Canthopexy fox eyes: open up your gaze

Canthopexy fox eyes: rejuvenating your gaze

Have you ever felt your eyes no longer matched the energy you feel inside? That they looked sad or tired when you were perfectly well rested? Over time, the outer corner of the eye drops, the lids grow heavier and the whole expression of the face shifts. Canthopexy, better known as the fox eyes effect, answers exactly that. The procedure lifts and secures the outer corner of the eye to give the gaze an almond, open and naturally younger shape. It’s far more than a social-media trend: it sits within a genuine approach to rejuvenating the eyes and balancing the face.

Who is canthopexy for?

Canthopexy suits people in good general health, with realistic expectations of the result. Several situations can point towards it:

• loose tissue at the outer corner of the eyes
• a permanently sad, drooping or tired look
• – asymmetry between the two outer corners
• a malpositioned eyelid after an injury or earlier surgery
• – a downward tilt of the outer corner
• simply wanting a younger, sharper and livelier gaze

A full pre-operative assessment confirms whether canthopexy is the best fit for your anatomy and your aesthetic goals.

Contraindications to be aware of

Like any procedure, canthopexy has situations that call for caution. A specialist opinion is essential if you have:

• eye conditions such as glaucoma or severe dry eye
• a history of eye surgery or trauma
• blood-clotting disorders
• active smoking, which slows healing
• skin infections around the eyes
• certain psychological conditions that can skew expectations

Canthopexy or canthoplasty: what’s the difference?

The two terms often get mixed up, yet they describe different things. Canthopexy simply reinforces and tightens the outer canthal tendon with fine sutures, without detaching it: it’s ideal for moderate corrections. Canthoplasty, which is more powerful, releases the tendon and repositions it on the orbital rim, and is reserved for more marked laxity. So canthopexy is the less invasive of the two, with a quicker recovery.

Surgical and non-surgical techniques

Your surgeon tailors the technique to your anatomy and the result you’re after. The main options are:

• the external route, with a small incision at the outer corner of the eye or through an eyelid crease, for a more noticeable fox-eyes effect
• the conjunctival route, where the incision hidden inside the eyelid leaves no visible external scar
• dissolvable threads as a non-surgical alternative, with no scalpel, for a subtle, temporary effect and a fast recovery

For broader rejuvenation, canthopexy is often combined with other facial procedures such as blepharoplasty, which deals with excess skin on the lids, or a temporal lift that repositions the brow.

How does the procedure work?

Canthopexy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, as a day case. It takes 45 to 60 minutes on average, and you’re back at your accommodation the same day. The surgeon works with great precision, since the area around the eye is rich in vessels and delicate structures. That’s why choosing an experienced surgeon makes all the difference: a large published series covering 1,565 canthoplasties (a more invasive procedure, distinct from canthopexy), stresses that success rests above all on a careful reading of the anatomy around the eye.

Aftercare and recovery

In the first few days, a few things are perfectly normal: mild swelling, bruising and a passing awkwardness when you open your eyes. For a calm recovery, here are the main pointers:

• wear sunglasses to shield the scars from light
• wait about a week before going back to make-up
• set aside 5 to 7 days away from work and social plans
• avoid any strenuous exercise for three weeks
• if it helps, have gentle lymphatic drainage to speed up the settling of any swelling

Serious complications stay rare, but regular follow-up through the first year is still key to a smooth result.

Results and patient satisfaction

The result of a canthopexy is both natural and lasting. You get a more open and rested gaze and a slightly lifted outer corner, all in keeping with the proportions of your face. Beyond looks, patients describe a real lift in self-confidence. And this appeal is no niche one: according to ISAPS, eyelid surgery became the most performed aesthetic surgical procedure in the world in 2024, with more than 2.1 million procedures recorded. For anyone who would rather steer clear of the scalpel, thread lifts are a credible alternative: a large scientific review of more than 14,000 patients found that most side effects are mild and short-lived.

The cost of canthopexy in Turkey

Turkey has become a leading destination for eye surgery, thanks to highly qualified surgeons and modern facilities. For the same level of expertise, having your canthopexy in Istanbul saves you up to 70% against UK prices, with no compromise on quality or aftercare. You’ll find the full breakdown in the pricing section higher up on this page. With Body Expert, your stay is organised from start to finish: English-speaking support, a tailored plan and follow-up right through to your return home. Canthopexy can also be part of a wider plan taking in a blepharoplasty in Turkey, a facelift, a neck lift or chin surgery. And if you live near Istanbul, take a look at our dedicated blepharoplasty in Istanbul page.

In summary

Canthopexy, or the fox eyes effect, lifts the outer corner of the eye to open up the gaze, soften it and give it an almond shape. Depending on how strong an effect you want, the surgeon chooses the external route, the conjunctival route with no visible scar or, for something lighter, thread lifts. The procedure is short, done as a day case, and most people are back to social life within five to seven days.

What should you keep in mind before taking the plunge? The swelling of the first few days is normal, the results reveal themselves gradually, and success depends above all on how experienced your surgeon is with an area as delicate as the eye contour. Done well, the correction looks natural and holds up over time.

At Body Expert, your journey is handled from A to Z by an English-speaking team: a dedicated adviser, experienced surgeons and selected partner clinics in Istanbul, then remote follow-up once you’re back home. On budget, having your canthopexy in Turkey opens the door to up to 70% savings compared with the UK, for an equivalent standard of care. You’ll find the full breakdown in the pricing section of this page.

Not sure which technique best suits your eyes, which anaesthetic is right, or how to organise your stay in Istanbul? Ask for your free quote: our specialists will look at your case and call you back within 24 hours, with no obligation.

Sources and references

1. Glat, P. M., Jelks, G. W., Jelks, E. B., Wood, M., Gadangi, P., & Longaker, M. T. (1997). Evolution of the lateral canthoplasty: techniques and indications. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 100(6), 1396-1405. Lien : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9385950/
2. Georgescu, D. (2014). Surgical preferences for lateral canthoplasty and canthopexy. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, 25(5), 449-454. Lien : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25050757/
3. Pham, C. T., Chu, S., Foulad, D. P., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2021). Safety profile of thread lifts on the face and neck: An evidence-based systematic review. Dermatologic Surgery, 47(11), 1460-1465. Lien : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34699439/
4. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (2025). ISAPS Global Survey 2024. Lien : https://www.isaps.org/discover/about-isaps/global-statistics/global-survey-2024-full-report-and-press-releases/