The Definitive Guide to Lifting the Outer Eye Corner: An In-depth Case Analysis

In this post, we will analyze specific cases of surgery to lift the outer corner of the eye.

Hello, this is Dr. Kim Yong-woo, the director of Returning Plastic Surgery.

It’s been a long time since I last posted about the "Fox Eye Lift," yet the number of inquiries has been explosive. So, after a long wait, I’ve decided to create another in-depth post on the topic.

*Before reading this post, I strongly recommend you read my previous article first! (Link to previous blog post: https://blog.naver.com/psdrkyw/222108502501)

As time goes on, beauty standards change, and we are now in an era where a chic, upward-slanting eye shape is preferred. International pop stars and influencers have even made "Fox Eye Surgery" a trend.

(A Western patient immediately after a FOX EYE LIFT at our clinic.)

While interest in lifting the outer eye corner is growing, it is also a procedure that many plastic surgery clinics consider taboo. To this day, the majority of clinics only offer temporary solutions like thread lifts or temple lifts, which provide fleeting effects.

The vast majority of patients who come for a consultation have a history of multiple procedures, such as several temple thread lifts, a forehead lift, a sub-brow lift, or lateral canthoplasty. Many people come to Returning Plastic Surgery unsatisfied after trying various other methods to lift their eye corners. This is a surgery where most patients wander from hospital to hospital, get confused by different diagnoses, and are ultimately unhappy with their results.

It is crucial to choose the correct diagnosis and surgical method that aligns with the current trends and the patient's needs. In this session, we will conduct a deep-dive analysis into lifting the outer eye corner.

Analysis of "Fox Eye Lift" Cases

by Dr. Returning

Case 1: Correcting a Downward Slant (Anti-Mongolian Slant)

(A female patient in her 20s with a naturally sad-looking impression due to a downward slant. Photo is 2 weeks after incisional ptosis correction, epicanthoplasty, and a fox eye lift.

When someone has a congenital downward slant (an anti-mongolian slant), meaning the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus) is positioned lower than the inner corner (medial canthus), it can create a sad or gloomy impression. In such cases, we can reposition the lateral canthus to be higher than the medial canthus, transforming the impression into one that is more vibrant and sophisticated.

 

Case 2: Addressing Age-Related Outer Eyelid Sagging

(A female patient in her 60s with sagging of the outer upper eyelid. Photo is 1 month after a forehead lift, fox eye lift, and lower blepharoplasty.)

With age, the lateral canthal tendon (the ligament at the outer corner) can loosen, causing the eye corner to droop. The skin of the outer upper eyelid also sags, leading to a tired and melancholic appearance. This is why the fox eye lift is an effective procedure not only for the younger generation but also for middle-aged and older patients.

 

Case 3: Correcting Ectropion from Previous Surgery

 

 

 

(A female patient in her 30s with ectropion and scleral show after a previous lateral canthoplasty. Photo is 1 month after a fox eye lift.)

Ectropion is a known side effect of lower blepharoplasty and lateral canthoplasty. This is a condition where the eyelid turns outward, losing contact with the eyeball and exposing the inner mucosal lining. While this can often be fixed with a revision canthoplasty or a lateral canthopexy, cases with weakened muscle tone cannot be resolved with a simple lateral canthopexy alone. In these difficult cases, the "elastic canthopexy" performed through our fox eye lift can provide a solution.

 

Case 4: Male Patients Seeking a Sharper, More Refined Look

A significant change in the patient demographic for fox eye surgery is the increase in male clients. Men with downturned eye corners often feel their impression is weak or soft. Many seek the fox eye lift to achieve a stronger and more refined look. Most of these patients come to our clinic as a final destination after trying various other surgeries.

(Link to male patient case blog: https://m.blog.naver.com/psdrkyw/222954848981)

The Returning Plastic Surgery Method

The key to a successful fox eye surgery is a resistance-free dissection of the tissues around the lateral canthus and the use of an elastic thread that prevents the "cheese-wiring" effect.

An incision is made in the temple area, and a rubber-band-like elastic thread is used to lift and anchor the tissues. This ensures that the lift remains secure and does not snap even with facial expressions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lifting the Outer Eye Corner

Q1. Does the elastic thread (Elasticum®) dissolve? No, it does not dissolve. However, it is completely harmless to the human body and is KFDA-approved. Over time, it helps improve elasticity by stimulating collagen formation in the surrounding tissues. There is no need to be concerned about it being a non-dissolvable thread.

Q2. How long do the results last? The effect is permanent. The lifted outer corner settles into its new position over 2-3 months, forming natural adhesions that secure the result permanently.

Q3. I don't want my eyes to be lifted too dramatically. Is the level of lift adjustable? Yes, it is. We can control the final position of the lateral canthus by adjusting the height of the anchor point within the temple incision. This is particularly useful for correcting asymmetry between the left and right eyes.

Q4. When can I start wearing contact lenses? This depends on the recovery from chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva). You might be able to wear them as early as 7 days post-op, but if dryness is left untreated and the chemosis persists, it could take longer. On average, we advise waiting about 2 weeks. It is important to manage and reduce the initial chemosis quickly.

Post-Surgery Treatment and Swelling

(Swelling at 1-week post-op after a fox eye lift.)

Stitches at the temple and outer eye corner incisions are removed 7 days after the surgery. Because there is dissection in the temple area, some swelling around the eyes is to be expected (see photo above). The major swelling will typically subside within about 2 weeks.

---

We have now taken an in-depth look at the procedure for lifting the outer eye corner. The demand for this surgery has been surging recently. So many patients come to us after trying all sorts of procedures at various other clinics.

Here is a final message from Dr. Returning...

Please, do not get your outer eye corners lifted just anywhere.

I hope everyone can achieve a successful, failure-free surgery at Returning Plastic Surgery. Thank you. This has been Dr. Returning, Kim Yong-woo.