Canthoplasty, also known as cat-eye surgery, is an elective eyelid surgery that can modify the shape and size of the eyes. It reshapes and repositions the upper outer corner of the eye, giving the eye a cat-eye shape, which is considered attractive. Canthoplasty has also been referred to as fox eyes or designer eyes.
It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and the eyelids create distinctive “window frames.” The shape of eyelids naturally varies according to age, gender, genetics and ethnicity.

Methods and Types of Cat eye job procedure

Canthoplasty

Canthoplasty is performed at the outer corner of the eye (the canthus), in the section where the lower eyelid and upper eyelid meets, which is medically referred to as the lateral canthus. For the majority of people, this meeting point should be positioned just above the medial canthus, which is the junction of the lower and upper eyelids, near our noses. This normally results in a “positive” canthal tilt or upward slant, creating an eye shaped like an almond.
Canthoplasty surgery is used to correct canthal tilts that are negative or neutral and causes sagging eyelids, which may be causing distress to the patient who does not like the appearance of their eyelids.
The procedure varies between patients, but the overall aim is to cut the lower canthal tendon and then reposition or tighten it. To access this tendon, an incision is typically made at the outer corner of the eye. The tendon is pulled into its new position in order to support the eyelid and is then reattached using sutures. An experienced eye surgeon will take great care to make the incision within the eyelid’s natural crease, so as to minimise the scarring present after surgery.

Lateral Canthoplasty

Lateral Canthoplasty is a procedure to correct the tail of the eyes by fixing the periosteal ligaments on the tail of the eyes. The process for correcting the eye tails is separating the tail of the eyes and fixing the periosteal ligaments. After that, the periosteal ligaments on the tail of the eyes are separated in order to prevent turning the eyelids to the opposite side.
Most individuals interested in lateral canthoplasty want their eyes to appear larger, brighter and more attractive. For those of East Asian decent, the goal is to open the eyes and lower their already slanted eyes, with the same goal of making the eyes appear larger and brighter.

Canthopexy

This less invasive eyelid surgery entails the meticulous placement of sutures to tighten and stabilize the lateral canthal tendon and orbicularis oculi muscle without detaching or reconstructing the tendon. This technique serves to support the external corners of the eyes and to minimize the risk of eyelid malposition after lower eyelid surgery.
Canthopexy is performed with local anesthesia or IV sedation in an outpatient setting and is almost always performed as an ancillary technique in conjunction with other eyelid procedures.
In many cases, canthopexy is performed in conjunction with lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid lift) to create support. Almost all other situations require a more invasive lateral canthoplasty to accomplish the goal of correcting changes in the lateral canthal angle that blunt the angle or make it look more round and less almond shaped.

Ectropion

Ectropion (ek-TROH-pee-on) is when your lower eyelid turns or sags outward, away from your eye, exposing the surface of your inner eyelid.
This condition can cause eye dryness, excessive tearing, and irritation. Ectropion may be due to several factors, including facial paralysis and injury. The most common cause is muscle weakness or slipping due to aging.
Most of the time, surgery is necessary. Surgery can occur during a hospital stay, but it’s usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic.
During the operation, the surgeon usually removes part of the lower eyelid. This requires stitches below the eyelid or on the outside corner of your eye. In most cases, this surgery is quite effective and resolves the problem.

The process of surgery:

Procedures are typically performed in a clinic or at your doctor’s office. The surgeon will evaluate the eye and take several measurements. They will then make several small incisions in order to temporarily detach a tendon that is called the lateral canthal tendon. This tendon is a band of dense connective tissue that is the primary support structure for the lower eyelid. The muscle that opens and closes the eye also helps support it.
The lateral canthus is the point where your upper and lower eyelids form a horizontal “v” shape.
The surgeon will shorten and reattach the tendon, leading to the desired cat-eye appearance. The entire procedure takes one to two hours.
After the procedure is completed and the incisions are closed and stitched, the eye will then be covered with a dressing to protect it from infection and reduce swelling.

Recovery duration:

Recovery from canthoplasty takes about a week to ten days. During that time bruising and swelling will slowly diminish.
Your surgeon will prescribe oral antibiotics and eye ointment, as well as eye drops. Minor redness and swelling may take several more weeks to completely disappear.
Often, the sutures used for your procedure will dissolve on their own in four to seven days, and you will not need to have them removed. If non-dissolving sutures are used, then your surgeon will remove them about a week after the procedure.
Both types of sutures give the same end result. By one month, almost all swelling should be gone, and the eyes will no longer appear bloodshot. You will be asked to wait about a month so that eyes are fully healed before going into a sauna, swimming pool or wearing contact lenses.

While the actual incision line may appear slightly red for a few months, it can be concealed with a bit of makeup, and will no longer be noticeable.
Always call your surgeon immediately if you have symptoms such as severe pain or a change in vision following a procedure.