What is almond eye surgery?
An almond eye is slightly longer than it is round, with an outer corner that sits level with or a touch higher than the inner corner. Eyes look round when the horizontal opening is short, and sad or tired when the outer corner tilts down.
Almond eye surgery is not a single standard operation but a combination planned around your measurements. The core is lateral canthoplasty: the outer corner tendon is released, the opening lengthened, and the corner re-anchored to the bone. It is often paired with double eyelid surgery or an inner-corner adjustment ( epicanthoplasty) so the whole eye stays balanced.
Who suits an almond eye shape?
- Round-looking eyes with a short horizontal opening.
- An outer corner that slants downward giving a tired or sad look.
- Enough outer-corner skin to lengthen without strain — assessed in person.
- Firm lower lids with good snap-back tone.
- Realistic goals a refined shape, not a dramatic lift.
If you want a stronger upward tilt, compare cat eye surgery and fox eye surgery, which emphasise lift rather than length.
Almond, cat or fox eye — what is the difference?
| Almond eye | Cat eye | Fox eye | |
| Main change | Gentle lengthening | Outer-corner lift | Lifted, elongated tail |
| Typical technique | Lateral canthoplasty | Canthopexy ± lid support | Canthal work ± brow tail lift |
| Look | Soft, balanced | Alert, lifted | Sharper, more stylised |
| Swelling | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Relapse risk | Low to moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
How is almond eye surgery performed?
Before & after
Before
After
More eye-shape results are in our before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after almond eye surgery?
| Day 1–3 | Tightness and swelling at the corners; cold compresses and head elevation. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches removed; the corner may look slightly over-lifted at first. |
| Week 2–4 | Swelling and redness at the corner fade; make-up allowed. |
| Month 3–6 | The corner relaxes into its final shape and the scar softens. |
“A good outer corner is one nobody notices. People should see that your eyes look lovely, not that they have been changed.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of outer-corner surgery?
The outer corner tends to drift back slightly as it heals, so part of the change can relapse. Other risks include asymmetry, a rounded or webbed corner, temporary dryness, visible pink scarring for a few months and, rarely, lower-lid pull-down. Patients with lax lower lids need extra support; if your lid already sits low, see lower eyelid retraction surgery before considering shape surgery.
Frequently asked questions
How much longer will my eyes look?
Usually a few millimetres at the outer corner. The aim is a subtle shift in shape, not a different eye.
Is almond eye surgery permanent?
The corner is fixed to bone with permanent sutures, but some relaxation during healing is normal.
Will I have a visible scar?
A short scar sits at the outer corner and is usually faint after several months.
Can it be combined with double eyelid surgery?
Yes, and the two are often planned together so crease and corner match.
Is it the same as a fox eye lift?
No. Fox eye techniques add a stronger upward tilt, often with brow-tail lifting; almond eye surgery focuses on length.
How soon can I fly home?
Most patients fly after 7–10 days, once stitches are out and Dr. Lee has reviewed the corners.