Canthoplasty is surgery on the outer corner of the eye (the lateral canthus). It changes the shape or angle of the eye, or supports a loose lower eyelid, by detaching and repositioning the tendon that anchors the corner of the lids. At Soraca Med in Antalya, cat eye surgery (canthoplasty) starts from €2,250. The operation usually takes about one hour per side or less, is done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, and most patients return to work after one to two weeks. It is a delicate operation: small changes at the eye corner have a large effect on both appearance and eye protection. This guide explains the types, costs, candidacy, recovery and risks. Every treatment plan is reviewed by our plastic surgeon, Dr. Gökhan Bacak.
Canthoplasty at a Glance
| Item | Typical detail |
| What it changes | The position, angle or tightness of the outer eye corner |
| Cosmetic uses | Almond or cat eye shape, slight upward tilt, wider-looking eyes |
| Medical uses | Loose or outward-turning lower lid, support after lower eyelid surgery |
| Anesthesia | Local with sedation, or general anesthesia |
| Operation time | Usually under one hour per side |
| Time in Antalya | About 6 to 7 days |
| Back to work | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Starting price | From €2,250 at Soraca Med |
What Is Canthoplasty and How Does It Work?
The upper and lower eyelids meet at the inner and outer corners of the eye. At the outer corner, they are held to the bone of the eye socket by the lateral canthal tendon. In canthoplasty, the surgeon releases this tendon, shortens or repositions it and reattaches it to the bone at a new point. This can raise the corner slightly, tighten a loose lower lid or change the horizontal length of the eye opening.
Canthoplasty vs Canthopexy
| Canthopexy | Canthoplasty | |
| Technique | Tightens the tendon without detaching it | Detaches and repositions the tendon |
| Change | Subtle support or lift | Stronger change in shape or angle |
| Best for | Mild lid laxity, subtle lift | Moderate laxity, clear shape change |
| Recovery | Usually shorter | Usually longer swelling |
Why Do Patients Choose Canthoplasty?
Cosmetic reasons:
- A downturned or drooping outer eye corner
- A wish for a more almond-shaped, “cat eye” or “fox eye” look
- Eyes that look small or round
- Asymmetry between the eye corners
Medical or reconstructive reasons:
- A loose lower lid that sags or turns outward (ectropion)
- Support of the lower lid during or after lower eyelid surgery
- Correction of problems after previous eyelid surgery or injury
Who Is a Good Candidate for Canthoplasty?
- Adults with healthy eyes and realistic expectations
- People with a drooping outer corner or lid laxity
- People who understand that the eye shape changes permanently
- Non-smokers, or those able to stop around surgery
Canthoplasty may not be suitable if you have significant dry eye, very prominent eyes, uncontrolled thyroid eye disease or unrealistic expectations of a dramatic change. Because the eye corner protects the surface of the eye, an eye examination before surgery is essential.
Canthoplasty Cost in Turkey: What to Expect
| Procedure | Soraca Med price |
| Cat eye surgery (canthoplasty) | From €2,250 |
| Eyelid surgery | From €1,000 |
| Canthoplasty with upper or lower eyelid surgery | Personal quote |
| Fox eye plan with brow tail lift | Personal quote |
You receive a written quote after a free photo assessment. For eye shape surgery that also lifts the brow tail, read our guide to fox eye surgery in Antalya.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Canthoplasty in Turkey?
- One or both sides
- Canthopexy or full canthoplasty
- Cosmetic or reconstructive purpose
- Combination with eyelid surgery or a brow lift
- Revision of earlier surgery
- Anesthesia and length of stay
Why Is Canthoplasty More Affordable in Turkey?
Lower operating and staff costs, the exchange rate and a high number of eyelid procedures for international patients bring prices down. In the UK, the NHS states that eyelid surgery costs between £2,000 and £6,000 plus extras, and specialised eye corner surgery is often at the upper end or above. The planning and experience required for canthoplasty should not be reduced because of a lower price.
Canthoplasty Procedure: Step by Step
- Consultation: eye examination, measurement of lid laxity and agreement on the shape.
- Marking: the planned position of the new corner is marked while you sit upright.
- Anesthesia: local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia.
- Incision: a small incision at the outer corner, often in a natural crease.
- Tendon: released, shortened or repositioned and fixed to the bone.
- Closing: fine stitches; ointment and cold compresses.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used During Canthoplasty?
Canthoplasty alone can often be done under local anesthesia with sedation, so you are relaxed and comfortable. When it is combined with eyelid surgery or a brow lift, general anesthesia is often preferred. Your surgeon and anesthetist decide based on your health and the plan.
Can Canthoplasty Be Combined with Other Eyelid Procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with:
- Lower eyelid surgery, where it supports the lid and reduces the risk of lid pulling down
- Upper eyelid surgery, for a cleaner, lifted look
- A temporal brow lift, for the fox eye look
Canthoplasty Recovery
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling, bruising and tightness at the outer corners; watery eyes |
| Days 5 to 7 | Stitches removed; swelling reduces |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Return to work for most people |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | The corner relaxes into its new position |
| Around 3 months | Final shape |
Use lubricating drops and ointment as advised, sleep with your head raised, avoid rubbing your eyes and contact lenses until allowed, and protect your eyes from wind and sun.
Risks of Canthoplasty
- Asymmetry or an unnatural, pulled look
- Rounding or webbing of the outer eye corner
- Dry eye or irritation if the eye no longer closes as easily
- Lower lid position changes
- Visible scarring at the corner
- Need for revision surgery
The NHS lists, for eyelid surgery in general, temporary effects such as puffy lids, irritated or watery eyes and bruising, and rare serious risks such as eye muscle injury, the lower lid turning outwards and vision problems.
Medical Canthoplasty for a Loose or Outward-Turning Lower Lid
With age, the tendon at the outer corner can stretch. The lower lid then sags away from the eye or turns outward, a condition called ectropion. This can cause watering, redness, irritation and a feeling of grit in the eye, because the lid no longer spreads tears properly. A canthoplasty or canthopexy tightens the lid back against the eye. In this situation the goal is eye health and comfort, and any cosmetic change is secondary. If you have these symptoms, tell your surgeon, because the plan will focus on lid support.
Canthoplasty Before and After: Realistic Expectations
After a well-planned cosmetic canthoplasty, the outer corners usually look slightly higher and more defined, the eye opening can look a little longer, and the face looks more awake. The change should be moderate: a few millimetres at the corner is a visible difference. In the first weeks, swelling can make the corner look tighter or more lifted than the final result. Judge the result at about three months.
Questions to Ask Before Canthoplasty
- Which technique do you recommend for me, canthopexy or canthoplasty, and why?
- How many millimetres will the corner be changed?
- How will the change affect how my eyes close and stay moist?
- Do I need eyelid surgery or a brow lift as well to reach my goal?
- What happens if the two sides heal differently?
- How is revision handled, if it is ever needed?
How to Prepare for Canthoplasty
- Have your eyes examined, especially if you have dry eye or wear contact lenses
- Stop smoking two to four weeks before and after surgery
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines and supplements
- Bring sunglasses, lubricating eye drops and your glasses
- Plan rest with your head raised for the first days
Is Canthoplasty Permanent?
Canthoplasty changes the anchoring of the eye corner, so the effect is usually long-lasting. Over many years, natural ageing and skin laxity continue, and the corner can relax slightly. The result is not easily reversed, which is why the planned change should be moderate.
Your Stay in Antalya Day by Day
| Day | What usually happens |
| Day 1 | Arrival and transfer to your hotel |
| Day 2 | Consultation, eye examination and marking |
| Day 3 | Surgery |
| Days 4 to 5 | Cold compresses, rest and a check-up |
| Day 6 | Stitch removal |
| Day 7 | Final check and flight home when cleared |
Myths and Facts About Canthoplasty
| Myth | Fact |
| “Canthoplasty is a simple, quick change.” | It is delicate surgery on the structure that supports the lids; small changes have big effects. |
| “Any eye can be made almond-shaped.” | Results depend on your bone structure, lid tone and eye position. |
| “It is easily reversible.” | The tendon is repositioned, so the change is not easily undone. |
| “Thread lifts give the same result.” | Threads give a temporary, milder lift of the brow and temple, not a change in the eye corner. |
Caring for Your Eyes After Canthoplasty
- Use lubricating drops or ointment as prescribed, especially at night
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and sun
- Avoid rubbing your eyes and sleeping face down
- Avoid contact lenses and eye make-up until your surgeon allows
- Report increasing pain, a red eye that worsens, or reduced vision straight away
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does canthoplasty cost in Turkey?
At Soraca Med in Antalya, cat eye surgery (canthoplasty) starts from €2,250. Combined procedures are priced in a personal quote.
What is the difference between canthoplasty and canthopexy?
Canthopexy tightens the outer corner tendon without detaching it. Canthoplasty detaches and repositions it for a stronger change.
Is canthoplasty permanent?
The result is usually long-lasting and is not easily reversed. Natural ageing continues over time.
Does canthoplasty hurt?
It is done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Afterwards most patients feel tightness and mild soreness.
How long is canthoplasty recovery?
Most people return to work after one to two weeks, with the final shape after about three months.
Can canthoplasty cause dry eyes?
It can, particularly if the corner is changed too much. An eye examination and conservative planning reduce this risk.
Is canthoplasty the same as cat eye surgery?
Cat eye surgery usually means a cosmetic canthoplasty or canthopexy to create a lifted, almond-shaped eye.
How long should I stay in Antalya?
About six to seven days, so stitches can be removed before your flight.
Can canthoplasty make my eyes look bigger?
It can lengthen the eye opening slightly and change its angle, which can make the eyes look more open, but the effect is usually subtle.
Can canthoplasty fix droopy lower eyelids?
Yes. Medical canthoplasty or canthopexy tightens a loose or outward-turning lower lid.
When can I wear eye make-up after canthoplasty?
Usually after about two weeks, once the wounds have healed and your surgeon allows.
Does canthoplasty leave a scar?
A small scar at the outer corner of the eye, usually placed in a natural crease, which fades over months.
Sources and Medical Information
This guide is general patient information. The medical details are based on published patient guidance, including:
It does not replace a consultation: your surgeon decides what is safe for you, and their personal instructions always take priority. Prices are Soraca Med starting prices and are confirmed in your written quote. Last updated: October 2026.
