Canthal tilt refers to the angle formed by drawing a line between the outer corner and the inner corner of the eye. This anatomical feature influences perceptions of youth and alertness. People often seek ways to alter this angle, whether through temporary cosmetic enhancements or permanent surgical reconstruction. This article explores the feasibility of changing the canthal tilt, examining the available methods and associated realistic expectations.
Understanding Canthal Tilt and Its Aesthetic Role
Canthal tilt is an anatomical measure defined by the orientation of the palpebral fissure, the opening between the eyelids. The angle is determined by comparing the position of the medial canthus to the lateral canthus. When the lateral canthus sits higher than the medial canthus, the resulting angle is described as a positive canthal tilt.
A positive tilt, where the outer corner is elevated, is associated with a youthful and alert appearance. Conversely, a negative canthal tilt occurs when the outer corner is positioned lower than the inner corner, which can convey a tired or aged expression. A neutral tilt means both corners align on the same horizontal plane. The ideal positive tilt is often measured when the medial canthus is approximately four to eight degrees below the lateral canthus.
Temporary Changes Using Non-Invasive Techniques
For those seeking an altered appearance without permanent commitment, several non-invasive techniques can temporarily shift the perceived canthal tilt. Makeup artistry is the most accessible method, using techniques like the “cat eye” style to create a visual illusion of an upward slant.
Injectables offer a more sustained temporary change. Neurotoxins (Botox) are strategically injected into the muscles that pull the outer brow and eye corner downward. Relaxing these depressor muscles allows opposing elevator muscles to exert a stronger pull, resulting in a subtle, temporary lift of the lateral canthus area.
Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid) create a lifting effect by restoring lost volume in the brow tail or temple area, indirectly elevating the outer eye region. Thread lifts involve placing temporary suspension sutures under the skin to physically pull and anchor soft tissues near the lateral canthus in a higher position. These temporary methods alter the appearance of the tilt by lifting the surrounding skin and muscle but do not change the underlying bone or ligament structure.
Surgical Interventions for Lasting Change
Achieving a lasting change to the anatomical canthal tilt requires surgical intervention focused on repositioning the lateral canthal tendon. The most common procedure is lateral canthoplasty, often performed by an oculoplastic surgeon. Canthoplasty tightens and repositions the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the outer corner of the eye.
The procedure involves making an incision at the outer corner to access the lateral canthal tendon, which anchors the eyelids to the bony orbit. The surgeon cuts and reattaches this tendon at a higher point on the orbital rim, shortening the lower eyelid and creating a more pronounced upward slant. This provides a significant, permanent change to the eye’s shape, often resulting in a desirable almond configuration.
A less invasive surgical option is canthopexy, which strengthens and stabilizes the lateral canthal tendon without fully detaching or cutting it. This procedure is used to tighten the lower eyelid and correct mild laxity, offering a subtler lift than canthoplasty. Both procedures require an incision near the outer eye corner. Recovery involves swelling and bruising that typically subsides over two to three weeks.
Realistic Outcomes and Safety Considerations
The outcome of changing canthal tilt depends on the individual’s anatomy and skin quality. Surgical results are permanent, but the final aesthetic result can take several months to fully appear as swelling resolves. For any procedure, consulting with a qualified professional, such as a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, is necessary to manage expectations.
Surgical correction carries specific risks. Potential complications include asymmetry, infection, and scarring. A functional risk is ectropion, where the lower eyelid turns outward or sags, often occurring from over-tightening or improper technique. Overcorrection can also result in an unnatural appearance. Temporary methods also carry risks, such as bruising or temporary distortion from injectables, emphasizing the need for an experienced practitioner.