How does the cat eye surgery procedure work?

Cat eye surgery basically targets the lateral canthus of the eyelid area, which is where the upper eyelid meets the lower eyelid. But before proceeding, you should know that there are different types of Canthoplasty that target different areas of the eyes and have different outcomes. These are: Asian Canthoplasty: This technique focuses on widening the eye in order to reduce a tired/sleepy appearance. Lateral Canthoplasty: This is the most common one, which reshapes the outer corners of the eyes by lengthening the slant of the eyes, giving them an almond shape, or most notably, leaves your eyes looking similar to those of a kitty. It also targets the lower eyelid by fixing any laxity present there, which means that it’s best combined with a lower blepharoplasty procedure. Epi–Canthoplasty: This one reshapes the inner corners of the eyes with the aim of opening them up by eliminating the Mongolian fold. Additionally, it enhances the results of an upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure.

Cat Eye Surgery Demystified - The Beautiful Lifestyle Online

Any lover of the famed and beloved cat eye makeup would agree on how much of a pain it is to achieve that look. Even with the pre-made cat eye makeup stamp, it’s still a pain in the bum! But I recently came across a new-ish aesthetic procedure, cat eye surgery, which promises to give you that cat eye look even when you are not wearing any cat eye makeup.

How you may ask? Well, I had that same question and I went searching for answers from those who know best. One such person is Dr Dragana Spica, a plastic surgeon based in Dubai, and an expert in this cat eye surgery technique, which she does almost on a daily basis. Yes, it is that popular, especially in Dubai! And why wouldn’t it be if it means taking the pain out of drawing cat eyes with your make up? Anyway, here we go.

What is this cat eye surgery?

According to Dr Dragana, the procedure, which is also known as Canthoplasty, is closely related to blepharoplasty, which surgically lifts droopy or hooded eyelids. Cat eye surgery on the other hand basically modifies the shape of the eye by lifting or tightening the ligaments that support the corners of the eyelids and the end results are bigger and more alert doll-like eyes.

The word Canthoplasty actually originated from the Greek word ‘Kanthos’ which means the corner of the eye and ‘plasty’ which means to create, hence the reason why the procedure focuses on the corners of the eyes.

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How does the procedure work?

Cat eye surgery basically targets the lateral canthus of the eyelid area, which is where the upper eyelid meets the lower eyelid. But before proceeding, you should know that there are different types of Canthoplasty that target different areas of the eyes and have different outcomes. These are:

Asian Canthoplasty: This technique focuses on widening the eye in order to reduce a tired/sleepy appearance.
Lateral Canthoplasty: This is the most common one, which reshapes the outer corners of the eyes by lengthening the slant of the eyes, giving them an almond shape, or most notably, leaves your eyes looking similar to those of a kitty. It also targets the lower eyelid by fixing any laxity present there, which means that it’s best combined with a lower blepharoplasty procedure.
Epi–Canthoplasty: This one reshapes the inner corners of the eyes with the aim of opening them up by eliminating the Mongolian fold. Additionally, it enhances the results of an upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

Cat eye surgery, explains Dr Dragana, lasts for only an hour and is done under local anaesthesia not unless it’s a complicated case at which point you will also be sedated. During the consultation process, the doctor designs the targeted eye shape, which largely depends on the overall shape of your eyes. So, don’t expect any miracles if your eyes don’t fit the outcome you desire. Full recovery usually takes a couple of weeks, with minimal to zero visible scarring.

Can anybody have the cat eye surgery?

Unfortunately, not, says Dr Dragana. Canthoplasty outcomes depend on the shape of your eyes, and the technique used. Only your plastic surgeon can tell you if the results will be doll-like, almond shape, cat-eye shape, or whatever other shapes there are. Listen to your plastic surgeon and do not demand eye shapes that are unachievable.

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What is the difference between Canthoplasty and Canthopexy?

As mentioned above, Canthoplasty focuses on the outer corners of the eyes where the eyelids meet and involve cutting of muscles or ligaments. Canthopexy, on the other hand, is minimally invasive, meaning there are no incisions involved. However, sutures are used to tighten the loose muscles or ligaments, hence widening the eyes.

That said, remember to always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has lots of experience in cat eye surgery in Dubai or other parts of the world. Also, for the third time, do not expect miracles because the outcome of the surgery largely depends on the shape of your eyes.

For any questions you may have regarding the cat eye surgery, or Canthoplasty (whichever you prefer to call it) feel free to leave them in the comments, and I’ll pass them over to Dr Dragana.