Fox eye, or foxy eyes, is a popular term used to describe a slightly slanted contour of the outer commissure of the eyelids along with an almond shape to the eyes. Fox-shaped eyes may be confused with cat eyes, although, technically, cat-shaped eyes are wider. For years, the thin and extended wing-shaped contour of a fox-shaped eye has been primarily achieved with makeup techniques by accentuating the inner angle of the eye with eyeshadow or eyeliner and delineating a straight wing with an upward slant at the eyes’ outer corner.
More recently, surgical procedures have become quite popular to produce the same effect more permanently. However, there is some confusion about the proper surgical procedure to achieve fox-shaped eyes, the best candidates for the operation, and the right surgeon for the job.
The importance of the eyebrows in the “foxy eyes” look
First, it is paramount to recognize the role of eyebrow shape and contour in creating fox-shaped eyes. Since an upward slant characterizes foxy eyes, their elegant shape will be prevented by a droopy brow encroaching on the eye’s outer corner. Therefore, hooding of the outer corner of the eye due to a low eyebrow must be addressed to achieve a foxy eyes appearance. The best approach is an endoscopic brow lift, a minimally invasive, safe, and durable operation.
A canthopexy procedure is the key to the “foxy eyes” look
If eyebrow height and contour are adequate or have already been addressed, it is time to create an almond-shaped contour for the eyes. The appropriate procedure to achieve this goal is called a canthopexy. A canthopexy is a surgical procedure that carefully manipulates the lateral canthal tendon. This tendon unites the eyelid to the bony rim of the orbit to tighten it. By suturing the tendon in a higher position, the tightening effect will raise the outer corner of the eye to give it a more almond shape slant.
A canthopexy must not be confused with a canthoplasty. Canthopexy is less invasive and preserves the anatomy of the outer commissure of the eyes, where the upper eyelid meets the lower eyelid. At the same time, a canthoplasty requires cutting muscle and tendons in the outer eyelid. A canthoplasty has a higher risk of creating unsightly scars at the outer commissure.
Avoiding complications in a surgical foxy eye procedure
A cosmetic foxy eyes procedure can provide the look you’ve always wanted but is not free of potential complications. Scarring of the eyelid skin, asymmetric results, or damage to the eye’s surface are significant risks that must be considered before deciding to undergo the operation. Because of the intricate anatomy of the lateral canthal region, the procedure should be performed by oculoplastic surgeons with experience in the canthopexy operation. A detailed examination of the periocular area is critical to determine who is a good candidate for the surgery and whether a brow lift operation is necessary to achieve the best foxy eyes look.
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