Measure it yourself
Measure your eye-corner angle in degrees — positive (hunter eyes), neutral, or negative. Free, on-device.
What canthoplasty actually is
Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure that repositions the outer corner (lateral canthus) of the eye, typically to lift a negative tilt toward neutral or positive, or to correct laxity or drooping of the lower eyelid at the outer corner. It's performed by tightening or reattaching the tendon that anchors the outer corner of the eyelid to the bone of the eye socket.
A related, less invasive procedure called canthopexy achieves a similar visual effect without fully detaching and reattaching the tendon — it's often described as a smaller adjustment with a shorter recovery, though it may produce a more modest or less durable change than a full canthoplasty.
Both procedures are typically performed by oculoplastic surgeons (ophthalmologists with additional surgical training around the eye) or plastic surgeons who specialize in periorbital work. This is a genuinely surgical, medically regulated procedure — not a cosmetic treatment you'd get at a med spa.
This is general information, not medical advice — consult a licensed provider before any procedure. Anything below about cost or recovery is a commonly cited range gathered from public discussion of the procedure, not a verified statistic, and actual figures vary enormously by surgeon, geography, and individual case.
Commonly cited cost ranges
Cost figures for canthoplasty vary widely depending on the surgeon's experience, geographic region, whether it's combined with other eyelid procedures (like blepharoplasty), and whether it's performed for purely cosmetic reasons versus functional correction of eyelid laxity.
Public discussion of the procedure commonly cites costs ranging from roughly a few thousand dollars on the lower end to significantly more for combined procedures with a highly experienced specialist, in U.S. surgical markets. These figures should be treated as a rough, unverified starting point for a conversation with a provider, not a quote. Insurance generally does not cover canthoplasty when it's done for cosmetic reasons, though it may in some cases when performed to correct a functional eyelid problem — that distinction is something only a provider can determine for your specific situation.
Given how much cost varies by region and surgeon, the only reliable way to get an actual number is a consultation with a board-certified specialist who can examine your anatomy and goals directly.
Commonly cited recovery timeline
Recovery timelines discussed publicly around canthoplasty commonly describe an initial swelling and bruising phase in the first one to two weeks, with stitches (if used) often removed within roughly the first week or two. Many patients report that visible bruising and swelling subside substantially within two to four weeks, though some residual swelling and settling of the final result can continue for a few months.
Final results — meaning the tissue has fully settled and any subtle asymmetry from swelling has resolved — are commonly described as taking somewhere in the range of a few months to reach a stable, final appearance. Again, these are commonly cited approximate ranges from public patient discussion, not verified clinical data, and individual healing varies based on technique, surgeon, and personal healing factors.
During recovery, patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activity, protect the eye area from sun exposure, and follow specific aftercare instructions from their surgeon regarding ointments, cold compresses, and follow-up visits.
Setting realistic expectations
A few things worth being clear-eyed about before considering this procedure:
It's a real surgery with real risks. Any procedure around the eye carries risks including infection, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, scarring, and in rare cases, changes to eyelid function or eye closure. These risks should be discussed in detail with your surgeon, not weighed based on before/after photos online.
Results are surgeon- and anatomy-dependent. The same procedure name can produce very different results depending on a patient's existing anatomy, skin elasticity, and the specific technique used. Photos you see online from other patients are not a guarantee of your own outcome.
It's elective and cosmetic in most cases. A negative canthal tilt is a normal anatomical variation, not a medical problem that requires correction. Deciding to pursue canthoplasty is a personal choice, and it's worth taking time, getting multiple consultations, and not rushing based on a single online tilt measurement.
A tilt number is a starting point for curiosity, not a prescription. Measuring your tilt with a tool — including ours — can be a helpful, concrete way to understand your own anatomy, but no calculator should be the basis for a surgical decision. That conversation belongs with a licensed provider who can examine you in person.
Try FaceRated's Canthal Tilt Calculator
If you're trying to understand your current canthal tilt before or after exploring cosmetic options, the canthal tilt calculator gives you an objective starting number — your tilt in degrees, measured from a photo using a 478-point face mesh entirely on your device.
For background on what canthal tilt is and how it's measured in the first place, see what is canthal tilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is canthoplasty the same as double eyelid surgery?
No. Double eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery addresses the eyelid crease and excess skin/fat, while canthoplasty specifically repositions the outer corner of the eye. They're sometimes performed together, but they target different structures.
How long do canthoplasty results last?
Results are generally considered long-lasting since the procedure involves repositioning tendon and tissue, but "permanent" isn't guaranteed — aging, further tissue changes, or the specific technique used can affect longevity. Your surgeon can speak to expected durability for your specific case.
Is canthopexy a good alternative to canthoplasty?
Canthopexy is generally described as less invasive with a shorter recovery, but potentially less durable or dramatic than a full canthoplasty. Which is appropriate depends on individual anatomy and goals — a decision to make with a specialist, not from general information online.
Can I get a preview of my results before surgery?
Some surgeons offer digital imaging previews during consultations, but these are illustrative estimates, not guarantees. A canthal tilt measurement tool can show you your current angle, but it cannot simulate a surgical outcome.
FaceRated Research Team