Plastic surgery
Plastic surgery
Fox eye surgery: what it is, and what before-and-after results really look like
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mehmet Yılmaz
Quick answer
Fox eye surgery isn't one operation. It's usually a temporal (lateral brow) lift combined with a canthoplasty or canthopexy. Together they angle the outer brow and corner into a slanted, almond shape, sometimes with eyelid surgery. Photos show the brow sitting higher and the corner turned upward, not a changed eyelid crease. Swelling and bruising last one to two weeks, and the shape settles over months. It holds for years, though ageing continues underneath it.
- Not one operation: a temporal lift plus canthoplasty or canthopexy, sometimes with eyelid surgery.
- What changes: the outer brow and eye corner; the eyeball isn't reshaped.
- Recovery: one to two weeks of swelling, then months of settling.
- Cost varies with the techniques combined; no single flat price.
- Long-lasting, not eternal: ageing continues underneath it.
In this guide
Fox eye surgery started as a styling trend, now one of the most searched phrases in cosmetic surgery. The name comes from styling, not medicine: most people picture a lifted eyebrow and upturned corner, not a new eye shape. General information, not medical advice.
What is fox eye surgery?
"Fox eye" describes a look, not a diagnosis. Within our plastic and aesthetic surgery programme, it usually means combining two procedures. A temporal (lateral brow) lift raises the outer third of the eyebrow. A canthoplasty or canthopexy tightens or repositions the tendon anchoring the outer eye corner. Some add upper eyelid surgery.
It isn't a laser treatment; lasers and peels work on skin. Nor is it limited to one gender: men ask about a subtler version.
There's no single procedure code for "fox eye surgery." A surgeon plans a combination of techniques around your anatomy, not a fixed menu item.
How is fox eye surgery done?
A temporal lift goes through a short incision at the temple hairline, lifting tissue to raise the eyebrow's tail. A canthopexy tightens the lateral canthal tendon with sutures. A canthoplasty goes further, reattaching it slightly higher on the bone.
The two are done together, under sedation or general anaesthesia, in well under two hours. Istanbul, Turkey is a popular choice for this, often alongside a rhinoplasty or facelift.
What do fox eye surgery before-and-after photos actually show?
Less than filters and camera angles suggest. The outer eyebrow sits higher and the outer corner tilts slightly upward. Size, colour and the inner corner stay the same. Below: a temporal lift result, and the eyelid procedure some patients add to it.
Every photo here is shared for one reason: documented patient consent. We never guarantee an outcome; more are on our patient results page.
Fox eyes vs almond eyes vs cat eyes: what's actually different?
These terms get used almost interchangeably online for the same techniques, applied to different degrees.
| Term | What it usually means | How it's typically achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Fox eyes | Pronounced upward angle at brow and outer corner | Temporal lift + canthoplasty, sometimes with eyelid surgery |
| Cat eyes | Similar tilt, often interchangeable with "fox eyes" | Same techniques, or thread lifts and makeup temporarily |
| Almond eyes | Softer, rounder shape, only a slight lift | Same techniques applied more conservatively, or natural |
Choosing between "fox eyes" and "almond eyes"? The surgery is nearly identical; the angle is agreed with your surgeon.
Who is a good candidate for fox eye surgery?
Good candidates usually share: a drooping outer brow, or a corner turning downward with age; good skin elasticity; a wish for a subtle change; and realistic expectations about what the lift can and can't do.
When it isn't the right fit. If your concern is under-eye bags, lower eyelid surgery usually fits better; browse our real patient results to compare first.
The consultation comes first. It's with Op. Dr. Caner K., a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon.
Recovery, step by step
Recovery is gradual, not instant.
First days
Swelling and bruising peak early on. Cold compresses and an elevated head help. Stitches heal well hidden.
One to two weeks
Most bruising fades by then. Patients feel comfortable in public, sometimes with light makeup. Bending over and heavy lifting stay off-limits longer.
Months
Fine swelling can take months to resolve. The angle right after surgery looks stronger than the settled result — don't judge it at week two.
Is fox eye surgery permanent?
The repositioning is meant to last. A properly performed lift reattaches tissue rather than just pulling on skin, unlike a filler. "Permanent" still needs a caveat: your face keeps ageing, and gravity softens the angle over years. Brow threads, by contrast, last months.
What does fox eye surgery cost?
There's no honest single number: a temporal lift alone costs less than one combined with canthoplasty, and anyone quoting a flat price before examining your face is guessing.
At SaluVista, cost is confirmed with a transparent, itemised quote after assessment, once your surgeon knows which combination suits you.
Curious whether a temporal lift, canthoplasty, or both would suit your face?
Share a few details and photos securely, and Op. Dr. Caner K. gives you an honest recommendation.
Get a free assessment →What can go wrong with fox eye surgery?
Fox eye surgery carries the same risks as any eyelid surgery, plus a few specific to canthal work: asymmetry, an over-tightened eye shape, temporary dryness, and a visible scar. The outer eyelid also protects the eye, so poorly judged surgery can affect how comfortably it closes.
The surgeon matters more here than for many procedures. Canthal-specific experience lowers these risks. The NHS and BAAPS stress checking qualifications before booking.
How SaluVista works. Screening and booking happen in the app, you speak with your surgeon before travelling, and a qualified human makes the final decision on whether to operate.
Frequently asked questions
What is fox eye surgery?
Fox eye surgery is not a single medical operation; it's the popular name for a small set of techniques, usually a temporal (lateral brow) lift and a canthoplasty or canthopexy, used together to lift the outer eyebrow and outer eye corner into a more slanted, almond shape. Some patients combine it with upper eyelid surgery for a fuller change. A plastic surgeon plans the exact combination around your individual anatomy.
How is fox eye surgery done?
A temporal lift repositions tissue near the hairline at the temple to raise the outer brow, usually through a small, well-hidden incision. A canthoplasty or canthopexy tightens or repositions the tendon at the outer corner of the eye so it sits slightly higher. The two are frequently performed together in a single procedure under sedation or general anaesthesia, with surgery typically taking well under two hours.
Is fox eye surgery permanent?
The tissue repositioning from a temporal lift and canthoplasty is intended to be long-lasting, and results generally hold up well for years. It isn't permanent in an absolute sense, because normal facial ageing and gravity continue afterward and will gradually soften the lift over time. Non-surgical alternatives such as thread lifts fade much sooner and are not a substitute for the surgical result.
What is the difference between fox eyes and almond eyes?
Fox eyes and almond eyes both describe a lifted, slightly tilted outer corner rather than two different medical conditions; the labels come from styling and social media, not clinical classification. A fox eye result usually shows a more pronounced upward angle at the outer brow and outer corner of the eye, while an almond eye look is typically the same techniques applied more subtly. The exact line between the two is a matter of degree, decided with your surgeon.
How much does fox eye surgery cost?
There is no single fox eye surgery price, because the final cost depends entirely on which techniques are combined: a temporal lift alone costs less than a temporal lift paired with canthoplasty and eyelid surgery. At SaluVista, your cost is confirmed with a transparent, itemised quote after an individual assessment, once a surgeon knows exactly what your face needs.
Can fox eye surgery go wrong?
As with any eyelid or canthal surgery, possible complications include asymmetry, an over-tightened or rounded eye shape, temporary dry eye, and a visible scar at the temple hairline if healing doesn't go smoothly. Because the outer eyelid also protects and closes the eye, a surgeon experienced specifically in canthal techniques, not just cosmetic surgery in general, meaningfully lowers this risk. A qualified surgeon discusses these risks individually before you book anything.
This article is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace a consultation with a qualified surgeon. Individual results, risks and recommendations vary, and no specific aesthetic outcome can be guaranteed. Always discuss your options and risks with a medical professional.