Canthoplasty: Procedure, Recovery, Risks and Results

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review

Quick Answer: What is canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is an eyelid surgery that reshapes the canthus, the corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet, by tightening the tendon, muscle and connective tissue there. It treats sagging, tilted or uneven lids and conditions such as ectropion and entropion. Surgery takes 30 minutes to three hours, and full recovery usually takes two to four weeks. [1]

What the research says

• Large studies show low complication rates. In 600 patients (1,050 eyelids) treated through a small upper eyelid crease incision, lateral canthoplasty corrected loose and misplaced lower lids; complications were rare and minor, and 18 of 600 patients (3%) needed a second operation within 2 years. (Taban et al., Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg, 2010)

• It can protect eyes that don't close fully. In 73 cases of corneal damage from eye exposure, medial canthoplasty relieved symptoms fully or partly in 95%, reduced incomplete eyelid closure in 85% of those assessed, and caused a complication in only 1 case. (Maamari et al., Eye (Lond), 2019)

• Cosmetic reshaping is usually well tolerated. Among 246 people (average age 28) who had cosmetic lateral canthoplasty, no severe complications occurred and almost all were satisfied with the result. (Cho et al., J Craniofac Surg, 2019)

Key takeaways

• Canthoplasty tightens the corner of the eye to lift sagging lids, change eye shape or treat eyelid conditions.

• It is done by an oculoplastic surgeon under general or local anesthesia.

• Most people recover in two to four weeks; incision lines fade over two to three months.

• Results are permanent, though a small touch-up surgery is occasionally needed as you age.

• Worsening swelling, severe pain, fever or pus after surgery need prompt medical attention.

What is canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the eyelid by tightening the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue at the corner of the eye. That corner is called the canthus, the point where your upper and lower eyelids meet.

You may also hear it called inferior retinacular suspension or the almond eye procedure.

People choose canthoplasty to:

• Tighten a sagging eyelid

• Reduce an eyelid tilt

• Even out uneven eyelids

• Change the shape of the eye

• Widen the field of vision

• Manage or treat a condition that affects the eyelid

If you'd like a refresher on how the lids are built, see our guide to eyelid anatomy and function.

What are the types of canthoplasty?

There are two types of canthoplasty, named after the corner of the eye being rebuilt.

Type	Corner treated	Where it is
Lateral canthoplasty	Outer canthus	The corner farthest from the nose, pointing toward the ear
Epi-canthoplasty	Inner canthus	The corner next to the bridge of the nose

What conditions does canthoplasty treat?

Canthoplasty treats eyelid problems that affect both how the eye works and how it looks. A doctor may recommend it for:

Condition	What it means
Keratopathy	Damage to the cornea, the clear front window of the eye
Ectropion	The lower eyelid turns outward, away from the eye
Entropion	The eyelid turns inward, so lashes rub the eye
Lagophthalmos	The eyelids can't close all the way
Trauma	Injury to the eyelid or the corner of the eye

Canthoplasty is also chosen for cosmetic reasons. As you age, skin naturally loses elasticity, and the eyelid skin can begin to droop or sag. Canthoplasty can adjust these natural changes at the corner of the eye. For a broader look at aesthetic options, read our guide to cosmetic surgery.

A droopy upper lid is often a different problem called ptosis. Our droopy eyelid guide explains the difference.

Who performs canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty is performed by an oculoplastic surgeon. This is an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) with extra training in plastic surgery who specializes in procedures around the eyes.

The procedure is safe and effective when it is done by a highly trained, experienced surgeon.

How do you prepare for canthoplasty?

Preparing for canthoplasty starts with a consultation, where the surgeon examines your eyes, talks through your goals and explains what to expect after surgery. You'll schedule the operation at this visit, so it's the best time to ask questions.

Your surgeon may ask you to:

• Get lab tests done

• Change, stop or add certain medicines and supplements

• Stop smoking

• Wear glasses instead of contact lenses

Arrange for someone to drive you home. You may also want help at home for a couple of days until you feel comfortable.

What happens during canthoplasty surgery?

During canthoplasty, the surgeon makes a small cut near the eyelid, pulls the eyelid tendon and muscle into a tighter position, and closes the cut with stitches. Tightening these tissues reduces sagging or droopy eyelids.

Step	What happens
1. Anesthesia	You receive general anesthesia (asleep) or local anesthesia (awake, area numbed)
2. Incision	A small cut is made near the eyelid
3. Tightening	The eyelid tendon and muscle are pulled into position
4. Closing	The incision is closed with stitches

How long does canthoplasty take?

Canthoplasty takes between 30 minutes and three hours. The time depends on the type of canthoplasty you have, and your surgeon will give you an estimate beforehand.

Is canthoplasty painful?

Canthoplasty is not painful during the operation because anesthesia blocks the pain. With general anesthesia you sleep through it; with local anesthesia you stay awake but the area is numb.

Mild pain or soreness is common while you heal. Your surgeon will tell you which pain relievers are safe. Contact your surgeon if you have severe pain and swelling.

How is canthoplasty different from canthopexy and blepharoplasty?

Canthoplasty rebuilds and lifts the corners of the eyes by tightening muscles, tendons and ligaments, while canthopexy and blepharoplasty work in different ways.

Surgery	What it does	Tissue involved
Canthoplasty	Rebuilds and lifts the corners of the eyes and eyelids	Tightens muscles, tendons and ligaments
Canthopexy	Tightens the outer corner of the lower eyelid	Leaves the existing tendon and muscles undisturbed
Blepharoplasty	Removes extra tissue from the eyelids	Removes excess skin, muscle and fat

What happens after canthoplasty?

After canthoplasty, your surgeon gives you aftercare instructions to protect the eyelid while it heals. These often include:

• Avoid strenuous exercise or activity for a few weeks.

• Take medicines as prescribed. You may get antibiotic drops or pills, a steroid and artificial tears.

• Don't rub your eye.

• Keep water, soap and skincare products away from the surgical site until it fully heals.

• Don't swim in a pool or use a sauna for three weeks.

• Sleep with your head raised on pillows.

• Use ice in 15-minute sessions to reduce swelling.

Expect a follow-up visit about a week after surgery so your surgeon can check your healing.

How long is canthoplasty recovery?

Canthoplasty recovery usually takes two to four weeks. Discomfort, mild swelling and bruising are common in the first couple of weeks and then go away.

Time after surgery	What's normal
First 1–2 weeks	Discomfort, mild swelling and bruising; eyes may look uneven or different sizes
About 1 week	Follow-up visit; many people are advised to rest a week before returning to work or school
3 weeks	No pool or sauna until this point
2–4 weeks	Full recovery for most people; unevenness settles as swelling goes down
2–3 months	Incision lines on the skin fade

It's normal for your eyes to look uneven while you heal. This resolves as the swelling goes down.

When can you return to work or school after canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty usually calls for about a week of rest before returning to work or school. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it's safe to get back to your routine.

What are the benefits of canthoplasty?

The main benefits of canthoplasty are a changed appearance of the eye and lifted droopy or sagging eyelids. It can also widen the field of vision and treat conditions that affect the eyelid.

Is canthoplasty permanent?

Canthoplasty results are permanent. In rare cases, a minor repeat surgery is needed to keep the results as the body changes with age.

What are the risks of canthoplasty?

Canthoplasty carries the same general risks as any surgery, including scarring, bleeding, swelling, pain, dry eyes, trouble closing the eyes and infection. Your surgeon will explain them beforehand.

Risk	What to know
Scarring	Incision lines usually fade over 2–3 months
Bleeding	A general risk of any surgery
Swelling and bruising	Expected in the first couple of weeks
Pain	Usually mild soreness; severe pain needs attention
Dry eyes	Artificial tears are often part of aftercare
Trouble closing the eyes	Report this to your surgeon
Infection	Watch for fever or pus

When should you call a doctor after canthoplasty?

You should call a doctor after canthoplasty if swelling gets worse, you have severe pain, the surgical site isn't healing, or you develop a fever or pus. Get medical care if:

• Swelling gets worse instead of better

• You have severe pain at the surgical site

• The surgical site isn't healing

• You develop a fever or pus coming from the surgical site. Get emergency care for sudden vision changes or severe pain with a bulging eye

Conclusion

Canthoplasty tightens the tissues at the corner of the eye to lift sagging lids, reshape the eye or treat problems such as ectropion, entropion and incomplete eyelid closure. It's done by an oculoplastic surgeon, takes up to three hours, and most people recover in two to four weeks with permanent results. Careful aftercare (no rubbing, no swimming for three weeks, a raised head at night) and quick reporting of warning signs help you heal well.

Thinking about canthoplasty? Save or print this guide and bring it to your consultation so you can walk through your goals, the type of canthoplasty that fits you, and your recovery plan with your surgeon. Then keep learning with our eye diseases guide and more trusted, plain-language health guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is canthoplasty in simple terms?

Canthoplasty is surgery that tightens the corner of the eye, where the upper and lower lids meet, to lift sagging lids, change eye shape or fix an eyelid problem.

Is canthoplasty the same as the almond eye procedure?

Yes. Canthoplasty is also called the almond eye procedure or inferior retinacular suspension.

How long does canthoplasty surgery take?

Canthoplasty takes 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the type of procedure.

Is canthoplasty painful?

You won't feel pain during surgery because of anesthesia. Mild soreness is common while healing; severe pain should be reported to your surgeon.

How long does it take to recover from canthoplasty?

Full recovery usually takes two to four weeks. Incision lines can stay visible for two to three months before fading.

Are canthoplasty results permanent?

Yes. Results are permanent, though a minor repeat surgery is occasionally needed as the face ages.

What is the difference between canthoplasty and canthopexy?

Canthoplasty rebuilds the eye corner by tightening muscles, tendons and ligaments. Canthopexy only tightens the outer corner of the lower lid without disturbing the existing tendon or muscles.

What is the difference between canthoplasty and blepharoplasty?

Canthoplasty tightens and lifts the eye corners, while blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle and fat from the eyelids.

Can canthoplasty improve vision?

It can widen your field of vision when sagging eyelid tissue was blocking part of it.

When can I swim after canthoplasty?

Avoid pools and saunas for three weeks after surgery.

Helpful external resources

• Eyelid surgery: American Academy of Ophthalmology

• Preparing for eyelid surgery: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

• Oculoplastic procedures: MedlinePlus

Related Reading

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): What to Expect Before, During and After explains eyelid surgery to remove extra skin and fat.

Droopy Eyelid Guide: Identifying and Managing Ptosis Symptoms covers causes and treatments for a droopy upper eyelid.

Entropion: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment explains inward-turning eyelids and how surgery corrects them.

Eyelids: Anatomy, Function and Protective Care describes eyelid anatomy and how eyelids protect the eye.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Canthoplasty: How To Prepare Before Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated March 11, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24828-canthoplasty

2. Taban M, Nakra T, Hwang C, et al. Aesthetic lateral canthoplasty. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010;26(3):190-194. PMID: 20489545. https://doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0b013e3181baa23f

3. Maamari RN, Custer PL, Neimkin MG, et al. Medial canthoplasty for the management of exposure keratopathy. Eye (London). 2019;33(6):925-929. PMID: 30710111. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-019-0347-9

4. Cho YK, Suh BI, Park KM. The effective fixation level for cosmetic lateral canthoplasty. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2019;30(4):e362-e365. PMID: 30839464. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000005378

5. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eyelid Surgery. EyeSmart, American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published August 13, 2026. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/eyelid-surgery

6. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Eyelid Surgery Preparation. PlasticSurgery.org. Accessed October 30, 2026. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/preparation

7. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Oculoplastic Procedures. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Reviewed October 2, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000781.htm

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your own situation.