Revealing the Secret to a Successful Fox Eye Lift
By Dr. Yongwoo Kim, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Head Doctor at Returning Plastic Surgery
Hello, I’m Dr. Yongwoo Kim, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
In this post, I’ll be sharing details about fox eye surgery, also known as a lateral canthoplasty or cat eye lift. Many people with drooping outer eye corners are told that the results are short-lived or that the surgery isn’t even possible. It can be extremely difficult to find a clinic that does it properly.
Let’s explore why the results of fox eye surgery often fail, why some clinics avoid it altogether, and how I’ve developed a method to overcome its limitations.
The Anatomy Behind Fox Eye Surgery
In the past, plastic surgery ideals were based on Western standards. East Asian eyes typically have a monolid with a thick epicanthal fold and a naturally upward slant (Mongolian slant or canthal tilt), which can make the eyes appear shorter and sharper.
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| Difference in canthal tilt between East Asian and Western eyes |
For this reason, the trend in East Asia used to focus on creating a Western look with double eyelid surgery, epicanthoplasty, and lateral canthoplasty.
However, with the rise of K-culture, the standard of beauty has shifted. People now admire the chic, lifted eyes seen in many East Asian celebrities.
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| Jennie of BLACKPINK, known as the icon of the cat eye look |
Cat eyes and fox eyes, with their naturally elevated outer corners, have become a beauty trend worldwide.
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| Charming cat and fox eyes with lifted outer corners |
Some people are born with low canthal tilt, while others developed droopy corners after aggressive outer and lower canthoplasty. As a result, demand for fox eye surgery is increasing. But the results at many clinics are disappointing.
Why Does Fox Eye Surgery Often Fail?
Many clinics try to create the fox eye look using canthotomy or fixed thread lifting. These techniques are overly simple and usually fail.
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| Canthotomy temporarily lifts the outer corner, but the effect does not last |
The problem lies in the anatomy. The outer eye corner is anchored by the lateral canthal tendon, which is connected to the orbital rim. If this structure is not fully released and repositioned, the elevated corner will inevitably drop due to gravity and blinking.
Thread lifting is even worse. The resistance from surrounding retaining ligaments makes it nearly impossible to maintain the lifted position. Also, the results often look unnatural when making facial expressions.
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| Fox eye surgery using fixed thread lifting technique |
This leads to what we call the cheese-wiring effect.
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| Just like wire cutting through cheese, sutures can tear through human tissue over time |
This concept is critical in plastic and anti-aging surgery. If you fix soft tissues with strong, stiff threads, those threads will gradually slice through the anchor points with time and movement. This is especially true around the eye, which moves frequently through blinking and rubbing.
This is why fixed thread lifts and simple canthotomy methods are bound to fail.
So Is Fox Eye Surgery Even Possible?
I used to perform these older methods myself, only to watch the corners fall again. After reading multiple medical papers and analyzing the anatomy in detail, I discovered a more effective and durable method.
My Proven Method for Fox Eye Surgery
Step 1: I start with an endoscopic dissection through a temporal incision to release the retaining ligaments around the lateral orbital rim.
Step 2: Through a small skin incision, I perform a canthotomy and carefully dissect the lateral canthal tendon and tarsal strap.
Step 3: I use elastic threads (e.g., Elasticum) instead of stiff sutures. This reduces the cheese-wiring effect while allowing more natural movement.
Step 4: I also lift surrounding areas such as the brow to create a balanced and harmonious result.
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| Elastic threads reduce tension and tearing compared to fixed sutures |
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| Ligaments and supporting tissues around the lateral orbital rim must be fully released for long-lasting results |
Real Surgical Results
2 weeks after fox eye lift, forehead lift, upper eyelid fat graft, and double eyelid surgery
10 months follow-up: same patient, stable result
2 weeks and 1 year: fox eye lift, double eyelid, lower blepharoplasty, facelift
6 months follow-up: fox eye lift, forehead lift, under-eye fat repositioning
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| [Dr. Returning Fox Eye Surgery] Long-term results are achieved by fully releasing the resistant tissues around the orbital rim and lateral canthus, followed by lifting with elastic threads like Elasticum. |
Comparing Standard Thread Lift vs. My Method
Standard Thread Lift
Dr. Returning’s Fox Eye Lift
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| Elastic threads like Elasticum, which stretch like rubber bands, help prevent cheese-wiring |
Conclusion
Fox eye surgery is not impossible, but it should never be approached with simple or superficial techniques. Only a deep understanding of anatomical structures and long-term surgical thinking can lead to a successful result.
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| 2 weeks after fox eye lift, forehead lift, upper eyelid fat graft, and incisional double eyelid surgery |
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| 10-month follow-up of the same patient |
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| 2 weeks and 1 year after fox eye lift, incisional double eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty, and facelift |
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| 6 months after fox eye lift, forehead lift, and under-eye fat repositioning |
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| [Standard Fox Eye Lift vs. Dr. Returning’s Technique] Fixed thread lifts often fail due to resistance from surrounding tissues, facial expressions, and gravity, leading to cheese-wiring. In contrast, complete ligament release combined with elastic thread lifting maintains results without cheese-wiring. |
If you’re consulting with clinics and hear only about quick thread lifts or basic cutting techniques, be cautious. Invest time in understanding the procedure and choose a surgeon with deep experience and knowledge.
Thank you for reading.
— Dr. Yongwoo Kim
#FoxEyeSurgery #CatEyeLift #LateralCanthoplasty #ElasticumLift #DeepCanthoplasty
#CheeseWiringFix #KoreanPlasticSurgery #NaturalEyeLift #DrReturning #EyeCornerLift
📍 Located in Korea, Seoul, Gangnam
💬+82 10 4836 1122
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