Foxy eyes or cat eyes surgery lifts the outer corners of the eyes so they sit slightly higher than the inner corners, creating an elongated, almond shape and a fresher, more alert look.
It can be combined with other eyelid procedures, such as double eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, epicanthoplasty (opening the inner corners), or a brow lift to raise the tail of the brow. Swelling and bruising around the eyes usually last about 5–7 days.
What Is the Difference Between Cat Eyes and Foxy Eyes?
The terms “cat eyes” and “foxy eyes” are used differently by different surgeons and clinics. In general:
- Cat eyes (canthopexy): the tendon at the outer corner of the eye is tightened and lifted, then anchored to the bone of the eye socket. This lifts the outer corner by up to about 5 mm, for a lifted, flirty look. It’s less invasive, with a shorter recovery.
- Foxy eyes (lateral canthoplasty): the outer corner tendon is released and repositioned, often with removal of a small strip of skin at the outer corner. This can lengthen the eye outwards as well as lift it, for a more elongated almond shape. It’s more involved, with a little more discomfort and a longer recovery.
Surgical Techniques
Several techniques can achieve this result, and the choice depends on the individual case and the surgeon’s assessment. Common methods include:
- Suture technique. Tiny incisions at the outer corner of the eyelid, with sutures used to lift the corner.
- Skin excision. A small strip of skin is removed from the outer corner to raise it.
- Fat repositioning. Fat at the outer corner is repositioned to create the lift.
- Combined approach. Two or more of the above together — for instance, removing a small strip of skin while repositioning fat.
Your surgeon will recommend the approach best suited to your anatomy and goals, and will go through the advantages and drawbacks of each beforehand. Note that not every surgeon uses the terms “cat eyes” or “foxy eyes”; you may also see the same work described as lateral canthoplasty or lateral canthopexy.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cat Eyes/Foxy Eyes Surgery?
A good candidate for cat eyes or foxy eyes surgery is typically an adult who is in good overall health and has realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
Ideal candidates usually have
- droopy or hooded outer corners of the eyelids
- excess skin or fat in the outer corners of the eyelids
- no significant underlying eye or eyelid problems
- no severe medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
Who should avoid or delay surgery
- Active infection or inflammation around the eyes
- Serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma, severe dry eye or retinal disease
- Blood clotting disorders or a tendency to form keloid scars
- Previous eyelid surgery, which may leave too little skin. Your surgeon will assess this carefully.
Discuss your medical history and your goals with a qualified, experienced surgeon to establish whether this procedure suits you.
Why Patients Choose This Surgery
Common reasons include:
- Correcting drooping or hooded outer corners of the eyelids
- Removing excess skin or fat at the outer corners
- Creating a more defined, lifted eye shape
- Achieving a more rested, alert appearance
- Correcting asymmetry between the eyes
- Feeling more confident in one’s own face
The procedure is not suitable for people with:
- Active infection or inflammation in the eye area
- Serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye, or retinal problems
- Blood clotting disorders or tendency to form keloid scars
- Previous eyelid surgery.
- It is important to discuss your medical history and goals for surgery with a qualified and experienced surgeon to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Preparing for Surgery
- Consultation. You will discuss the result you want and undergo a full eye examination, along with a review of the risks and possible complications.
- Pre-operative assessment. Your surgeon will order the tests appropriate to your case to confirm your eyes are healthy and that nothing would compromise the outcome.
- Pre-operative instructions. These usually include avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, and smoking beforehand. Being well rested and well hydrated on the day also helps.
- Anaesthesia. Depending on the technique, you may have a local anaesthetic to numb the area or a general anaesthetic.
- The operation. The surgeon makes small incisions around the eye, removes or repositions tissue as planned, and may use sutures to refine the final shape.
Note for review: the original page listed “an MRI or CT scan” as routine pre-operative testing for this procedure. That is unusual for eyelid surgery and reads as an error. I have replaced it with a general reference to appropriate testing — please have the surgical team specify what they actually order.
Post-operative Care & Recovery
- Take prescribed medication to reduce swelling and pain, and apply ointment as directed.
- Apply cold compresses for 15 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first days.
- Sleep on your back with your head raised.
- Keep the incisions clean and dry, and don’t rub, scratch or press on them.
- Avoid eye makeup for at least 1 week.
- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors, and avoid strong sunlight for 2 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activity, exercise and heavy lifting for 1–2 weeks.
- Attend every follow-up appointment.
Swelling and bruising usually settle within 1–2 weeks.
Recovery is a real part of the process, not an afterthought — how carefully you manage it shapes the final outcome.
- Take the medication prescribed to manage swelling and discomfort.
- Apply any topical ointment as directed.
- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from sun and wind.
- Sleep with your head raised to limit swelling.
- Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for one to two weeks.
- Do not rub, scratch, or press on the surgical area.
- Keep to your scheduled follow-ups.
Risks and Complications
While the results of the surgery can be very effective, there are risks and complications associated with the procedure that patients should be aware of before undergoing the procedure. Below are some of the risks and complications related to Cat/Fox Eye Surgery:
- Risk of infection: As with any surgery, there is always a risk of infection. To reduce this risk, it is important to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions.
- Asymmetrical results: While the surgery aims to create symmetrical eyes, the results may be asymmetrical.
- Eyelid swelling: It is common for the eyelids to swell after the procedure. This swelling may last up to two weeks and can cause discomfort.
- Dry eyes: After the procedure, patients may experience dry eyes due to the changes in the eye muscles.
- Scarring: Cat/Fox Eye Surgery can cause scarring, which may be visible.
- Vision loss: There is always a risk of vision loss, although this is very rare.
- Pain: Pain is a common side effect of the procedure and can last up to a week after the surgery.
Cat Eye or Foxy Eye surgery can effectively improve the appearance of the eyes. Still, it is essential to understand its risks and potential complications. To ensure the best outcome, a qualified and experienced surgeon should be consulted before deciding.
Before and After for Cat Eyes / Foxy Eyes
Why Choose Kamol Hospital in Bangkok for Foxy Eyes Surgery
The outer corner of the eye is a small area with very little margin for error. A millimetre of over-correction reads as an obviously operated look; a millimetre under, and nothing has changed. What matters most in this procedure is judgement about how much lift a particular eye can carry.
- Experienced eyelid surgeons: Our plastic surgeons regularly perform canthopexy, canthoplasty and eyelid surgery.
- Several techniques: Suture, skin excision and fat repositioning, chosen to suit your eye shape.
- Whole-eye planning: Can be combined with double eyelid surgery, epicanthoplasty or a brow lift.
- Part of facial feminization: Eye shape is a key feature in FFS planning.
- Support for international patients: Multilingual coordinators and Kamol Trip help you plan your stay in Bangkok.
Kamol Hospital is a fully licensed hospital rather than a day clinic, accredited by the Joint Commission International, with anaesthesiologists and nursing staff on hand and full facilities should anything need managing. For international patients, our team handles scheduling, accommodation, and interpretation, so the practical side of travelling for surgery is taken care of.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is surgery different from a foxy eye thread lift?
A thread lift uses dissolving threads under the skin to pull the brow tail and outer eye area upwards. It’s less invasive, but the effect usually fades within months. Surgery repositions the eye corner itself and gives a longer-lasting result.
How long do the results last?
The results are long-lasting, but the outer corners may gradually drop back slightly over time, and the face continues to age. Your surgeon may slightly overcorrect at first to allow for this.
Will it look obvious that I have had surgery?
That depends entirely on how much lift is created. A moderate, well-planned change reads as a rested, open eye rather than an operated one. Asking for a dramatic lift on an eye that cannot support it is what produces the tight, artificial look people worry about, which is why we discuss the limits of your anatomy honestly at consultation.
When can I wear make-up and contact lenses again?
Avoid eye make-up for at least a week, and longer if your surgeon advises it, since products near a healing incision raise the infection risk. Contact lenses usually wait until swelling has settled and your surgeon confirms the eye is comfortable, often around two weeks.
Can foxy eyes surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It’s often combined with double eyelid surgery, epicanthoplasty to open the inner corners, or a brow lift to raise the brow tail, for a balanced result.
Will my eyes feel dry afterwards?
Some people have temporary dryness or irritation, as the eyelid position changes. Eye drops can help. If you already have dry eye, tell your surgeon before surgery.
Is it worth travelling to Thailand for a procedure this small?
For many patients, it makes sense as part of a combined trip — foxy eyes surgery is frequently done alongside blepharoplasty, a brow lift, or rhinoplasty in a single visit, which spreads the cost of travel across several procedures and means one recovery instead of three. If it is the only thing you want, weigh the savings against the airfare and the ten to fourteen days you should allow in Bangkok, Thailand, for follow-up before flying home.
How long should I stay in Bangkok after foxy eyes surgery?
Plan to stay in Bangkok for about 7 days. This allows for stitch removal and a follow-up check before you fly home. Kamol Trip can arrange accommodation close to the hospital.
