Canthoplasty is a day-case oculoplastic procedure that tightens and repositions the lateral canthal tendon at the outer corner of the eye. It is used to correct a lax, sagging or outward-turning lower lid, to support the lid after eyelid surgery or facial nerve weakness, and — cosmetically — to subtly lift the outer eye corner. At our partner clinics it is performed by consultant oculoplastic surgeons from about £2,500, under local anaesthetic with optional sedation, with most people back to social activities within one to two weeks.
What is canthoplasty?
The lateral canthus is the anatomical corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet on the outer side of the eye. It is held in place by the lateral canthal tendon, which anchors the lids to the bony orbital rim. With age, sun damage, previous surgery or nerve weakness, this tendon can stretch, allowing the lower lid to sag, round out or turn away from the eye.
A canthoplasty formally releases, shortens and re-fixes this tendon to restore a tight, well-supported lid and a crisp outer corner. Depending on your needs it can be a functional operation — restoring lid position and protecting the eye surface — or a cosmetic one, giving a subtle, natural lift to the outer eye. It is often combined with blepharoplasty or ptosis surgery as part of a tailored eyelid plan. Learn more about the wider field on our oculoplastic surgery page.
Canthoplasty vs canthopexy
Two closely related operations tighten the outer corner. Your surgeon recommends the right one based on how much support your lid needs.
Canthoplasty is also used to correct a lower lid that turns outward — see our pages on ectropion and entropion eyelid surgery, and the related ectropion surgery cost.
What happens during canthoplasty
Canthoplasty is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic, with optional sedation for comfort. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- Numbing — local anaesthetic is placed around the outer corner of the eye and the skin is cleaned with sterile solution.
- Access — a small incision is made in the natural crease at the outer corner, so any scar is well hidden.
- Tendon adjustment — the lateral canthal tendon is released, shortened and re-fixed to the orbital rim at a tighter, higher position to support the lid.
- Closure — the incision is closed with fine sutures. If combined with blepharoplasty, excess lower-lid skin or muscle is addressed at the same time.
- Home the same day — you rest briefly and go home with aftercare instructions and any drops or ointment.
Recovery week-by-week
Recovery is comfortable for most people, with visible bruising settling over two to three weeks.
Day of surgery
Mild soreness at the outer corner. Cool compresses and head elevation reduce swelling. No rubbing or bending.
Days 1–3
Bruising and swelling peak then begin to ease. Most people rest at home and use any prescribed ointment.
Week 1
First review. Non-dissolving stitches are usually removed. Many return to desk work and light activity.
Weeks 2–3
Bruising fades and social recovery is largely complete. Makeup can usually be resumed once the wound has healed.
Beyond a month
The outer corner settles into its final position over two to three months and the scar continues to fade.
You can read general eyelid-surgery guidance on our recovery page and how to get ready on preparing for surgery.
Wondering whether canthoplasty, a canthopexy or a combined eyelid procedure is right for you?
Book an oculoplastic assessmentCanthoplasty cost
Private canthoplasty typically costs from about £2,500 to £4,500 in 2026, depending on whether one or both sides are treated, whether it is combined with blepharoplasty or ptosis surgery, and the complexity of the case. Our quotes are all-inclusive of the consultant surgeon, day-case theatre, anaesthetic, and follow-up reviews.
- Self-pay: from about £2,500 per procedure; a written, itemised quote is provided at assessment.
- Insurance: a functional canthoplasty to correct a lid problem may be covered by major UK insurers with pre-authorisation; a purely cosmetic lift is not.
- Finance: 0% options are available — see our finance page.
For the full range of eyelid and orbital procedures, see our oculoplastic surgery prices.