Fox Eye Surgery

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Eye Surgeries

Dr. Calvert and his team regularly get asked the following questions about fox eye surgery or cat eye surgery, note that if you have further questions or wish to schedule a consultation, you can contact us today.

• What is Fox Eye Surgery or a Fox Eye Lift?

  

  A fox eye surgery or cat eye surgery is a cosmetic procedure or procedures that result in a subtle or raised wing effect in the outer eyelid corners.

  In most cases, achieving the fox eye, cat eye, or almond eye look entails performing two procedures in one surgery, a lateral canthopexy or canthoplasty and a brow lift.

  A canthopexy involves lifting the outer portion of the lower eyelid using sutures, resulting in a refined “cat eye” look and an associated change in the overall eye shape.

  A corresponding brow lift is performed at the same time, ensuring that the brows match the new and improved elongated fox eye shape.

  A canthoplasty is another way to get that coveted fox eye look.

  This is a type of plastic surgery procedure that lifts and repositions the corner of the eye (the lateral canthus).

  It can help to reshape eyes that are more round than almond-shaped, and can also help correct drooping or sagging lower eyelids.

  That is not the only way that the fox eye look or almond-eyed look can help to rejuvenate your face and make you appear more youthful, however.

  In addition, the type of brow lift that is performed as part of a fox eye surgery can correct heavy upper eyelids and smooth forehead lines and crow’s feet or wrinkles around the eyes.

  After the procedure, the outer eyes and brows are harmoniously lifted and firmed, achieving the flirtatious, foxy almond-shaped eyes that have been made famous by some of Hollywood’s A-List starlets, models, and artists.

  

• What is a Canthopexy?

  A canthopexy is asurgical procedure that is designed to conserve the tissue in the eye area and reinforce the existing tendon without cutting or detaching it.

  By restoring the tension within the tendon and muscles, a canthopexy lowers the amount of fat that needs to be removed.

  The helps prevent lower eyelid hollowness or similar issues from developing in the future as the skin naturally ages.

  As it relates to fox eye surgery, a canthopexy helps to “tilt” the lateral corners of the eyes, resulting in a natural looking almond shape.

• What is a Canthoplasty?

  This method of achieving a fox eye look is often appealing to younger patients (those in their 20’s and 30’s).

  A canthoplasty is a procedure to alter or adjust the lateral canthus or the outer corner where the eyelids meet or connect (this is the spot to rejuvenate the eye area, tighten the skin, and make the eye area more vibrant, alert, and youthful.

  A blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, or both.

  An upper blepharoplasty often includes the removal of drooping eyelid skin and excess fat, and repairs the muscle that opens up the eyes.

  The difference between canthoplasty or canthopexy and a blepharoplasty is that during the former two procedures, the upper corner of the eye is pulled back and the corner of the eye is tightened.

  You can also have both a canthopexy and canthoplasty and a blepharoplasty performed at the same time since the incision is in the same location.

  While blepharoplasties were typically sought out by more mature patients, now that the fox eye look has become popular, younger patients are also considering the procedure(s).

  That is why a fox eye surgery may include a blepharoplasty, depending on your goals and the current shape of your eyes and the skin in the eye area.

• What is a Blepharoplasty?

  

  A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to your facial harmony allows extenuation or accentuation of your features to achieve a fox eye in a way that’s both natural and beautiful.

  For instance, a temporal or endoscopic brow lift can be used to achieve a lateral flare and botox can also be done to help raise the corners of the eyebrows if you have the right anatomy to begin with.

  However, a canthoplasty or canthopexy can help you to get the fox eye look as well – your plastic surgeon can determine the best route to that distinctive foxy look based on your unique facial anatomy.

  If your brow or eye area is drooping and making you look older than you feel, a fox eye surgery may be right for you, especially if you desire that elongated or exotic almond-shaped eye look.

  A customized upper eyelid blepharoplasty can reduce temporal hooding and give a more youthful shape to the eyes.

  This procedure involves cutting away a small portion of the eyelid, and not only can it be used to give a fox eye or cat eye shape, it also decreases the heaviness of hooded eyes and can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  Men and women of all ages have chosen to get fox eye surgery with successful results; the relatively minimal procedure is a non-invasive way to get dramatic and even life-changing results.

  

  Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty + Brow Lift Before & After by Dr. Calvert

  These are the 4 month post-op results. Patient had upper and lower lid dermatocholasis which gave her an aged and tired look. She had medial brow ptosis which made her look mean. A blepharoplasty and endoscopic brow lift was performed to remove excess skin and raise the medial and lateral brow to help her eyes a much more vibrant look.

  See more Blepharoplasty Before & After photos >

• What is the Difference Between a Canthoplasty and Canthopexy?

  On the surface, the two procedures are quite similar.

  However, a canthopexy is a less invasive procedure that uses invisible stitches to reposition and strengthen the corners of the eye.

  On the other hand, a canthoplasty is slightly more complex because it requires the muscles and tendons to be cut and shortened.

  Both options can give you a fox eye or cat eye look, the choice depends on your underlying facial structure and the results you wish to achieve.

  Dr. Calvert can advise as to the best possible route to the look you want.

• Fox Eye Vs. Cat Eye Surgery. What’s the Difference?

  

  Most of the time, patients seeking a fox eye or cat eye look are seeking similar procedures with a slight difference in the results.

  While both types of eye surgeries are meant to alter and enhance the shape of the eyes without affecting a patient’s vision, they are not exactly the same thing.

  

  That said, fox eyes are typically more slanted and almond-shaped with a straighter wing, while cat eyes are more rounded with an upturned wing.

  Moreover, fox eyes tend to address both an inner corner wing and an outer corner wing for a lifted and slanted look, but cat eyes have just the outer wing adjusted, resulting in a sultry, feline shape.

  Different surgical and non-surgical methods can be used to attain both fox eyes and cat eyes, depending on the existing facial anatomy and the desired results.

• Who is a Good Candidate for Fox Eye Surgery?

  

  If you (or another patient) are a good candidate for a fox eye procedure, this means that you are already in reasonably good health and anatomically here the “wings” typically start if an individual is wearing winged eyeliner, for instance).

  The goal of a canthoplasty is to create more elongated or almond-shaped eyes, which can be said to resemble a fox or feline, or have a cat-like appearance.

  The procedure involves lifting, tightening, and repositioning the lateral canthus to provide that upturned and youthful look.

  Canthoplasty can be performed at the same time as other surgeries, such as a blepharoplasty or eye lift that uses the same incisions to remove excess skin or fat in the lower and upper eyelids.

  Finally, you should be well-adjusted, in good overall health with no major issues or history of complications, and have reasonable expectations of what can be accomplished via fox eye surgery or any other procedure – getting “foxy eyes” can improve or enhance the way you look, but it may not make you look absolutely perfect in your mind.

• What is a Fox Eye Thread Lift?

  Thread lifts are often mentioned as a way to get the fox eye look.

  Keep in mind that while a thread lift can get you results, a fox eye thread lift or any other kind of thread lift only lasts for several months.

  On the other hand, a fox eye surgery (e.g., a canthoplasty or canthopexy and a brow lift) gives more permanent, lasting results.

• What are Some Benefits of Fox Eye or Fox Eye Lift Surgery?

  A fox eye surgery can open and lift the eyes, eliminating or mitigating droopy eye corners that may cause you to have an overall tired or sleepy appearance.

  During a fox eye lift, Dr. Calvert can elevate the lateral portion of the eyes and brows, resulting in a rejuvenated eye area and a more rested, alert, and vibrant look.

• Is Fox Eye Surgery Reversible?

  While some types of plastic surgery can be reversed, in the case of a surgical procedure for fox eyes or cat eyes (or other similar surgeries) the resulting changes cannot be undone, meaning your eye area cannot be returned to its exact original state.

  If you are considering fox eye surgery, be aware that while thread lifts for fox eyes are often touted as temporary and indeed the results do not last in the same way as a surgical procedure, any change to the delicate skin around the eye area can have a lasting effect.

• What Does a Fox Eye Surgery Look Like?

  

  While each individual’s results may vary, a fox eye surgery opens up, lifts, and elongates the eye, and creates a distinctive almond shape with lifted corners that is reminiscent of an actual fox.

  Since almond shaped eyes are generally considered to be attractive and desirable in both genders, the fox eye procedure is requested by both men and women, although female artists, models, and artists are the examples usually referred to by prospective patients.

• How Long Does a Fox Eye Surgery Last?

  

  A surgical fox eye lift is permanent.

  While some doctors use threads or perform thread lifts to get the fox eye look, Dr. Calvert uses innovative surgical techniques to create a long-lasting result that maintains its elegance over time.

• Does Fox Eye Surgery Affect My Vision?

  A fox eye lift or fox eye surgery should not affect your vision or ability to see, even peripherally.

  It is a cosmetic procedure that only changes and reshapes the lid and skin around the eye but doesn’t involve the eye itself.

  However, any surgery in the eye area poses risks of infection, nerve damage, or potential eyesight problems.

• What Happens During a Fox Eye Surgery?

  

  Fox eye surgery can be done under twilight anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, but can also be done under general anesthesia depending on the extent of the work being performed, the patient’s preferences, and the doctor’s recommendation.

  During the canthopexy or canthoplasty part of the surgery, the doctor lifts the outer corner of the eye and positions it higher, elongating the eye and giving it that distinctive almond shape with a slight angle that resembles a fox’s eye.

  The inner corners are also adjusted to give the eyes a tilted look.

  This new arched shape doesn’t affect your vision.

  Dr. Calvert will also often elevate the forehead skin by performing a brow lift, eliminating periorbital and forehead wrinkles while shifting the brows to a higher position.

  A blepharoplasty or procedure to remove or reduce drooping skin or excess fat and muscle may also be performed as part of your fox eye surgery.

• How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Fox Eye Surgery?

  Recovering from a fox eye surgery can be relatively quick, with patients at Dr. Calvert’s Beverly Hills or Newport Beach plastic surgery practice recovering within 1 to 2 weeks.

  The procedure is not particularly invasive and the resulting bruising or swelling is usually fairly minimal and only lasts around 7 to 10 days.

  In the first few days after getting fox eye surgery, you’ll want to avoid anything that causes eye strain such as excessive screen time or TV viewing.

  If applicable, you’ll also want to avoid contact lenses for at least a few weeks, and you will not be allowed to wear eye makeup or any makeup in the eye area until you have completely healed.

  After that, you can resume your normal activities and your eye area should be completely healed within a month or so.

• Is Fox Eye Surgery Painful?

  Any surgery tends to cause a little discomfort, but in general a fox eye surgery such as a temporal or lateral brow lift and a lower eye canthoplasty to lift up or upturn the corner of the eye is not particularly painful.

• What are Some Risks of Fox Eye Surgery?

  Every person’s healing process is different and getting any type of surgery poses certain risks. With fox eye surgery, ripples and skin puckering are known side effects, as well as infection or nerve damage.

• What are Some Potential Complications of a Fox Eye Surgery?

  When performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Calvert, fox eye surgery is unlikely to result in serious complications.

  However, like any surgery or procedure where incisions are made in the skin, there is a risk of infection, swelling, and bruising.

  Eye surgeries also carry a risk of eyesight problems or nerve damage in the eye area.

• How Much Does a Fox Eye Surgery Cost?

  

  The cost of a fox eye lift varies based on a number of factors, such as the type of lift or procedures being performed and the extent of the changes being made.

  The average cost of a fox eye surgery varies from state to state and city to city, but according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS, the average cost of a plastic surgeon’s fee for a fox eye surgery ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 on up.

  The surgeon’s fees alone are not the only elements of the price to consider, however.

  Once the operating room fees and anesthesia costs are added, the cost rises.

  You should also be aware that getting surgery in Los Angeles (or California in general) or another major metro area may be substantially more expensive and the cost of a fox eye lift in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills will be more than it is in areas with a lower cost of living.

  When you are comparing costs for a fox eye surgery, keep in mind that it’s your eyes and your face – and the quality and results make all the difference in your satisfaction and happiness with your experience.

• Can I Drive Myself Home after Getting a Fox Eye Surgery?

  No, you cannot drive yourself after getting a fox eye lift or any other plastic surgery.

  That is because you will have been sedated during your fox eye surgery and will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery immediately afterwards.

  While a fox eye surgery or any kind of facial plastic surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, you will not be able to get yourself home due to the after-effects of the anesthesia, so you should plan ahead for a friend or family member to assist you in getting home and getting set up for recovery.