Fox Eye Surgery

Fox eye surgery — also called a cat-eye lift or almond eye lift — elevates the lateral corner of the eye to create a subtly lifted, almond-shaped eye. The goal is an alert, rested upper face, not a dramatic pulled look.

Who is a good candidate?

• Adults with slightly downward-sloping outer eye corners who want a lifted appearance.
• Patients seeking an alternative to a heavy brow lift or eyelid-only surgery.
• Realistic expectations about subtle, natural elevation — not a dramatic pulled look.
• No significant scleral show, dry eye, or prior extensive eyelid surgery.

Techniques

Lateral canthopexy (surgical)

Our preferred permanent approach. Through a small incision hidden in the lateral brow or upper eyelid crease, the outer canthal tendon is repositioned and fixed at a slightly higher angle. When performed correctly the result is long-lasting and proportionate.

Endoscopic temporal lift

Often paired with canthopexy. Small incisions in the hairline release and reposition the lateral brow and temple, amplifying the lifted effect and addressing temple hollowing.

Thread lift (non-surgical option)

PDO threads placed under the skin create a temporary lift that lasts eight to twelve months. Suitable as a test drive, or for patients not yet ready for surgery. Deeper lifts require a surgical approach.

Combined with upper blepharoplasty

Frequently combined with upper eyelid surgery to address hooding at the same time. Combined recovery is similar to blepharoplasty alone.

The procedure

Local anaesthesia with light sedation, around ninety minutes to two hours. Performed as a day procedure.

Recovery timeline

First week

Mild to moderate swelling and bruising at the outer eye corners. Sutures are removed around day five to seven. Cold compresses and sleeping with the head elevated help.

Weeks 2–4

Back to normal appearance. Some residual tightness at the outer corner is expected and resolves.

Months 2–3

Final result. The lifted angle settles and reads as naturally almond-shaped.

Safety and realistic expectations

Fox eye surgery is aesthetic, not medically necessary. Results depend on your baseline anatomy — good candidates get a subtle, refreshed look. Overcorrection can produce an unnatural pulled appearance, which is why we refuse cases where the anatomy does not support a safe, natural result. Every consultation includes a frank discussion of what is achievable in your specific case.