It is no secret that the eyes are the focal point of facial attraction. More important than the eyes, though, are the eyelids because these structures are responsible for determining eye shape and appearance. To be more specific, eyelid contour determines racial background, attractiveness, and age. For example, the contour and shape of Asian eyelids are entirely different from Caucasian or Hispanic ones. Eyelid skin tone and contour are also the main factors for judging someone’s age, and this is clinically demonstrated by eyelid position and laxity.
Eyelid contour refers to the shape that the eyelids, both upper and lower, adopt around the eyes. The contour of the lower eyelid seems to be more important in determining the attractiveness and age of a person. A youthful lower eyelid contour is characterized by a subtle, upward tilt from the inner aspect of the eye to its outer corner. This contour gives young-looking and beautiful eyes their “almond” shape.
What gives youthful eyes their almond shape?
The upward slope that is so characteristic of youthful eyes depends on eyelid tone, tissue elasticity, and the integrity of numerous anatomical structures, the most important being the lateral canthal tendon, located on the outer corner of the eye. This structure is like the rope that maintains a hammock tied to a pole; if the line loosens up, the hammock drops and losses its arched shape.
The lateral canthal tendon becomes lax with age, allowing the eyelid to droop and pull away from the eyeball. The eyelid adopts a sad, aged appearance, losing its characteristic almond shape and becoming more round. Restoring the normal tone of the lateral canthal tendon is the most straightforward and efficient way to restore the natural, elegant, and upward sloping contour that is distinctive of beautiful, young eyes.
Canthal suspension: the procedure of choice to recover a beautiful eyelid contour
Since sad-looking eyes are caused by the laxity of the lateral canthal tendon, the best way to recover a youthful eyelid contour is to restore the normal anatomy of this structure in a way that also preserves its physiology. Canthal suspension (canthopexy and canthoplasty), is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the laxity of the lateral canthal tendon. Although it is often performed alongside other oculoplastic operations, it’s an essential part of lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
Manipulation of the outer corner of the eye, i.e., lateral canthus, must be performed with extreme care and expertise because. This anatomically complex area is unforgiving in terms of complications. Therefore, canthal suspension will only yield favorable results if basic and advanced surgical principles of eyelid surgery are followed. This procedure should be done in a way that does not permanently alter the anatomy of the lateral commissure and avoids scars.
Fortunately, oculoplastic surgeons have specialized training in plastic surgery of the eyelids. These specialists understand the intricate anatomy of the lateral canthus and know how to elegantly manipulate it to safely restore a youthful eyelid contour and offer natural, long-lasting results.
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