The eyes are a key aspect of facial aesthetics. Sagging or droopy eyelids can make the face look tired, narrow the field of vision, and affect eyelid function. A canthoplasty is an effective cosmetic surgical procedure to achieve youthful contours and treat any functional issues due to droopy lids. This blog explores this transformative surgery, its types, benefits, and potential risks and limitations to help prospective patients better understand its full scope.
What is Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to reshape or repair the eyelids. During a canthoplasty in Turkey, the surgeon pulls tight the outer corner or the lateral canthus of the eye. Canthoplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure, but it can also provide functional benefits, such as improving field of vision, enhancing eyelid support, and restoring symmetry.
When there is no medical indication, canthoplasty is classified as a cosmetic surgery. Long wait times, limited insurance coverage, and high costs make it inaccessible for many. International patients choose to undergo a canthoplasty surgery in Istanbul due to the lower costs and ease of access. A canthoplasty in Turkey may sometimes be referred to as “Almond Eye Surgery”. The term refers to the shape of the eyes post-surgery.
What are the Types of Canthoplasty?
Based on the extent of the cosmetic alterations required, a canthoplasty surgery in Turkey has several different types. These include:
Lateral Canthoplasty Surgery
During a lateral canthoplasty, the lateral canthus (outer corner) of the eye is tightened and lifted. This type of canthoplasty is only cosmetic and reduces laxity and droopiness of the upper eyelid.
Epicanthoplasty Surgery
Another commonly performed type of canthoplasty in Turkey is epicanthoplasty. It reshapes or reconstructs the inner corner of the eye (medial canthus). One of the main indications of epicanthoplasty is to reduce or remove epicanthal folds.
Lower Canthoplasty Surgery
A lower canthoplasty reshapes/reconstructs the lateral canthus and the lower eyelid. This type of canthoplasty is best for improving sagging and laxity of the lower lid.
Reconstructive Canthoplasty
Just as the name suggests, a reconstructive canthoplasty in Istanbul aims to improve traumatic damage, post-surgical complications, or congenital issues of the eyelids. A reconstructive canthoplasty is performed to restore aesthetics as well as function.
Canthopexy
A canthopexy is a less invasive form of a canthoplasty. It is performed to improve mild to moderate eyelid laxity and sagging. The lateral canthal tendon is tightened without any significant structural alterations.
What does Canthoplasty Treat or Manage?
A canthoplasty in Turkey is performed for both aesthetic and medical reasons. The common conditions a canthoplasty surgery treats or manages include:
Droopy/sagging Eyelids
As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin. The fat deposits shrink and shift, leaving behind thin, wrinkly, and bumpy skin. Nowhere are these changes more pronounced than around the eyes. A canthoplasty in Turkey successfully treats droopy and sagging eyelids and improves laxity.
Entropion/Ectropion
When the eyelids sag inward, it is called entropion, and when they sag outward, it is called ectropion. A canthoplasty procedure successfully treats these structural issues by tightening the lateral canthi and augmenting eyelid support structures.
Keratopathy
Keratopathy refers to a pathology of the cornea – the transparent outer layer of the eye. A canthoplasty reinforces proper eyelid closure, restores symmetry, and stabilizes the tear film to ensure proper conceal protection.
Lagophthalmos
When the eye fails to close completely due to sagging of the eyelids, it is known as lagophthalmos. A canthoplasty in Istanbul effectively treats this condition and restores corneal health.
Traumatic injuries of the Eyelids
A canthoplasty may also be performed as part of a reconstructive procedure following traumatic eye injuries to restore function, alignment, and symmetry.
How do I Prepare for Canthoplasty Surgery?
The best way to prepare for this surgery is to understand the requirements for a successful canthoplasty before and after it is performed. To prepare for a canthoplasty surgery in Turkey, patients should:
Choose a certified cosmetic/plastic surgeon and reliable surgical facilities
Book a suitable surgical package
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or any other addictions
Maintain optimal health for your skin, eyes, and eyelids
Avoid applying makeup
Prospective patients should discuss the procedure in detail with their surgeons before a canthoplasty in Turkey to ensure an uneventful surgery and recovery. This allows them to understand the full scope of the surgery and have realistic expectations. Patients planning a canthoplasty surgery in Istanbul should choose a surgical package that meets all their needs and requirements.
Is Canthoplasty Surgery Painful?
A canthoplasty surgery in Istanbul is painless and uneventful due to adequate anesthesia during the procedure. The anesthesia can be local with conscious sedation or in rare cases general anesthesia. When performed under general anesthesia, a canthoplasty surgery in Turkey requires an overnight hospital stay.
There may be mild discomfort and pain during the early postoperative period. The surgical team prescribes suitable pain medication after a canthoplasty in Turkey to make patients comfortable during this time. All pain and discomfort usually subsides within 10 to 14 days.
What Happens After Canthoplasty?
The common steps during a canthoplasty in Turkey are as follows:
Anesthesia is given to make the patient pain-free
A compact incision is performed near the eyelid
The muscles and tendons are pulled/tightened to increase strength
After ensuring symmetry, the tendons are secured with sutures
Incision is closed
From beginning to end, a canthoplasty in Turkey lasts for 45 - 90 minutes. To ensure proper recovery, patients are prescribed pain relievers and cold compresses. The duration of a canthoplasty in Istanbul may increase if it is performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures.
What are the Risks of Canthoplasty?
Although a canthoplasty in Turkey has a good safety profile, some risks may occur. The common risks during a canthoplasty in Turkey include pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, dry eyes, bruising, or incomplete closure of the eyelids.
If you are self-conscious about your swollen and droopy eyelids or suffering from asymmetry or structural problems of the eyelids, a canthoplasty in Istanbul is your best bet. By taking advantage of the affordable canthoplasty costs in Istanbul, you can restore your youthful facial contours and improve the health and function of your eyes.
What is the Recovery Time for Canthoplasty Surgery?
A full recovery after a canthoplasty in Turkey takes 2 - 4 weeks. After this initial postoperative period, most people resume work and go back to their daily life activities. Most of the swelling after a canthoplasty surgery in Turkey subsides after the first 10 - 12 days. The sutures are removed after 5 - 7 days.
Medical Park Hospitals are providing unparalleled canthoplasty surgeries in Istanbul and many other locations across Turkey. With over 27 hospitals and 210 sterile operating rooms, the Medical Park Hospitals are the first choice for hundreds of local and international patients every year. Expert staff and many international certifications (JCI) ensure that patients at the Medical Park Hospitals get the best surgical care possible. Looking for a hospital for your canthoplasty procedure? – Get in touch with the customer care at Medical Park today to know your options!
