Downward Lateral Canthoplasty

Treatment details: Downward Lateral Canthoplasty

Lowering the outer corner of the lower eyelid changes the shape of the eye rather than its size, softening an upward slant into a gentler line. The amount of lowering is decided at surgery with the patient sitting upright, because the position changes when lying down. At one month the incision line has faded and the swelling that initially exaggerates the effect has resolved. Overcorrection is the main concern with this operation, because lowering the outer corner too far exposes the white of the eye below the iris and is difficult to reverse. The marking is therefore deliberately conservative.

Swelling, bruising, and redness of the conjunctiva around the outer corner last one to two weeks, and the eye may water or feel dry and gritty. The incision leaves a small scar at the corner that reddens before fading over several months. The opening can end up wider or narrower than planned, differ between the two eyes, or partly relapse as scar tissue contracts, and revision is sometimes required. Bleeding and infection are uncommon.