Canthoplasty in Austin, TX | Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi
The outer corners of your eyes play a bigger role in your overall appearance than most people realize. When the lateral canthus, the point where your upper and lower eyelids meet, becomes loose, rounded, or downturned, it can leave the eyes looking tired, aged, or asymmetrical, even when the rest of your face looks well-rested. Canthoplasty is a precise surgical technique designed to restore structure and shape to this delicate corner of the eye, creating a more refreshed, alert, and balanced eye appearance.
As Austin’s most experienced female oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi bring exceptional skill and an artist’s understanding of eye anatomy to every canthoplasty they perform. Whether you’re addressing age-related laxity, correcting the effects of a previous eyelid surgery, or simply hoping to achieve a more lifted, almond-shaped eye contour, they’ll design a surgical plan built entirely around your unique anatomy and goals.
If you are considering canthoplasty in Austin, we would love to talk to you. Schedule a consultation today or call (512) 501-1010.
Patient Experiences
I contemplated eyelid surgery for years. It was not until I had a consult with Dr. Amato, that I knew this was the one Doctor that I would trust to do the procedure. Her credentials are top notch, but it is her bedside manner that will get you through the ordeal. Calm and confident is exactly what you want from a surgeon, and she is just that. I consulted with three doctors in Austin prior to this surgery, and Dr. Amato was the best choice by far.
What Is Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens, repositions, or reshapes the lateral canthus, the outer corner where the upper and lower eyelids connect. Over time, this structure can stretch and weaken due to natural aging, sun exposure, or previous eyelid surgery, causing the lower lid to sag, round out, or pull downward, a look sometimes described as a “hound dog” or tired eye appearance.
By tightening the tendon that anchors the eyelid to the bone at the outer corner of the eye, Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi can restore a firmer lower lid position, support proper eyelid function, and create a more youthful almond eye shape. Canthoplasty is often performed on its own but can also be combined with lower blepharoplasty or eyelid revision surgery to reinforce and support the surrounding tissue.
What Can Canthoplasty Treat?
Canthoplasty can be an effective solution for a range of concerns involving the outer eye area, including:
- Lower eyelid laxity: As the tissue supporting the lower lid weakens with age, the eyelid can lose its snug position against the eye, leading to a rounded, sagging appearance.
- Downturned outer corners: When the outer corner of the eye droops downward, it can create a tired or sad expression, even when a patient feels well-rested.
- Ectropion or outward-turning eyelids: In more significant cases of eyelid laxity, the lower lid may turn outward, exposing the inner surface and leading to irritation, dryness, or excessive tearing.
- Support after lower blepharoplasty: Canthoplasty is often performed alongside lower eyelid surgery to reinforce the lid margin and reduce the risk of a pulled down or rounded appearance afterward.
- Correcting prior surgical results: For patients whose eyelids have become rounded or misshapen following a previous procedure, canthoplasty can help restore a more natural, supported eye shape.
Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi will evaluate your specific concerns during your consultation to determine whether canthoplasty alone, or in combination with another procedure, is the right approach for your goals.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Canthoplasty in Austin, TX?
Ideal candidates for canthoplasty are patients who have noticed a rounded, sagging, or downturned appearance at the outer corners of their eyes, whether related to natural aging, sun damage, or the effects of a previous eyelid procedure. Many patients seek canthoplasty because they feel their eyes look tired or aged even when they aren’t, or because they’re preparing for lower eyelid surgery and want the added support and structure canthoplasty can provide.
Good candidates are in good overall health and do not have any active eye infections or uncontrolled underlying eye conditions. During your consultation, Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi will perform a thorough eye exam and review your medical history, including any prior eyelid surgeries, to determine whether canthoplasty is the right fit and whether it should be performed on its own or paired with another procedure.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!
What Should I Expect From Recovery After Canthoplasty?
Recovery from canthoplasty is generally well-tolerated, though it does require some patience as swelling resolves and the eye area settles into its final position.
In the first several days after surgery, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the outer corners of the eyes. Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi typically recommend keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses during the first 48 hours to help minimize swelling. Most patients take about one week off work, though this can vary depending on whether canthoplasty was performed alone or in combination with other eyelid procedures.
Some temporary tightness or a pulled sensation at the outer corners of the eyes is common in the early weeks of healing and typically eases as the tissue relaxes. Mild ocular dryness or irritation can also occur during recovery, and over-the-counter lubricating eye drops are often recommended to keep the eyes comfortable. Sutures, if non-dissolvable, are typically removed within 1 to 2 weeks.
As with most eyelid procedures, your final results will take time to fully reveal themselves. Swelling gradually subsides over several weeks, and the eye contour continues to soften and settle into its final, natural-looking position over the following months. Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi provide close, personalized follow-up care throughout your recovery, checking in during the days after surgery and scheduling follow-up visits to make sure your healing stays on track.
Why Choose Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates in Austin, TX?
The outer corner of the eye is such a delicate and structurally important area that canthoplasty requires a surgeon with precise technical skill and a deep understanding of eyelid anatomy. With over 20 years of combined experience, board-certified oculoplastic surgeons Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi are among Austin’s most trusted specialists for canthoplasty and other advanced eyelid procedures. To find out more about how they can help restore a refreshed, balanced eye appearance, contact us online or by phone to arrange a personal consultation. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with compassionate, thorough care.
Ready to Schedule Your Canthoplasty Consultation in Austin, TX?
Your eyes are a direct reflection of how you look and feel on the inside, so they should show the effortless grace and youthful radiance that you want to exhibit to the world. To schedule your consultation with a leader in oculoplastic surgery, contact us today by calling (512) 501-1010 or by completing our online consultation form. We look forward to helping you lift and rejuvenate your eye look!
Canthoplasty in Austin, TX FAQs
While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, canthoplasty typically involves a more comprehensive surgical adjustment of the canthal tendon itself, while canthopexy is a less invasive technique that repositions and supports the tendon without cutting or reconstructing it. Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi will recommend the appropriate technique based on the degree of correction needed.
Canthoplasty can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other treatments, such as lower blepharoplasty, depending on your specific concerns. Many patients choose to combine it with eyelid surgery both to correct sagging and to provide additional structural support to the results.
Yes, but only subtly and in a positive way for most patients. Canthoplasty is often chosen specifically to create a more lifted, almond-shaped eye contour by restoring the outer corner of the eye to a firmer, more elevated position.
Canthoplasty results are generally long-lasting, though natural aging will continue to affect the tissue over time. Many patients enjoy their results for many years without the need for further correction.
Incisions for canthoplasty are typically placed within the natural creases and corners of the eye, allowing scars to heal discreetly and become difficult to notice once fully healed. Your surgeon will also help you care for your incisions by giving you explicit instructions to follow so that they heal seamlessly with your skin. They’ll also provide you with tips on how to care for your scars so that they continuously improve until they’re nearly undetectable.
Yes. For patients with noticeable asymmetry between the outer corners of their eyes, whether from aging or a previous procedure, canthoplasty can help create better balance and symmetry between the two sides.