Cat Eye Surgery (Canthoplasty)

What is Cat Eye Surgery (Canthoplasty)?

Canthoplasty or cat eye surgery is a cosmetic eyelid surgery that reshapes your eyes for a more youthful and attractive look. It can also help you achieve almond-shaped eyes. Canthoplasty should only be performed by a highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon.

The procedure involves reshaping the lateral canthus, which is the outer corners of the eyes where the lower and upper eyelids meet to form a V-shape. Cat eye surgery makes the canthus appear larger, brighter, and more raised.

What is Cat Eye Surgery For?

Not all canthoplasty patients aim for attractive eyes. The procedure can treat ectropion, a condition characterized by lower eyelids that are turned outwards.

People with ectropion are prone to eye infections and other vision complications. This is due to overexposure of the eye to dust, debris, and dry air.

Artificial tears can help manage the condition. However, severe ectropion may require surgery such as canthoplasty to restore the integrity of the eyelids.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Cat Eye Surgery? 

During an initial consultation, your eye surgeon will examine you to ensure that a cat eye lift procedure is suitable for you. Generally, you’re an ideal candidate for cat eye surgery if you:

• Have drooping or sagging eyelids due to age, genetics, or lifestyle
• You’re in good physical health
• Have no pre-existing medical issues that may interfere with recovery
• Have adequate knowledge of the procedure and expected results
• You have realistic expectations
• Are not taking certain medications, such as blood thinners

You shouldn’t get the procedure if you have an underlying health condition that can affect healing. You also shouldn’t get it if you’re taking medications like blood thinners may lead to excessive bleeding.

Cat Eye Surgery Aftercare

To ensure success in recovery, you must follow your doctor’s post-op care guidelines, which may include:

• Resting your eyes. Take off from work or other commitments and keep your eyes rested. Using an icepack on your eyes after the surgery can also help ease swelling.
• Maintaining good eye hygiene. The wound is prone to infection if not cleaned properly. A 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water mixture works. Use it three times a day.
• Avoid touching your eyes. This may interfere with the healing wound or cause infection so try not to rub, squeeze, or touch them in any way.
• Avoid wearing your contact lenses. Don’t wear contact lenses for about two weeks to avoid too much strain on the healing tendons. 
• Avoiding medication such as ibuprofen. These are blood thinners and may increase bleeding.
• Wearing protective eye shields. When outdoors or sleeping, wear protective eyeshields to avoid accidental injury or exposure to dust, pollen, and other irritants.
• Attending follow-up visits. Follow-up visits ensure close monitoring of the healing process.
• Wearing sunscreen. Direct sunlight can affect the healing process and may cause enlargement or hyperpigmentation of your scar. Using sunscreen can prevent scar complications.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Canthoplasty?

Most people recover from the procedure after two to three weeks, but a full recovery may take several more weeks. Recovery involves three stages: bruising, swelling, and scar formation. 

The scars will disappear with time. Additionally, changes in your eye’s appearance will become apparent after a few months.

Possible Risks and Side Effects 

Patients who undergo canthoplasty may experience the following risks and side effects:

• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Scaring
• Loose stitches
• Excess tearing
• Dry eyes
• Mild to moderate pain
• Swelling
• Vision changes
• Excessive bleeding
• Poor alignment of the outer canthus
• Conjunctival exposure
• Infections around the site of surgery

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice severe pain, shortness of breath, chest pains, bleeding, or potential infection after surgery.

How Much Does Cat Eye Surgery Cost?

According to a 2020 survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost for cat eye surgery is about $4,120.2. This price may vary based on various factors, including your location, available facilities, and the surgeon’s experience. 

Additionally, because it’s an elective cosmetic procedure, your insurance won’t cover cat eye surgery. However, you may be eligible for some coverage if it’s required to correct a medical problem such as chronic dry eyes.

Talk to your surgeon about pricing before committing to the surgery. Some surgeons may offer financing options like payment plans. 

What to Expect From the Procedure?

Cat eye surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home immediately after surgery. It’s primarily performed using local anesthesia and intravenous (IV) sedation to help you relax.

If a more complex and invasive procedure is needed, your surgeon will use general anesthesia to make you sleep. The procedure takes two hours or less.

Before you undergo cat eye surgery, your surgeon will instruct you to do the following:

• Stop taking blood-thinning medication
• Eat a light meal the night before surgery
• Don’t eat or drink at least 6 hours before the surgery
• Avoid wearing makeup
• Rinse your face only with soap and water
• Avoid applying lotions or face creams on the day of the surgery
• Plan for reliable transportation and have someone accompany you

What Happens During the Surgery?

Before cat eye surgery, your surgeon will evaluate your eyes again. Then, they’ll cut the lateral canthal tendon and reposition or tighten it to achieve the desired eye shape.

They’ll carefully make several incisions to detach the tendon before shortening and repositioning it to achieve the cat eye appearance. They’ll also try to hide the incision scar by cutting through the eye’s natural crease.

What Happens After the Surgery?

Once the surgery is complete, your ophthalmologist will stitch up the incision and dress it to prevent infection. Your surgeon may prescribe ointment, steroid eye drops, and artificial tears to help with any pain or discomfort after surgery.

You will also use an eye shield for a few days. This helps prevent dust and debris build-up, as well as any possible trauma.

Canthoplasty vs. Other Treatments

Other eyelid treatments exist and may be confused with canthoplasty. These include blepharoplasty and canthopexy.

Blepharoplasty is a corrective surgery for drooping eyelids (ptosis), commonly due to age. It removes excess skin, muscles, and fat from the eyelids, making the eyes appear younger.

If your eyelids are just slightly sagging, your surgeon may recommend a canthopexy. It’s a simple and less invasive procedure that doesn’t require your surgeon to detach and shorten the lateral canthal tendon. Instead, sutures are used to tighten the eyelid.

Canthopexy can also be done together with canthoplasty or blepharoplasty to improve results. However, it can’t achieve the cat eye shape.