How long does it take to recover from canthoplasty?

It generally takes 3 to 6 months for a canthoplasty (corner of the eye surgery) to fully heal, although exact recovery time may vary among individuals.

Canthoplasty, also known as medial and lateral canthus enlargement surgery, is a procedure that corrects and enlarges both the inner and outer corners of the eyes, removing epicanthal folds and lengthening the horizontal dimension of the palpebral fissure to achieve a larger eye appearance. Generally speaking, the recovery period lasts from 3 to 6 months, during which time the wound heals, swelling subsides, and scars gradually fade.

The first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery are the most noticeable stages of swelling and bruising, with possible redness, bruising, and even mild pain around the eyes. During this time, strenuous activity and excessive eye use should be avoided, and cold compresses should be used as directed by the physician to reduce swelling. By the third to fourth week post-surgery, swelling and bruising begin to gradually subside and vision gradually returns to normal, although mild redness may still be present at the corners of the eyes.

Between 6 weeks and 3 months post-surgery, most of the swelling disappears and the shape of the corners of the eyes becomes more stable. From 3 to 6 months after surgery, marks at the corners of the eyes are mostly gone and the appearance and function of the eyes have largely returned to normal. Regular follow-up visits are required within 6 months after surgery, and postoperative care should follow the physician's instructions.

Strict adherence to the physician's instructions is important after surgery, including taking prescribed medications on time, changing dressings regularly, and avoiding infection. In terms of diet, spicy and irritating foods should be avoided and foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed to promote wound healing.