the eyes, making the under-eye area smooth and bright.
• It significantly improves a tired, worn-out, or aged appearance.
• If there is excess skin on the upper eyelid, it provides functional benefit by expanding the field of vision.
• It creates a symmetrical and aesthetic appearance by preserving the natural curves around the eyes.
• It boosts confidence by refreshing the overall expression of the face.
• It provides long-term rejuvenation thanks to both its aesthetic and functional benefits.
• Performing upper and lower blepharoplasty together ensures a holistic harmony and balanced results around the eyes.

Differences Between Canthoplasty and Blepharoplasty

Canthoplasty and blepharoplasty differ in terms of their purpose, procedure, and recovery process. These differences can be summarized as follows:

1. Intervention Area

• Canthoplasty: The outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus) is targeted; the shape and angle of the eye corner are altered.
• Blepharoplasty: The upper or lower eyelids are targeted; excess skin, drooping, and bags are corrected.

2. Purpose and Targeted Change

• Canthoplasty: To provide a more slanted, dynamic, and youthful look by pulling the corner of the eye upward or outward.
• Blepharoplasty: To open the eyes on the upper lid, correct bags and depressions on the lower lid; to make the eye area look fresh and youthful.

3. Surgical Techniques and Incisions

• Canthoplasty: Small incisions are made at the outer corner of the eye; muscle and connective tissue are strengthened or repositioned.
• Blepharoplasty: An incision is made along the lash line on the upper lid and either along the lower lash line or inside the eye (transconjunctival) on the lower lid; excess skin and fat tissue are removed or repositioned.

4. Aesthetic and Functional Effects

• Canthoplasty: Primarily aesthetic in focus; improves the position and appearance of the eye corner.
• Blepharoplasty: Provides both aesthetic and functional benefits; if there is excess skin on the upper lid, it opens up the field of vision.

5. Effect Area and Appearance Change

• Canthoplasty: The angle of the eye corner changes, making the eyes appear more slanted and dynamic; the overall harmony of the face improves.
• Blepharoplasty: The contours of the eyelids are improved, reducing a tired or aged appearance, making the upper and lower eyelids appear younger and fresher.

6. Recovery Process

• Canthoplasty: Swelling and slight bruising subside quickly; recovery is generally fast.
• Blepharoplasty: Swelling in the upper eyelid subsides within a few days, while bruising and swelling in the lower eyelid may last for several weeks.

Can Canthoplasty and Blepharoplasty Be Performed at the Same Time?

Yes, canthoplasty and blepharoplasty procedures can be performed during the same session for many patients, and when done together, they produce a much more harmonious and aesthetic result around the eyes. This is because canthoplasty shapes the outer corner of the eye, making the gaze more slanted and dynamic, while blepharoplasty removes sagging, excess skin, and bags from the upper and lower eyelids. Combining these two procedures balances both the angle and position of the eye corner and the eyelid contours, comprehensively rejuvenating and refreshing the eye area. Furthermore, performing them in the same session allows the recovery process to be completed in a single period and enables the surgeon to evaluate the entire eye area; this creates a symmetrical, natural, and lasting appearance. However, the surgeon must determine which patients are suitable for combined procedures, taking into account the patient's overall health, eye structure, and aesthetic goals.

Which Procedure Should Be Performed in Which Situation? Canthoplasty or Blepharoplasty?

The choice of eye aesthetic procedure may vary depending on the specific problems around the eyes and aesthetic expectations. In this context, canthoplasty is ideal if there are problems with the shape and position of the outer corner of the eye. However, if there are problems such as drooping of the upper and lower eyelids, excess skin, under-eye bags, hollows, and dark circles, blepharoplasty should be preferred. For patients seeking treatment from an experienced facial plastic surgeon Turkey, these evaluations are crucial in determining the most appropriate approach. However, in some patients, both problems may be present, and canthoplasty and blepharoplasty can be performed in combination; thus, an aesthetic balance is achieved between the corner of the eye and the eyelids, and the facial expression gains a fresh and symmetrical appearance. For this reason, the decision on which procedure you need should be made under the supervision of a specialist doctor.

If you want to perfect your eyes, you can contact Dr. Berke Özücer and his team, who specialize in blepharoplasty and canthoplasty surgery in Turkey.