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Fox Eye Surgery: Surgical Fox Eye Lift vs Threads, Results and Recovery
Quick answer: Fox eye surgery lifts the tail of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye towards the temple, creating a longer, almond-shaped eye. The surgical version repositions the tissues through small incisions hidden in the hairline of the temple and, when needed, tightens the outer eye corner (canthopexy). Its result lasts for years, while a thread lift usually relaxes within months.
Key takeaways
The fox eye look is created mainly by lifting the outer brow and the temple area.
Surgical incisions are small and hidden in the hairline.
Thread lifts give a temporary effect that usually fades within 6 to 12 months.
Fox eye surgery is often combined with a facelift, eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty.
Most swelling settles in 2 to 3 weeks.
What is a fox eye lift?
With age, and in some people from birth, the outer part of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye sit low. This can make the face look tired or sad. A fox eye lift raises these areas slightly upwards and outwards. The goal is a rested, lifted look, not an exaggerated "cat eye" that changes the person's identity.
Video: Fox eye surgery combined with a nose job, before and after. Watch on YouTube
The video above, with more than 2.4 million views, shows a patient who had fox eye surgery together with rhinoplasty.
Fox eye surgery before and after Fox eye surgery before and after Fox eye surgery before and after
More fox eye results are shown on our fox eyes before and after page.
How the surgery is done
Temporal lift: through short incisions inside the hairline of the temple, the tissues of the outer brow and temple are released and lifted.
Fixation: the lifted tissues are secured to a deeper, firm layer so the result holds.
Outer eye corner (optional): if the corner of the eye itself needs to be raised, a canthopexy tightens the supporting tendon, usually through a small incision in the upper eyelid crease or at the outer corner of the eye.
Combination: a fox eye lift is often added to a facelift, upper eyelid surgery or nose surgery in the same operation.
Video: Facelift and neck lift with fox eye surgery and nano fat, on the operating table. Watch on YouTube
Surgery vs threads
Duration: surgical lift for years; threads usually 6 to 12 months.
Strength of lift: surgery can move heavier tissue; threads suit a subtle change.
Scars: surgery leaves small scars hidden in the hairline; threads leave tiny entry points.
Risks with threads: dimpling, visible or palpable threads and asymmetry as they relax.
"A good fox eye lift should look as if you were born with it. If people only notice that you look rested, the operation did its job." — Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas
Recovery
Days 1 to 3: swelling and a tight feeling at the temples; cold compresses help.
Day 7: stitches in the hairline are checked or removed.
Weeks 2 to 3: most swelling and bruising settle.
Months 1 to 3: the final, softer shape appears.
Learn more on our fox eyes page and in facelift combined with eyelid surgery, brow lift or fat transfer.
Who is a good candidate?
Good candidates have a low or flat outer brow, a tired look at the outer corner of the eye or early temple sagging, and want a subtle lift. Many are in their 30s to 50s. Older patients with more sagging often benefit from combining a fox eye lift with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
What a fox eye lift cannot do
A fox eye lift does not remove excess eyelid skin, eye bags or deep wrinkles. These are treated with eyelid surgery, fat grafting or laser. It also cannot change the shape of the eye socket or the colour of the eyes. A clear plan at the consultation sets the right expectation.
Preparing for surgery
Stop smoking several weeks before surgery, avoid blood-thinning supplements, and tell your surgeon about dry eyes, contact lens use and previous eyelid or brow procedures, because these affect the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fox eye surgery permanent?
A surgical fox eye lift lasts for years, although the face continues to age. Thread-based fox eye lifts are temporary.
Are there visible scars?
The temple incisions are placed inside the hairline and are usually hidden by the hair; if the eye corner is also tightened, a small additional scar lies in the eyelid crease or at the outer eye corner.
Can fox eye surgery be combined with a facelift or rhinoplasty?
Yes, and it often is. Combining procedures means one anaesthesia and one recovery period.
What are the risks?
Possible risks include swelling, asymmetry, temporary numbness, hair thinning along the incision and, rarely, changes in the position of the outer eye corner. These are discussed at the consultation.
Who is not a good candidate?
People with very dry eyes, certain eyelid problems or unrealistic expectations of a dramatic cat-eye look may not be suitable.
About the Author
This article was written and medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience. He is the author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press, 2020), has more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications and five patents, and teaches facelift and rhinoplasty techniques to surgeons at international courses. Read more about Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.
Individual results vary. Before and after photos and videos are shared with patient consent. This article is for general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
See More Before and After Results
Would You Like a Similar Result?
You can send your photos for an online assessment or book an appointment at the Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic, Terrace Fulya, Şişli, Istanbul. Book an online consultation.
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