Canthopexy (Cat Eye Surgery) in Dubai

Many people choose Canthopexy (Cat Eye Surgery) in Dubai to achieve a subtle lifted, almond-shaped eye appearance while improving lower eyelid support. Canthopexy Cost in Dubai depends on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, anaesthesia requirements, and whether it is combined with other eyelid or facial procedures. At Vow Clinic Dubai, your surgeon performs a detailed eye assessment and facial analysis before creating a personalized surgical plan with transparent pricing and natural looking results.

What Is Canthopexy?

A cosmetic eye lift procedure called canthopexy strengthens and tighten the lateral canthal tendon (the outer corner of the eyelid). Surgeons enhance this supporting structure, thereby further helping the stability of the lower lid and providing a subtle elevation which creates a younger, almond shaped look to the eye.

Canthopexy differs from canthoplasty in that it does not completely separate and re construct the tendon. Rather, it pulls and strengthens the existing tendon, which makes it a less invasive procedure for those patients who still need mild correction, or cosmetic enhancement. Canthopexy is most useful to restore support and contour to the eyelids, without altering the eyelid anatomy.

The surgery can also be done in conjunction with other facial procedures such as blepharoplasty or a face lift (brow lift surgery) for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. 

What Does “Cat Eye Surgery” Mean?

“Cat Eye Surgery” is not a specific surgery, but a popular cosmetic term. This term may be used by various surgeons to refer to multiple surgical methods that raise or mould the outer corner of the eyes.

Cat Eye Surgery may involve:

• Canthopexy
• Canthoplasty
• Upper Blepharoplasty
• Lower Blepharoplasty
• Brow Lift
• Temple Lift
• A blend of facial rejuvenation treatments

What Is the Lateral Canthus?

The outer corner (lateral canthus) is the upper and lower eyelids’ meeting point. This area is important for eyelid support, eye shape and facial symmetry.

There are a number of important anatomical structures that play a role in the functional eyelid such as:

• Lateral canthal tendon
• Medial canthus
• Upper eyelid
• Lower eyelid
• Orbicularis oculi muscle
• Tarsal plate
• Eyelid margin
• Orbital rim
• Periorbital tissues

The lateral canthal tendon attaches the eyelids to the lateral edge of the orbit to keep them in place facing the eye. This tendon is tightened during canthopexy to provide support and provide an up-lift without interfering with normal eyelid movement. 

How Does Canthopexy Work?

Canthopexy is performed by strengthening outer eyelid’s natural support structures. The surgery is not dramatic and strengthens the surrounding eye structures to produce subtle enhancements in eye contour, eyelid stability and facial balance.

Lateral Canthal Support

The surgeon is careful in locating the lateral canthal tendon and sutures it slightly above the level. This reinforcement provides more support while retaining the eyelids’ normal function.

Mild laxity can occur with increased age or a family’s facial structure and strengthening of the tendon helps alleviate these symptoms.

Eyelid Tightening

The lower lid tightens and becomes more supported as the tendon tightens. This enhancement reduces looseness and ensures a seamless connection between the eyelid and the rest of the skin. This improved support also helps keep the eyelids in place and allows for a more rested and youthful look.

Eye Shape Enhancement

The most obvious cosmetic advantage with canthopexy is the subtle almond shaped eye. Lifting the outer corner of the eye gives a subtle lift which evens out the appearance of the face without creating “overcorrected” eyes.

The objective is not a drastic change but refinement instead.

Lower Eyelid Stabilization

Eyelid stability is crucial for both eyelid functionality and aesthetics in the lower lid. This reinforces the lateral canthal tendon to keep the lower lid in good contact with the eye and helps to maintain a youthful appearance.

Patients who undergo lower blepharoplasty may also get canthopexy at the same time, to give extra support to the lower eyelids.

Facial Balance

The eyes are the first thing people notice during a conversation and when the person is making an expression. There are many small changes that can be made to the outside of the eye corners that will work to better the overall proportions and symmetry of the face.

Canthopexy does not alter your identity, but rather enhances features and creates a better balance between the eye, brow, cheek and upper face. 

What Can Canthopexy Improve?

Downturned Eye Corners

A sloping line at the outside corners of the eyes can give the impression of a tired, sad, or aged face. Canthopexy gently lifts the side of the eye to create a brighter, younger look.

Round Eye Shape

But there are those who have a more rounded eye shape in their eyes and would want a more slightly elongated one. Canthopexy or lifting the outer corner of the eye, will make the eye contour softer, but still maintain the natural shape and proportion of the eye.

Mild Lower Eyelid Laxity

The support beneath the lower eyelid slowly becomes weaker as people grow older. There can be some degree of laxity which can impact both looks and eyelid mobility. By tightening the lateral canthal tendon, the support is provided without much reconstruction.

Tired-Looking Eyes

Some individuals, even with proper rest, may look tired due to eyelid position, not just skin quality. Canthopexy rejuvenates the eye contour and helps to create a more alert and friendly look.

Almond-Shaped Eyes

Many patients opt for canthopexy to obtain naturally almond shaped eyes. The procedure is not designed to produce an eye of the fox effect, but rather enhancement that is balanced and harmonious with each person’s face. 

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Healthy Adults

Ideal candidates are healthy adults with no uncontrolled medical conditions that might impair healing or pose a surgical risk.

Mild Eyelid Laxity

Canthopexy may be useful for patients with mild lower lid laxity, as it is a way to stabilize the tissue without having to completely reconstruct the lower lid.

Patients Seeking Subtle Eye Shape Enhancement

For those who wish to have a gentle lift rather than dramatic reshaping, canthopexy is a suitable procedure for them. This procedure can be very successful for individuals looking for a more natural and elegant look during enhancement.

Realistic Expectations

Patient satisfaction depends greatly on understanding the nature of what can be achieved by canthopexy, and what cannot. The process will improve the appearance and support of the eyes, but it will not create the face entirely. Also, it will not give a look that is exactly like the photos on social media that have been heavily edited. 

Who Is Not a Good Candidate?

Severe Eyelid Laxity

If the lower lid is sufficiently weak or if it is widely separated (late laxity), a canthoplasty may be necessary to reconstruct and reposition the lateral canthal tendon, not just tighten it.

Active Eye Infection

If there is any eye infection or infection around the eye that is active, it needs to be treated before cosmetic eyelid surgery as this can cause complications and hinder the healing process.

Significant Dry Eye Disease

Patients who have moderate to severe dry eye may need additional ophthalmologic evaluation prior to surgery as eyelid surgery can impact the distribution of tears during the recovery time.

Unrealistic Expectations

Patients looking to drastic change or forever immunity from natural aging might not be satisfied with the results. A thorough consultation allows to set realistic expectations and to outline the most suitable procedure, depending on each individual’s anatomy. 

Canthopexy Procedure

Consultation

Your surgeon reviews your aesthetic objectives, medical history, and concerns, to decide if canthopexy is the best treatment for you.

Eye Assessment

An extensive review of your eyelids, eye structure, and facial features can be used to develop a tailored surgical approach.

Surgical Planning

Your treatment is carefully designed to ensure a balance, natural eyelid contour, with a normal eyelid function.

Anaesthesia

The treatment is usually given with local anaesthesia under sedation or general anaesthesia as per the treatment plan.

Lateral Canthal Tightening

Surgeon reinforces and tightens lateral canthal tendon to support eyelids and provide a subtle lifted look.

Suture Placement

The fine sutures hold the tendon in place, ensuring proper healing and reducing scarring.

Recovery Instructions

An aftercare plan is given to you that is tailored to optimize healing, minimize swelling and guarantee a smooth recovery. 

Recovery Timeline

First 24 Hours

It is normal to have some swelling, bruising and tightness, which is helped by using cold compresses.

First Week

The swelling progresses to gradually pass and the vast majority of patients can continue to perform light daily activities, following the postoperative guidelines.

Two Weeks

Most of bruising has cleared and eyes are becoming more noticeable and rejuvenated.

One Month

Eyelids remain in place and look more natural and have a better contour.

Three Months

Complete healing with natural, long lasting eye contour – most of the healing has taken place.

When Will I See Final Results?

Benefits of Canthopexy

Almond-Shaped Eyes

A milder almond shape is one of the most popular benefits. Canthopexy is a more refined and less dramatic procedure than the “cat eye”, and thus enhances the natural contours of your face.

Improved Eyelid Support

The lateral canthal tendon is made stronger, which stabilizes the lower eyelid. This extra support can decrease mild laxity and aid with maintaining eyelid position.

More Youthful Appearance

The outer corner of the eye is raised slightly upwards, giving the eyes a brighter and more refreshed look, and less tired. This subtle enhancement helps to make the face appear younger without making a drastic change in the facial expression.

Natural Eye Contour

The ideal cosmetic eyelid surgery should complement your appearance. Canthopexy results in a smoother eye contour without compromising near, distance, and facial balance nor disrupting natural blinking, eyelid movement.

Long-Lasting Results

While no cosmetic procedure can halt the aging process, cosmetically tightening the lateral canthal tendon will give the structure a long term hold. Numerous patients have lasting improvement for years while aging naturally. 

Is Canthopexy Permanent?

Canthopexy creates permanent enhancements by strengthening the natural support of the eyelid. 

Long-Term Structural Support

The straighter lateral canthal tendon will provide better support beyond the healing period.

In many patients the correction will be stable for a long time.

Natural Aging

Skin, muscles and connective tissue undergo normal changes as part of ageing.

The tendon may still be strengthened, but the surrounding facial tissues still age, lose collagen and are affected by gravity.

Keeping your results for longer may be possible if you maintain healthy lifestyle habits and good skincare.

Individual Healing

Each patient responds to treatment in a unique manner. The longevity of cosmetic enhancements depends upon various factors such as age, genetics, skin quality, lifestyle, smoking  and overall health.

Follow up visits and proper skin maintenance contribute to lasting satisfaction. 

Canthopexy vs Canthoplasty

Canthopexy vs Fox Eye Surgery

Fox Eye Surgery has become a widely recognized term through social media, but it does not describe one standardized surgical procedure.

Fox Eye Surgery might include:

• Canthopexy
• Canthoplasty
• Brow Lift
• Endoscopic Brow Lift
• Temple Lift
• Upper Blepharoplasty
• Lower Blepharoplasty
• A blend of facial rejuvenation treatments

Canthopexy vs Blepharoplasty

Both of these procedures have the ability to enhance the appearance of the eyes, but they will handle different concerns.

Canthopexy highlights the support and strengthening of the outer corner of the eyelid and Blepharoplasty involves removal of excess skin, muscle and, if necessary, fat from the eyelids.

Eye Shape

• Canthopexy improves the shape and location of the lateral canthal corner by strengthening the lateral canthal tendon.
• Eye shape remains unchanged by blepharoplasty alone.

Eyelid Skin Removal

• Blepharoplasty primarily treats excess upper eyelid skin, puffy eyelids, under-eye bags, fat protrusion, loose eyelid tissue. 
• Canthopexy does not remove excess skin.

Functional Differences

• The eyelids are more stable and supported due to canthopexy.
• Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty enhances the appearance of the eyelids and in some instances, vision when excess skin in the upper lid is causing vision impairment.
• Each procedure treats various anatomical issues.

Combined Procedures

• The most balanced effect is usually obtained when upper and/or lower blepharoplasty is performed in conjunction with canthopexy.
• The combination helps the surgeon to enhance eyelid support, remove excess skin and refine the overall contour of the eyes. 

Can Canthopexy Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes. Canthopexy is often combined with other facial treatments for more complete rejuvenation without altering the facial proportions.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty and canthopexy will simultaneously remove excess skin from the upper lid and gently lift and support the outer corner of the eye.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (also called an eye lift) tightens and/or removes excess fat and skin in the lower eyelids. The canthopexy will give extra support to the lower lid and aid in positioning the lid during healing.

Brow Lift

A brow lift elevates the eyebrows and smooths the upper face. In combination with canthopexy, it results in a more youthful and bright eye area, without altering facial balance.

Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting replenishes tissue within the eye, temple and cheek area. Volume restoration and canthopexy together create more subtle transitions and harmony in the face.

Facial Rejuvenation

Canthopexy may be performed as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment that can include eyelid surgery, brow lift, skin resurfacing or other injectable procedures as appropriate for each person’s needs. 

Risks and Side Effects

Swelling

After the surgery, there may be some swelling, but this will slowly get better over a couple of weeks.

Bruising

In the initial period of recovery, bruising around the eye is frequently seen, but it will gradually fade on its own.

Temporary Tightness

Most patients experience some mild tightness when they blink, during healing weeks, after surgery.

Dry Eyes

During recovery some people may have dryness or irritation. Your surgeon may prescribe lubricating drops if they think it is necessary.

Infection

While it is rare, infection is possible as a surgical complication. This can be reduced with appropriate care of the wound and medication as prescribed.

Asymmetry

It is normal for there to be minor differences in the eyes when healing, as swelling will not necessarily equalize on both sides of the eye. The majority of asymmetry gets better during recovery.

At the time of your consultation, your surgeon will discuss all of the risks, your recovery and the treatment you will need after surgery so you can choose to have this procedure performed. 

Canthopexy Cost in Dubai

The cost of Canthopexy (Cat Eye Surgery) in Dubai typically ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000+ depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, the healthcare facility, anaesthesia requirements and whether additional treatments are performed alongside surgery.

Since every treatment plan is personalized, the final cost is determined during your consultation. For more detailed pricing information, visit our dedicated pages on Canthopexy Cost in Dubai, Cat Eye Surgery Cost and Fox Eye Surgery Cost.

Why Choose Vow Clinic Dubai?

Your treatment at Vow Clinic Dubai is customised for your facial structure and the desired results you are looking for. With advanced oculoplastic and facial plastic surgical skills, in depth eye evaluations, cutting edge surgical technologies and safety first planning, our highly trained team is capable of providing natural looking eye contouring. Every stage of your consultation to comprehensive aftercare prioritises precision, comfort and lasting results.

FAQs

What is canthopexy?

Cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens and strengthens the lateral canthal tendon to give more support to the lower eyelid and a slight almond shape to the eye.

Is canthopexy the same as cat eye surgery?

No! Cat eye surgery is a broad term used to refer to any of the following procedures: canthopexy, canthoplasty, brow lift, temple lift, blepharoplasty or a combination of these.

What is the difference between canthopexy and canthoplasty?

Canthopexy, in contrast, will tighten the existing lateral canthal tendon and canthoplasty will reconstruct and realign the tendon for more structural correction.

What is the difference between fox eye surgery and canthopexy?

Fox eye surgery is not a standard surgery. Depending on the anatomy of the patient and desired result, one component of a fox eye treatment may include canthopexy.

Is canthopexy permanent?

Canthopexy offers structural support, but won’t prevent the natural aging process. The results are usually stable for several years and facial tissues can age naturally.

How long does recovery take?

The vast majority of patients are able to resume many of their normal activities within 1 – 2 weeks. The swelling will improve over a period of several weeks and final results are usually noticeable after 2 – 3 months.

Will I have visible scars?

It is generally located in a natural eye fold near the outside corner of the eye and the scar will not be seen after the healing process.

Can canthopexy be combined with blepharoplasty?

Yes! Patients often have canthopexy with an upper or lower blepharoplasty to maximize eyelid support if there is excess skin or bags under the eyes.

Is canthopexy painful?

Patients are not in severe pain but have some discomfort. Your surgeon gives you the right painkillers to help you feel better while you’re healing.

Who is a good candidate?

Patients who are healthy, adults with mild eyelid laxity, eyes that are set low or patients who want a subtle eye shape enhancement might be good candidates following a thorough surgical evaluation.

Can canthopexy improve downturned eyes?

Yes! Canthopexy will gently lift the outer corner of the eye by tightening the lateral canthal tendon, giving a brighter, younger look to the eye.

How much does canthopexy cost in Dubai?

There are many factors that may affect the cost of your total treatment including individual treatment plans, complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and any other facial procedures performed. The most accurate way to get the most accurate quotation is through a personal consultation.