What is the price of a canthoplasty in Tunisia?
The price of a canthoplasty in Tunisia ranges from £1,400 to £2,200, compared with £4,400 in the UK. This all-inclusive rate covers local anaesthesia with sedation, aftercare and your stay. The procedure takes 1 to 1.5 hours and includes 1 night in hospital for optimal follow-up.
📊 Price table 2026
| Type of procedure | Tunisia price | UK price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard canthoplasty | £1,400 - £2,200 | £4,500 - £6,500 |
| Canthopexy (mild lift) | £1,200 - £1,700 | £2,700 - £4,000 |
| Canthoplasty + blepharoplasty | £1,900 - £2,800 | £4,500 - £7,000 |
| Fox eyes (canthoplasty + threads) | £1,300 - £2,200 | £3,200 - £4,700 |
Canthoplasty or canthopexy: what is the difference, and what does each cost?
Canthopexy tightens the tendon at the outer corner of the eye without cutting it, whereas canthoplasty cuts it and then repositions it. The first is enough for mild laxity, the second is required as soon as the shape of the eye needs to change. In Tunisia, expect £1,200 to £1,700 against £1,400 to £2,200.
The choice is not made on price. It depends on the tone of the lower eyelid, which only an examination can assess. A slightly drooping eye often calls for canthopexy; a pronounced fox eye effect requires a canthoplasty, sometimes combined with a blepharoplasty.
What is a canthoplasty?
A canthoplasty in Tunisia can be the right type of surgery for someone whose eyelids tend to sag, or whose eyelids look uneven. It is a specialised procedure that can only be performed by a highly qualified oculoplastic surgeon with extensive experience of cosmetic eye procedures.
The aim of a canthoplasty is to improve the shape of the eyelids, toning them and giving a younger, fresher appearance. This procedure should be performed with the goal of improving appearance naturally, rather than changing how we look.
How the canthoplasty procedure works
This is reconstructive surgery used to correct drooping or sagging eyes by tightening the muscles or ligaments that support the outer corners of the eyelid.
Canthoplasty surgery in Tunisia essentially changes the shape of the eye. Canthopexy, for its part, is a less invasive operation that is often confused with canthoplasty, but it does not change the shape of the eye.
Canthoplasty is performed at the outer corner of the eye (the canthus), the point where the lower and upper eyelids meet, known medically as the lateral canthus.
For most people, this meeting point should sit just above the medial canthus, the junction of the lower and upper eyelids near the nose. The result is normally a “positive” canthal tilt, or an upward tilt, which creates an almond-shaped eye.
Canthoplasty surgery is used to correct canthal tilts that are negative or neutral and cause the eyelids to sag, which can be a source of distress for patients who dislike the appearance of their eyelids.
The procedure varies from patient to patient, but the general aim is to cut the lateral canthal tendon and then reposition or tighten it. To reach this tendon, an incision is usually made at the outer corner of the eye.
The tendon is pulled into its new position to support the eyelid and is then reattached with sutures. An experienced ophthalmic surgeon will take care to place the incision in the natural fold of the eyelid, to minimise scarring after the operation.
If a patient has only mild sagging, a less invasive canthopexy may be more appropriate. Both procedures usually take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the technique used and whether you need other treatments. A shield is normally used to cover and protect the eyes.
Why do people have a canthoplasty?
With age, the skin around the eyes naturally loses elasticity, which leads to sagging or loosening of the lower eyelids (ectropion) caused by laxity of the lower eyelid tendon, often considered unattractive. This age-related problem is often associated with under-eye bags, which can give a tired or sad look.
The ageing process is not the only factor that can cause the eyelids to sag. Other factors can include overexposure to the sun without adequate skin protection, as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Hereditary conditions, eye trauma or paralysis can also be behind these problems. When the laxity extends beyond the eye area, a facelift addresses the whole area.
In addition, some patients who need a canthoplasty have it to correct previous eye surgery that left them with complications in the lower eyelids. This is revision surgery.
A small number of patients seek a canthoplasty in order to achieve a more almond-shaped appearance.
After surgery: what to expect
Pain, bruising and swelling are common after eye surgery, but they should settle within 7 to 10 days. Try to keep your head elevated and rest as much as possible at first. Patients should avoid exercise, rubbing the eye area or wearing make-up for a week.
In some cases, people may notice a change in their vision, but this should only be temporary, with normal vision returning without medical intervention.
Patients are advised to use their eyes as little as possible after the operation, for example by avoiding staring at their phone, reading or watching television. Contact lenses should not be worn for several weeks after surgery.
Full recovery after a canthoplasty takes several weeks. During this period, it is extremely important to follow the postoperative instructions of your Tunisian surgeon and to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
The incision is placed in the natural fold of the eye, which makes the scar less noticeable once it has faded.
Is a canthoplasty the right procedure for me?
As a rule, patients whose lower eyelids are drooping, sagging or puffy are good candidates for this type of procedure, particularly if they are concerned about the current appearance and shape of their eyes.
There is, however, no single solution when it comes to eyelid surgery, and what many patients think they need is not necessarily the type of surgery that suits them.
As such, your doctor should carefully assess the function, tone, laxity and position of each patient’s lower eyelid, as well as the overall structure of their face, during an initial consultation.
He or she normally carries out this assessment during consultations with patients considering a blepharoplasty, and may suggest that canthal suspension is needed at the same time. In some cases, a completely different type of procedure may be recommended, one that would better address the patient’s concerns.
It is important to have this procedure carried out only by an experienced, highly qualified oculoplastic surgeon, because the results of a poor operation can be very difficult to correct.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Canthoplasty in Tunisia or Turkey: which is cheaper?
The two destinations are close: £1,400 to £2,200 in Tunisia, £1,300 to £2,200 in Turkey. The difference does not justify choosing on price. The flight, the language of the consultation and follow-up after you return home matter far more.
How much does a canthoplasty combined with a blepharoplasty cost?
The combined procedure is charged at £1,900 to £2,800 in Tunisia, against £4,500 to £7,000 in the UK. Combining both steps in the same operation avoids a second stay and a second anaesthetic. The final quote depends on the preoperative assessment.
Does a canthoplasty give a fox eye effect?
How many days do I need to stay in Tunisia?
The length of stay is set by the clinic, according to the protocol chosen and the date the stitches are removed. It is not decided from the UK: the return flight is booked after the consultation, once the surgeon agrees. Allow some margin, as a further check may be added.
Can I fly straight after the operation?
Your return cannot be improvised: it is timed around the postoperative check and the surgeon’s agreement. Recent swelling or bleeding can push it back. Booking a flexible ticket avoids having to choose between a flight and a follow-up examination.
What are the risks of a canthoplasty?
Dry eye is the best documented risk of canthal surgery. It occurred in 25 patients out of 100 in a series of lower eyelid surgery with canthopexy or associated canthoplasty, a retrospective series from a single centre.[1]
Is a canthoplasty in Tunisia covered by the NHS?
In the UK, whether this procedure is funded depends on the health system and your personal circumstances. Check with your provider before considering treatment abroad.
Sources & References
- Sultan B, Genther DJ, Perkins SW. Measurement of Change in Lower Eyelid Position in Patients Undergoing Transcutaneous Skin‑Muscle Flap Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2016. View the source
- Assurance Maladie. Soins programmés à l’étranger : votre prise en charge. 2026. View the source
