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Cosmetic Canthoplasty (Almond Eye Procedure)
IN SAN DIEGO
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.
Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Canthoplasty?
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
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
Patients in San Diego often combine canthoplasty with lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), CO₂ laser resurfacing, or other cosmetic eyelid procedures for comprehensive eye rejuvenation.
Benefits of Cosmetic Canthoplasty
A Refined, Natural Eye Shape
Cosmetic canthoplasty enhances the outer corner of the eye to create a balanced, almond-shaped contour. This subtle refinement brightens the eyes and brings harmony to the surrounding features, helping patients look refreshed and naturally youthful.
Correction of Downturned Outer Corners
A downturned outer corner can give the eyes a sad or tired appearance. Canthoplasty lifts and supports this area, restoring a more open, confident, and vibrant look that makeup alone cannot achieve.
Treatment for Lower Eyelid Laxity
Over time, or after previous eyelid surgery, the lower eyelid may lose its natural firmness. Cosmetic canthoplasty addresses this laxity, providing improved support and preventing sagging or exposure of the white of the eye (scleral show).
Role in Revision Surgery
For patients who have experienced eyelid drooping or distortion after prior procedures, cosmetic canthoplasty can serve as an effective revision option. By strengthening the outer eyelid support, it restores both aesthetics and function while protecting the delicate eye area.
Long-Lasting, Structural Support
Unlike non-surgical treatments, cosmetic canthoplasty provides enduring improvement by reinforcing the eyelid’s natural anatomy. Results are tailored to your unique features, delivering artistry and balance that last.
Why Choose Dr. Abboud for Asian Blepharoplasty?
Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud is a fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He specializes exclusively in the delicate anatomy of the eyelids and surrounding structures. His advanced training and focused expertise allow him to perform cosmetic canthoplasty with the highest level of precision, making him a trusted choice for both primary and revision procedures.
He combines meticulous surgical technique with an artistic eye to create results that are natural, balanced, and harmonious with the rest of the face. At Oculofacial Surgical Arts in Del Mar, every patient is treated with the utmost care, privacy, and attention, in a boutique setting built around the values of precision, artistry, and trust.
The Procedure: Cosmetic Canthoplasty
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the results permanent?
Cosmetic canthoplasty provides long-lasting improvement by tightening and repositioning the outer eyelid tendon. Most patients enjoy their enhanced eye shape for many years. That said, the natural aging process and changes to the soft tissue around the eyes will continue over time.
What are the risks or side effects?
When performed by a fellowship-trained oculofacial specialist, cosmetic canthoplasty is a safe and precise procedure. As with any surgery, 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 anatomy and reconstructive techniques helps minimize these risks and supports optimal recovery.
Can a canthoplasty be reversed?
While certain revisions can be performed, a complete reversal may not restore the eyelid to its exact original anatomy. This is why choosing a surgeon with highly specialized training and a philosophy of conservative, natural enhancement is essential from the start.
Will the almond eye procedure look unnatural?
Not when performed by an expert. Dr. Abboud carefully tailors each procedure to your unique anatomy and goals. The result is designed to be subtle and harmonious — enhancing your natural beauty without looking “surgical.”
Can canthoplasty be combined with retraction repair?
Yes. For patients with lower eyelid retraction or scleral show (white of the eye visible beneath the iris), cosmetic canthoplasty is often combined with retraction repair. This involves placing a small graft hidden inside the lower eyelid to provide additional support. Together, these procedures restore a more natural eyelid position, reduce scleral show, and improve both appearance 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 eyelid retraction
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Asymmetry or rounding of the lower eyelid
Your Cosmetic Canthoplasty Recovery
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.
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.
Cosmetic Canthoplasty (Almond Eye) Consultation
If you are considering an almond eye procedure or want to learn more about cosmetic canthoplasty in San Diego, contact us to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Abboud.