What is cat eye surgery?
The 'cat eye' look is a horizontally longer eye whose outer corner finishes level or slightly upward. Make-up imitates it with winged liner; surgery achieves it by changing where the lateral canthal tendon attaches, together with a small release of the outer lid margin.
It is the outer-corner counterpart of epicanthoplasty, and many people combine the two for balance. Patients who want a stronger upward angle rather than length often look at fox eye surgery; those wanting a softer rounded outline may prefer almond eye surgery.
Who is a good candidate for cat eye surgery?
- A short horizontal eye length with the outer corner tucked in.
- Outer corners that sit level or slant downward giving a sad or tired look.
- Firm, healthy lower lids — a lax lid is a reason for caution.
- A wish for a refined change rather than a dramatic slant.
- No significant dry eye or prominent, forward-set eyeballs.
Cat eye surgery cannot create a large amount of length. Expect a gain of a few millimetres; the outer corner is limited by the bony orbital rim.
Cat eye vs fox eye vs almond eye surgery
| Cat eye | Fox eye | Almond eye | |
| Main change | Horizontal length + mild tilt | Upward tilt of outer corner | Softer, balanced outline |
| Where | Outer canthus | Outer canthus and temple area | Lower lid and outer corner |
| Look | Long, sleek | Lifted, sharp | Gentle, rounded |
| Downtime | 7–10 days | 7–14 days | 7–14 days |
How is cat eye surgery performed?
Before & after
Before
After
Find more examples in our before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after cat eye surgery?
| Day 1–3 | Swelling and tightness at the outer corners; the eye may feel slightly gritty. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches out; most bruising has faded. |
| Week 2–4 | The corner may look slightly over-tilted while it settles — this is expected. |
| Month 2–3 | Shape relaxes into its final position and the small scar softens. |
“The outer corner holds the lower lid in place. I change its position only as far as it can still do that job.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of cat eye surgery?
Some of the length gained can relax back over the first months, particularly in thinner tissues. The more serious risks are lower-lid malposition — the lid sagging or pulling away from the eye, showing more white below the iris — and dry-eye symptoms. These are why Dr. Lee checks lid tone carefully beforehand and may decline the procedure if the lids are lax.
Frequently asked questions
How much longer will my eyes look?
Typically a few millimetres. The bony rim of the eye socket limits how far the corner can move.
Will there be a visible scar?
The incision is short and sits at the outer corner, where it usually blends into natural lines within a few months.
Can the result relax over time?
Some relapse is possible, especially in the first few months, which is why fixation to the bone is used.
Is cat eye surgery the same as a thread fox-eye lift?
No. Threads lift the brow and temple skin temporarily; cat eye surgery changes the position of the corner itself.
Can it be combined with other eye procedures?
Yes. It is often paired with epicanthoplasty or double eyelid surgery for a balanced result.
Who performs the surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung handles your consultation, surgery and aftercare personally.