Glossary
What is canthal tilt?
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Canthal tilt is the angle of the line between the medial canthus (inner corner of the eye) and the lateral canthus (outer corner). Positive canthal tilt means the outer corner is higher than the inner corner. Negative canthal tilt means the outer corner is lower. The aesthetic ideal across cultures is positive canthal tilt of approximately 5 to 10 degrees.
How canthal tilt is measured
Measured in degrees by drawing a line from the medial canthus to the lateral canthus and comparing it to horizontal. The measurement is typically taken from a front-facing photograph with the head level. Selfie-cam mirroring can flip the measurement if not corrected.
Why canthal tilt matters
Canthal tilt drives a substantial portion of perceived attractiveness and is one of the most-flagged features in pre-procedure aesthetic consultations. Positive tilt reads as alert, youthful, and conventionally attractive. Negative tilt reads as tired or sad. Lateral canthoplasty is the surgical procedure for structural change of canthal tilt.
Normal range
Optimal: 5 to 10 degrees positive. Acceptable: 0 to 12 degrees positive. Concerning aesthetically: negative tilt (outer corner lower than inner). Tilt varies by ethnicity (East Asian baselines tend more positive than Caucasian).
Source: Sadick (gender-typical ranges)
How Facet uses canthal tilt
Facet measures canthal tilt in degrees from a single front-facing photo with the head level. The scoring engine compares the measurement against the Sadick gender-typical ranges to produce a 0 to 10 eye module score.
Frequently asked
Can I change my canthal tilt without surgery?+
You cannot change structural canthal tilt without surgery. You can change the visual impression of canthal tilt through brow shaping (especially the brow tail lift), concealer application, eye makeup, and eyebrow positioning.
What surgery changes canthal tilt?+
Lateral canthoplasty is the surgical procedure that changes canthal tilt structurally. It is performed by oculoplastic or facial plastic surgeons. The procedure carries risks and outcomes vary substantially by surgeon experience.
Is positive canthal tilt always more attractive?+
Cross-cultural studies show positive tilt of 5 to 10 degrees is consistently rated as more attractive than negative or neutral tilt. However, extreme tilts in either direction (very positive or strongly negative) score lower than moderate tilts.