Fox eyes, also referred to in Turkish as almond eye or cat eye aesthetics, is a term describing an appearance in which the outer corner of the eye and the outer end of the brow look slightly oriented upward and outward. It is not the name of a single operation; it describes a desired look.
At the examination in Antalya, this request is evaluated by assessing the brow position, the temple area, the structure of the eyelids and the overall proportions of the face together. The aim is not to change the structure of the eye, but to obtain a more refreshed expression by balancing the descent of the brow tail and the temple area. Because an overly pulled appearance can lead to an unnatural expression, planning is kept measured.
In everyday language, these terms are mostly used for the same look. "Fox eyes" and "foxy eyes" are names of English origin; the most common Turkish equivalent is "badem göz estetiği" (almond eye aesthetics). What all of them describe is the line formed by the outer corner of the eye and the tail of the brow appearing oriented upward.
This look is mostly associated not with a procedure on the eyelid or the eyeball itself, but with approaches that support the outer end of the brow and the temple tissues.
At the examination, two main approaches may be discussed depending on the person's structure and expectations:
The tissues at the outer end of the brow and in the temple area are repositioned upward and outward through incisions planned within the hair-bearing scalp; in some cases an endoscopic (closed) method may be preferred. It comes into consideration when there is pronounced descent of the brow and temple, or when a longer-lasting correction is intended. Details are on the Temporal Lift page. If there is also excess skin on the upper eyelid, it may be evaluated together with eyelid surgery.
Dissolvable suspension threads are placed under the skin with the aim of providing upward support to the temple and the tail of the brow. It requires no incisions and the return to daily life is shorter; however, its effect is more limited than surgery, and because the threads are gradually dissolved by the body, its permanence also lasts only for a limited time.
The two methods are not alternatives to each other but approaches for different needs. The table below summarizes the technical differences; which one is suitable can be determined only through an examination.
| Temporal lift (surgical) | Thread lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Small incisions within the hair-bearing scalp | No incision; small entry points |
| Anesthesia | Local + sedation or general | Usually local anesthesia |
| Effect | Repositioning of the tissues | Upward support with threads |
| Permanence | Long-lasting; the aging process continues | Limited duration; the threads dissolve over time |
| Return to social life | Approximately 7–10 days | Usually a few days |
| Who it is considered for | Pronounced descent of the brow and temple | Mild descent, people who do not want an incision |
Situations in which it may come into consideration:
Situations in which it may not be suitable:
With the surgical approach, swelling and mild bruising may be seen in the temple and around the eyes in the first days; swelling generally decreases noticeably within 2–4 weeks, and the appearance takes 2–3 months to settle. There may be temporary hair loss around the incision line.
With a thread lift, there may be tenderness at the entry points, mild swelling and a temporary feeling of tightness; these findings mostly decrease within a few days. In the first weeks, it is recommended not to exaggerate facial expressions and not to massage the area.
With both methods, the result changes over time depending on the person's skin structure, age and natural aging process.
Both the surgical method and the thread lift carry certain risks. Being aware of them is necessary for a sound decision:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and current health status are assessed in detail at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
Fox eyes is a term describing the outer corner of the eye and the outer end of the brow looking slightly oriented upward. In Turkish it is also referred to as almond eye or cat eye aesthetics; it is not the name of a single operation.
After an examination, two approaches may be discussed depending on the person: a surgical temporal lift, in which the temple tissues are repositioned through incisions within the hair-bearing scalp, or a thread lift, in which support is provided with dissolvable threads.
In everyday language they are used for the same look. Fox eyes is the name of English origin, while almond eye is the common equivalent in Turkish.
Temporal lift is the name of a surgical procedure; almond eyes describes the look one wishes to achieve. A temporal lift is one of the methods that may contribute to this look.
The correction achieved with a surgical temporal lift is long-lasting; natural aging continues. With a thread lift, because the threads dissolve over time, the effect continues for a limited time.
With a thread lift, the return to daily life usually takes a few days. With the surgical approach, return to social life takes approximately 7–10 days, a noticeable reduction in swelling 2–4 weeks, and the settling of the appearance 2–3 months.
If there is also excess skin on the upper eyelid, the surgical approach may be evaluated together with eyelid surgery. This is decided after the examination.
It can be evaluated in male patients as well. Because a flatter brow line is considered natural in men, planning is kept more limited and measured.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks: asymmetry, excessive or insufficient correction, infection; with a thread lift, the thread being felt or migrating. Personal risks are discussed in detail at the examination and during the consent process.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
