What is fox eye surgery?
The fox-eye look became popular through make-up and social media, and many people first try it with threads placed in the temple. Those lift the outer brow for a few months, but they do not move the eye corner itself, and the effect fades.
Fox eye surgery works at two levels: the outer canthus is re-anchored slightly higher to change the eye's axis, and, where needed, the outer brow or lateral lid skin is lifted so the sweep continues upward. If hooding at the outer lid is the main problem, a sub-brow lift may be added; if you want more length than tilt, compare cat eye surgery.
Who is a good candidate for fox eye surgery?
- Outer corners that slant downward making the face look sad or tired.
- Mild lateral hooding or a flat outer brow.
- Good lower-lid tone so the lid can follow the new angle.
- Eyes that are not prominent — very forward eyes are more prone to lid problems.
- A preference for subtle elegance over an exaggerated slant.
If the outer brow has dropped significantly, an endoscopic brow lift may contribute more to the effect than canthal surgery alone.
Fox eye surgery vs thread lift vs cat eye surgery
| Fox eye surgery | Fox-eye threads | Cat eye surgery | |
| Changes eye corner | Yes | No | Yes |
| Main effect | Upward tilt | Temporary brow lift | Horizontal length |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Months | Long-lasting |
| Downtime | 7–14 days | 2–5 days | 7–10 days |
| Scar | Small, at outer corner | Needle entry points | Small, at outer corner |
How is fox eye surgery performed?
Before & after
Before
After
Further cases are in the before & after gallery.
How long does fox eye surgery take to recover from?
| Day 1–3 | Swelling at the outer eyes and temples; mild tightness when smiling. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches removed; sunglasses help in the first week. |
| Week 2–4 | The tilt may look strong at first and gradually soften. |
| Month 3 | Final angle settles and the scar fades into the outer corner. |
“A fox eye should look like your eyes on a good day, only a little more lifted.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of fox eye surgery?
Partial relapse of the tilt over the first months is the most frequent issue. Less commonly, the lower lid can be pulled out of position, causing exposure, watering or dry eye, and the two sides may settle slightly differently. An over-done angle can look unnatural and is difficult to undo, so Dr. Lee plans a conservative change rather than the maximum possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a fox eye result last?
Surgical repositioning is designed to be long-lasting, though some early relaxation of the angle is common and tissues continue to age.
Is fox eye surgery better than a thread lift?
They do different things. Threads lift skin temporarily; surgery changes the eye corner itself and lasts much longer, with more downtime.
Will people notice I had surgery?
When the angle is kept moderate, most people see brighter, more lifted eyes rather than an obvious change.
Is there a scar?
A small scar sits at the outer corner and usually fades within a few months.
Can it be reversed?
Partial correction is possible but difficult, which is why the planned tilt is conservative.
Who performs the surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung carries out the design, the surgery and all follow-up visits herself.