Cat Eye Surgery (Canthoplasty)

Canthoplasty or cat eye surgery is a cosmetic eyelid surgery that reshapes the eyes. It should only be performed by a highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon.

The procedure involves reshaping the outer corners of the eyes where the lower and upper eyelids meet to form a V-shape. This helps to make the outer corner appear more raised, creating almond-shaped eyes.

Does Cat Eye Surgery Have Medical Benefits?

Not all canthoplasty procedures are cosmetic. The surgery can also treat ectropion, a condition characterized by outward-turning lower eyelids.

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.

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Is Cat Eye Surgery Better Than Other Eyelid Procedures?

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

Here’s a detailed comparison for both procedures:

Procedure	Purpose	Invasiveness	Key Features	Outcome
Canthoplasty	Reshapes the eyelid and lateral canthal tendon	Moderately invasive	Detaches and shortens lateral canthal tendon	Achieves cat eye shape, tightens eyelid
Blepharoplasty	Corrects drooping eyelids (ptosis)	Moderately invasive	Removes excess skin, muscle, and fat	Youthful eye appearance
Canthopexy	Tightens slightly sagging eyelids	Less invasive	Uses sutures to tighten eyelid; no tendon detachment	Cannot achieve cat eye shape

If your eyelids are just slightly sagging, your surgeon may recommend a canthopexy. For improved results, some surgeons may perform a canthoplasty and blepharoplasty.

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, as they may lead to excessive bleeding.

If you have more concerns, we encourage you to talk to your surgeon so that you can make a decision and go into the procedure being fully informed.

What are the Risks of Cat Eye Surgery?

People 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.

What are the Benefits of Cat Eye Surgery?

Cat eye surgery is a popular choice for those seeking a more youthful look. Here are some of its benefits:

• Enhanced aesthetics. The procedure can lift and tighten sagging skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Improved symmetry. The procedure can correct asymmetry between the eyes, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
• Boosted confidence. Many people report increased self-confidence after achieving their desired eye shape.
• Long-lasting results. Unlike temporary treatments like Botox, cat eye surgery offers permanent results.

Be sure to look at before-and-after photos to get an idea of what your transformation might look like. You should also discuss your desired outcome with your surgeon.

How Much Does Cat Eye Surgery Cost?

The cost can vary depending on factors like the surgeon's experience, location, and the complexity of the procedure.

In the US, it typically costs $3,000 to  $7,000. Internationally, the procedure can range from $1,400 to $3,000 in some countries.

If you want to know if cat eye surgery is worth the cost, consider these factors and how they apply to you:

• Longevity. Consider the long-lasting nature of the results compared to temporary treatments.
• Personal satisfaction. Weigh the potential boost in self-confidence and satisfaction with your appearance.
• Alternatives. You can research non-surgical options, such as thread lifts or Botox, which offer temporary results at a lower cost.

What Happens After Cat Eye Surgery?

Proper post-operative care is essential for optimal healing and results. Here's what to expect after you get the procedure:

• Swelling and bruising. This common side effect typically subsides within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Discomfort. Mild to moderate discomfort can be managed with pain medication.
• Activity restrictions. Avoid strenuous activities and rubbing your eyes for a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments. Attend scheduled check-ups to monitor healing progress.

Tips for Proper Cat Eye Surgery Aftercare

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

• Rest your eyes. Take time off from work or other commitments to rest your eyes. Applying an icepack to your eyes after the surgery can also help ease swelling.
• Maintain good eye hygiene. If the wound isn’t cleaned properly, it’s prone to infection. Clean your eyes with a mixture of warm water and 3% hydrogen peroxide three times a day.
• Avoid touching your eyes. This may interfere with the healing or cause an 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.
• Wear protective eye shields. When outdoors or sleeping, wear protective eye shields 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.
• Wear sunscreen. Direct sunlight can affect the healing process and may cause scar enlargement or hyperpigmentation. Using sunscreen can prevent scar complications.

What is the Recovery Timeline for Cat Eye Surgery?

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

The scars will disappear with time. Finally, complete healing and optimal results take several months to become apparent.