2026-05-29
Lateral Canthoplasty Reconstruction: A Case Study One Week Post-Surgery
This post details a case of lateral canthoplasty reconstruction, focusing on correcting an over-extended lateral canthus and restoring the natural eye shape. It explains the surgical technique and addresses common patient concerns.
Lateral Canthoplasty Reconstruction: A Case Study One Week Post-Surgery
It's true that I've been a bit lazy with blog posts lately, what with preparing for conferences, writing textbook chapters, and drafting papers. ㅠ
Nevertheless, I'd like to take this opportunity to write about a recent lateral canthoplasty reconstruction case.
When the lateral canthus is excessively opened, the end takes on a ‘ㄷ’ (D-shape) appearance, exposing the conjunctiva.
In such cases, revision lateral canthoplasty is performed. To prevent recurrence, it's crucial to remove the scar tissue corresponding to the exposed conjunctiva and securely fix the lateral canthal ligament to the lateral canthal periosteum.
The lateral canthal tendon is a ligament attached to the lower eyelid that supports the eye from both sides and helps with blinking. If the lateral canthal tendon is excessively manipulated during lateral canthoplasty, it can detach from the periosteum, leading to a ‘ㄷ’-shaped deformity.
Therefore, the core of the surgery involves meticulously excising the scar, repositioning the lateral canthal tendon that has detached from the periosteum, preventing recurrence, and ensuring the incised scar is as inconspicuous as possible.
People often ask if their eyes will appear smaller after the surgery.
While someone whose eyes were excessively opened might experience a slight reduction in size if a significant amount is closed, individuals with only excessive scar exposure will not find their eyes becoming smaller.
Currently, the suture marks are red, but they will become almost invisible over time.
Please also refer to the blog post I uploaded last year.
https://blog.naver.com/medicdoctor/221988658490
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 'D' shape deformity, a side effect of lateral canthoplasty, occur?
It occurs because the lateral canthal ligament is excessively manipulated and detached from the periosteum during lateral canthoplasty. This leads to the 'D' shaped opening at the outer corner of the eye, exposing the red conjunctiva as a side effect.
What is the key method for lateral canthoplasty reconstruction?
The key method is to cleanly excise the scar tissue corresponding to the conjunctiva and re-fix the detached lateral canthal ligament in its original position. It is crucial to firmly secure the lateral canthal ligament to the lateral canthal periosteum to prevent recurrence of the deformity after surgery, and to ensure the incised scar is finished inconspicuously.
Will my eyes become smaller after lateral canthoplasty reconstruction?
If only excessive scar exposure was the issue, your eyes will not become smaller. However, if the eyes were excessively opened in the previous surgery and significantly closed for reconstruction, the eye size might become slightly smaller.
When do stitch marks or scars disappear after surgery?
The redness will fade over time, and the scars will become almost invisible. Immediately after removing the stitches one week post-surgery, the marks may appear red, but they will naturally improve during the recovery period, so there is no need to worry excessively.