Understanding Lateral Canthopexy in New York City

Lateral canthopexy is a significant eyelid surgery that holds importance in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of eye care. In New York City, where beauty standards are high and the demand for eye - enhancing procedures is substantial, this surgery has gained increasing attention. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of lateral canthopexy, including what it is, its predicted list in New York City, associated benefits, procedures, and more.

What is Lateral Canthopexy?

The root “cantho” refers to the canthus, or the corner of the eyelids. Lateral canthopexy specifically focuses on the outside corner of the eye, where the upper and lower eyelids meet. When the tendon in the outside corner of the eyelid is lax, the lower eyelid can hang low and appear loose or rounded. According to New York Eye and Face Oculoplastic Surgery, with lateral canthopexy, the procedure is less invasive compared to some other eyelid surgeries. Sutures are used to internally stabilize the eyelid tendon, tightening the lower eyelid at the lateral canthal angle while directing the canthus posteriorly toward its physiologic insertion at or near Whitnall’s tubercle.

It can be used to treat several conditions. As we age, the lower eyelids can change, leading to issues such as the outer corner of the eye, called the lateral canthus, drooping, making the eyes appear round. A common complication of lower eyelid surgery is a change in eyelid shape, sometimes resulting in the corner of the eye dropping, a condition known as ectropion. Lateral canthopexy helps prevent these issues and can recreate the almond - shaped eyes of youth.

The Need for Lateral Canthopexy in New York City

In New York City, people are constantly in the public eye, and physical appearance often plays a significant role in social and professional settings. The desire to maintain a youthful and attractive appearance drives many individuals to seek cosmetic procedures. With age, the natural sagging of the lower eyelids can make people look tired, sad, or older than they actually are. As such, there is a growing demand for lateral canthopexy to address these concerns.

Furthermore, the high - end lifestyle in New York City also means that people have greater access to quality medical facilities and top - notch surgeons. This encourages more individuals to consider lateral canthopexy as a viable option to enhance their eye appearance.

Predicted List of Lateral Canthopexy in New York City in 2025

Surgeons

Finding the right surgeon is crucial for the success of lateral canthopexy. According to Healthgrades, there are numerous doctors in New York City who perform canthoplasty and canthopexy. Some of the top - rated surgeons predicted to be in high demand for lateral canthopexy in 2025 include:

• Dr. Gary Linkov: He is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon in New York, specializing in facial aesthetic surgery. He is the chief of otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery for the veterans hospital in Brooklyn, NY. His private practice in New York City focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery, including most types of eyelid surgery, such as lateral canthopexy.
• Dr. Andrew Jacono: Double - board certified with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he is considered the best facial plastic surgeon in New York City. He often tightens the lateral canthal tendon of the lower eyelid during lower blepharoplasty to prevent the lower eyelid from changing shape and recreates the almond - shaped eyes of youth.
• Dr. Steven Wallach: He is a New York plastic surgeon who recreates a natural - looking, youthful eye. In cases where patients have poor lower lid tone, he performs a canthopexy by placing a suture through the lateral canthal ligament and suspending it to the connective tissue along the inner lateral orbital rim.

Medical Facilities

New York City is home to many world - class medical facilities that are likely to offer high - quality lateral canthopexy services in 2025:

• City Facial Plastics: Located in Midtown, Manhattan, it addresses changes to the upper and lower eyelids with various eyelid surgeries, including lateral canthopexy. Patients have reported outstanding experiences, from the initial consult to post - op appointments.
• New York Eye and Face Oculoplastic Surgery: Their oculoplastic surgeons are well - versed in canthoplasty and canthopexy procedures. They can create a sharper and more refined eye appearance by tightening and reshaping the lateral canthus.

The Lateral Canthopexy Procedure

Preparation

Before undergoing lateral canthopexy, patients need to follow several preparation steps. They should avoid certain medications and supplements that may thin the blood, such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen), aspirin, and vitamin E. Smoking should also be stopped, as tobacco products can decrease blood flow to the skin and compromise the healing of the surgical site. Patients may be prescribed medications, such as an antibiotic (oral and topical) and pain medication, which should be picked up from the pharmacy in advance. If patients have any dry eye symptoms, it is critical that they report them to their doctor, as most eyelid surgeries can worsen dry eye, and a thorough eye exam by an ophthalmologist is necessary before any eyelid surgery (as mentioned on City Facial Plastics).

Anesthesia

Lateral canthopexy can be performed under local anesthesia or deep sedation anesthesia depending on patient and surgeon preference, the extent of the procedure, and if any combination procedures are planned. When under deep sedation with an anesthesiologist, patients are asked to change into a surgical gown, and women of child - bearing age need to take a pregnancy test. If performed under local anesthesia, the area is thoroughly numbed before any incision is made, and fasting is not necessary (source: City Facial Plastics).

Procedure Steps

The lateral canthopexy technique typically begins with marking a planned horizontal incision along the lateral canthus. Subcutaneous infiltration of lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 dilution of epinephrine is administered with a 30 - gauge needle. The lateral orbital rim is palpated, and a small amount of anesthetic is also delivered to the periosteum of the lateral orbital rim and temporal inferior fornix. A transverse skin incision is made with a no. 15 scalpel blade beginning at the lateral commissure and extends for 1.0 to 1.5 cm toward the lateral orbital rim. Hemostasis is achieved with a bipolar cautery. With fine, shallow movements of the scalpel blade, the circumferential orbicularis muscle fibers are incised. Then, stitches (usually permanent material) are placed to fasten and advance the tarsus to the inner aspect of the bony rim. The skin incision is closed with additional stitches (from Ento Key).

Benefits of Lateral Canthopexy

Aesthetic Benefits

Lateral canthopexy can significantly enhance the appearance of the eyes. It can correct a droopy lateral canthus, giving the eyes a more alert and youthful look. By recreating the almond - shaped eyes of youth, it can improve the overall facial aesthetics. After the surgery, the eyes appear less tired and more defined, which can boost a person's self - confidence.

Functional Benefits

Functionally, lateral canthopexy can improve eyelid blink dynamics. When the lateral canthal tendon is lax, the concentrically arranged orbicularis fibers become ineffective in completing the blink cycle. By tightening the lateral canthal tendon, the blink function can be restored, reducing issues such as ocular irritation and epiphora (as described in Ento Key).

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - Operative Period

After lateral canthopexy, bruising and swelling are typical and peak in the first post - operative week. A special eye antibiotic ointment is provided for either use on the skin incision or in the eye, depending on the exact eyelid surgery performed. It is okay to shower the day after the procedure. When lying down, it may be helpful to elevate the head of the bed for at least one week. Heavy exertion and makeup use should be avoided during the recovery period. Patients are usually recommended to remain home to recover for approximately one week and can then comfortably return to work (from New York Eye and Face Oculoplastic Surgery).

Long - Term Recovery

Localized bruising and swelling are expected for 1 - 2 weeks, with some degree of swelling lingering for months. If non - dissolvable sutures are placed, they are removed on day 5 - 7 after surgery. An external incision can stay red for weeks to months. It is best to avoid direct sun exposure to the treated area for several months after eyelid surgery. It can take several weeks to months to see the final results of the surgery and more youthful - looking eyes (source: City Facial Plastics).

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, lateral canthopexy is not without risks. Potential risks include rounding of the outer corner of the eyelids, recurrent sagging of the lower eyelid or incomplete improvement, visible scars, dry eyes, tearing, pulling down of the lower eyelid or eyelid retraction, and eyelid asymmetry (as per Dr. Brett Kotlus, Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgeon, NYC). A study on a simplified lateral canthal tendon canthopexy technique reported that recurrence occurred by three months in one eyelid (4%) with ectropion due to moderate eyelid laxity, and this case was managed with a tarsal strip procedure. One patient (5%) who had bilateral surgery had asymmetric lower eyelid position, and one patient (5%) had persistent edema of the operated eyelid for six months (Simplified technique for lateral canthal tendon canthopexy). Therefore, it is crucial to choose an experienced and qualified surgeon to minimize these risks.

Alternatives to Lateral Canthopexy

While lateral canthopexy is an effective procedure, there are some alternatives that patients may consider:

Non - Surgical Options

Non - surgical treatments such as the use of neurotoxin (like Botox) and fillers (hyaluronic acid or fat transfer) can be used to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids. Botox can smooth eyelid wrinkles, and fillers can add volume to the tear troughs beneath the eyes, camouflaging puffy lower eye bags. However, these non - surgical options are temporary, with effects lasting between 6 and 12 months, and they may not be as effective in treating severe lower eyelid laxity as lateral canthopexy.