Almond eye surgery (canthopexy)
Almond eye surgery fixes the tendon of the outer eye corner higher on the bone, giving the outer part of the eye opening a gentle upward slope. Medically it is called canthopexy or canthoplasty. How far the corner can be raised is limited by the need to keep the lid in contact with the eye surface.
What is almond eye surgery?
The outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus) is held in place by a tendon attached to bone. Its height and position shape the eye opening. In almond eye surgery this tendon is fixed to the bone slightly higher and further back, so the outer part of the eye opening turns gently upward and the eye looks longer and almond-shaped.
Medically called canthopexy or canthoplasty, it is a functional oculoplastic technique, also used to support the lower lid, applied here for an aesthetic goal.
Who may consider it?
- People whose outer eye corners slope downward and who dislike a tired or sad expression
- People whose outer corner has loosened and dropped with age
- Patients whose lower lid needs support during lower eyelid surgery
Who is it not suitable for?
- In prominent eyes, raising the outer corner can make the lower lid slide down; detailed assessment is needed.
- Significant dry eye or incomplete closure is addressed first.
- An exaggerated, sharp "cat eye" expectation cannot always be met while protecting lid function.
How is the surgery done?
- Planning: the current corner height, differences between the eyes, lower lid tone and eye position are measured.
- Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia.
- Fixation: through a small incision at the outer corner, the tendon is sutured to the inner surface of the bone at the planned height.
- Closure: the incision is closed with a few fine sutures.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes and patients go home the same day. It can be combined with upper or lower eyelid surgery.
Recovery
- First days: swelling and tightness at the outer corner; the corner may look slightly higher than its final position.
- First week: sutures are removed; bruising and swelling settle.
- Weeks to months: tissue tension softens and the corner settles into its final position.
Risks
- Asymmetry between the eyes
- Partial return of the corner towards its previous position over time
- Rounding or a small notch at the corner
- Downward slide of the lower lid with white showing below the iris
- Temporary dry eye, infection, scar visibility
The outer corner helps protect the eye, so it is raised only as far as the lid can keep good contact with the eye surface.
Frequently asked questions
Is the result permanent?
The tendon is sutured to bone, so the result is long-lasting, but with tissue laxity the corner can partly return towards its previous position over time.
Does it leave a scar?
The incision is a few millimetres long and placed in the natural lines of the outer corner; it usually heals inconspicuously.
Can it be combined with other eyelid surgery?
Yes. It can be done in the same session as upper or lower eyelid surgery and is commonly used to support the lower lid.
References
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.