What is cosmetic canthoplasty (almond eye procedure)?
Cosmetic canthoplasty, also known as almond eye procedure, is a highly specialized eyelid procedure that raises and repositions the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus). The result is a more elongated, almond-shaped eye that looks youthful, rested, and aesthetically refined. This procedure is popular among patients seeking natural-looking eye rejuvenation or enhancement.
Performed by fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud in Del Mar, San Diego, this advanced surgery combines aesthetic precision with deep anatomical expertise to ensure both beauty and safety.
Who is a good candidate for almond eye procedure?
You may be a good candidate if you:
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Have round, downturned, or tired-looking eyes
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Desire a more almond-shaped appearance
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Are bothered by lower eyelid laxity or mild scleral show
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Want to refine eye symmetry and contour
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Are in good general and ocular health
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Have realistic expectations
Patients in San Diego often combine canthoplasty with lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), CO₂ laser resurfacing, or other cosmetic eyelid procedures for comprehensive eye rejuvenation.
Who is NOT a candidate for cosmetic canthoplasty?
This procedure may not be appropriate for individuals who:
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Have unrealistic aesthetic goals, body dysmorphic disorder, or are overly fixated on achieving a specific celebrity aesthetic
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Seek an exaggerated “cat-eye” or “fox-eye” look inspired by social media trends
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Desire a dramatic, lifted appearance that significantly alters the natural eye shape
A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Abboud in Del Mar is essential to determine surgical candidacy.
How is cosmetic canthoplasty performed?
Cosmetic canthoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. A small incision is made at the lateral canthus (outer corner of the eye), where the tendon is detached, tightened, and re-secured at a higher position to lift the outer eyelid. The incision is closed with fine sutures, often hidden within natural eyelid creases.
Dr. Abboud performs this surgery at his accredited surgical suite in Del Mar, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
How long is recovery after an almond eye procedure?
Most patients experience:
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Swelling and bruising for 7–10 days
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Mild discomfort or tightness
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Return to normal activities within 7–10 days
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Final results visible in 6–12 weeks as swelling resolves
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Patients should avoid exercise, swimming, and eye makeup for at least two weeks. Postoperative care includes cold compresses, antibiotic ointment, and follow-up visits.
Are the results of canthoplasty permanent?
Yes, results are long-lasting. The repositioned tendon remains elevated, and most patients enjoy improved eye shape for many years. However, aging and changes to the soft tissue around the eye can still occur over time.
What are the risks or side effects?
When performed by an oculofacial specialist, cosmetic canthoplasty is safe and precise. That said, potential risks include:
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Asymmetry
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Dry eye or irritation
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Scarring
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Overcorrection or undercorrection
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Infection or delayed healing
Dr. Abboud’s advanced training in eyelid and orbital anatomy minimizes these risks and supports optimal healing.
Can a lateral canthoplasty be reversed?
While partial revisions can be performed, full reversals may not restore the original anatomy. That’s why it’s critical to work with a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who prioritizes natural outcomes and conservative enhancement.
Will the almond eye procedure make my eyes look unnatural?
Not when performed by an expert. Dr. Abboud tailors each procedure to your anatomy and goals, aiming for subtle, harmonious changes. The result should enhance your natural features without making you look "surgical."
Can canthoplasty be combined with retraction repair?
Yes. For patients with lower eyelid retraction or visible scleral show (white of the eye showing beneath the iris), cosmetic canthoplasty is often combined with retraction repair using a small graft hidden on the inside of the lower eyelid. This graft supports and elevates the lower eyelid to a more natural position, reducing scleral show and improving both eye shape and comfort.
This combination is especially beneficial for patients with:
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Prior lower eyelid surgery
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Congenital or acquired retraction
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Asymmetry or rounding of the lower eyelid
Dr. Abboud frequently performs this combined approach at his Del Mar / San Diego practice to achieve balanced, natural-looking results with improved eyelid function.
Why choose Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud for cosmetic canthoplasty in San Diego?
Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud is a fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic eyelid surgery. He brings artistic precision and surgical expertise to every procedure, ensuring the highest standards of care and results that look refined — not overdone.
His private practice in Del Mar, San Diego is equipped with a Quad-A certified operating room, where patients receive concierge-level attention in a luxury setting.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results will vary, and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo or statement used on this website.