What is the difference between canthopexy, canthoplasty and blepharoplasty?
All three procedures are surgical procedures to the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery to either the upper or lower eyelids or both eyelids. It can reduce the signs of aging by removing excess skin and rearranging tissues around the eye. Canthopexy is a procedure to tighten and strengthen the tendon that attaches the outer edge of the lower lid to the side of the eye socket. It can improve drooping eyelids and help a sagging, slightly baggy eye look young and refreshed again, and a surgeon will usually remove a bit of excess skin during the procedure. Canthoplasty is a more invasive procedure that cuts through the orbicularis muscle, removes the ligament, and then reattaches the lower eyelid to the side of the eye socket. Usually, excess skin is also removed, as with canthopexy.
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Which eye lift surgery do I need?
Only your surgeon can tell you. He or she will examine your eyes and the rest of your face and tell you whether you only need some skin and tissue removed or if your lower lid can benefit from canthopexy or canthoplasty.
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What can I expect during a consultation with my surgeon?
During a consultation, you will sit down with your surgeon to discuss what you need in terms of facial rejuvenation. He or she will give you a complete examination and discuss your medical history and reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery. At this time, you can look at before-and-after photos to see what you can expect from a canthoplasty.
Is canthopexy surgery painful?
Not really. Most people have a little discomfort the day after surgery, along with some swelling. Your surgeon can give you a prescription for pain relievers. Healing is relatively rapid, with stitches being removed within a few days of your surgery.
What are the risks of canthopexy?
Canthopexy is a relatively safe procedure, but any surgery carries the risk of complications. Read more about the risks of canthopexy and canthoplasty. There is also the possibility that you may not be happy with the lower eyelid lift surgery results, but this risk is minimized if you talk with your surgeon before the surgery about how you want to look.
Will canthoplasty or canthopexy get rid of the dark circles under my eyes?
Not usually. If the circles under your eyes are due to shadows caused by baggy drooping lower eyelids, then canthoplasty or canthopexy might help. However, most circles under the eyes are due to pigment problems and surgery won’t help those.
