Fox eye lift vs upper and lower eyelid surgery: what’s the difference?
The eye area play a major role in facial expression. Changes around the eyelids, brows and outer corners of the eyes can affect whether someone looks rested, tired, youthful or more defined. Two procedures that are often discussed in this area are the fox eye lift and the upper or lower eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty.
Although both can change the appearance of the eye area, they are very different procedures. A fox eye lift is usually aimed at creating a more lifted or elongated outer eye shape, while blepharoplasty is designed to address excess eyelid skin, puffiness, hooding or under-eye bags.
Understanding the difference is important before deciding which treatment, if either, may be suitable.
What is a fix eye lift?
A fox eye lift is a cosmetic treatment intended to lift the outer brow or outer corner of the eye, creating a more swept-up or almond-shaped appearance. This look is sometimes described as a ‘cat eye’ or ‘fox eye’ effect.
There are several ways this effect may be attempted including:
- Thread lifts
- Anti-wrinkle injections to subtly adjust brow position
- Dermal filler in selected areas
- Surgical brow or temporal lifting techniques
Non-surgical approaches are usually temporary and may produce more subtle results. Surgical options tend to be longer lasting, but they involve a more significant procedure, recovery period and surgical risks.
A fox eye lift is usually chosen for aesthetic reasons rather than functional concerns. It is not designed to remove significant excess eyelid skin or correct under eye bags.
What is upper eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes or adjusts excess skin, muscle and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids.
As we age, the skin around the upper eyelids can become looser. This may cause heaviness, hooding or a tired appearance. In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can also affect the field of vision.
Upper blepharoplasty may help to:
- Reduce heavy or hooded upper eyelids
- Create a more open-looking eye area
- Improved eyelid definition
- Address excess skin that sits on or over the eyelid crease
- In selected cases, improve vision affected by drooping skin
The aim is usually a refreshed, natural-looking result rather than a dramatic change in eye shape.
What is lower eyelid surgery?
Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, focuses on the area beneath they eyes. It may be suitable for people with persistent under-eye bags, puffiness, loose skin or shadows caused by changes in fat and soft tissue around the lower eyelids.
Lower blepharoplasty may help to:
- Reduce under eye bags
- Smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek
- Improve lower eyelid contour
- Address loose or crepey skin beneath the eyes
- Create a less tires appearance
Lower eyelid surgery is a delicate procedure because the lower eyelid has an important role in protecting the eye. The surgical plan needs to be tailored carefully to each patient’s anatomy.
Fox eye lift vs blepharoplasty: the key difference
The main difference is the goal of treatment.
A fox eye lift is generally about changing the angle or shape of the outer eye and brow area. Its often chosen by people looking for a more lifted, stylised or elongated eye shape.
Blepharoplasty is usually about correcting age-related or anatomical changes in the eye lids, such as excess skin, heaviness, puffiness or under-eye bags. It is often chosen by people who want to look less tired while still looking like themselves.
In some patients, the concern may not be the eyelid itself but the brow position. For example, heaviness around the upper eyelid can sometimes be caused by a low brow rather than excess eyelid skin alone. This is why a detailed assessment is important before choosing a procedure.
Which procedure is right for you?
A right option depends on your anatomy, age, skin quality, brow position, eyelid shape and personal goals.
A fox eye lift may be more relevant if your main concern is:
- A flatter or less lifted outer eye shape
- A desire for a more angled brow or eye appearance
- A subtle lift to the outer eye area
- A temporary non-surgical enhancement, where appropriate
Upper eyelid surgery may be more suitable if your main concern is:
- Hooded upper eyelids
- Excess upper eyelid skin
- Heavy-looking eyelids
- Difficulty applying makeup due to skin folds
- Visual obstruction caused by loose upper eyelid skin
Lower eyelid surgery may be more suitable if your main concern is:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- A tired appearance that does not improve with rest
- Lower eyelid contour changes
Some patients may benefit from a combination of treatments, such as a blepharoplasty with a brow or temporal lift. Others may be better advised to avoid certain surgery altogether if their concerns can be managed more conservatively.
Is fox eye permanent?
This depends on the technique used.
Thread lifts and injectable treatments are not permanent. Results can vary and may fade over time as the threads dissolve or the injected product wears off. Surgical lifting procedures generally last longer, but no procedure can stop the ageing process.
It is also important to consider whether a highly trend-led look will still feel right in the future. For many patients, the best long term outcome is the one that enhances the eyes while staying balanced with the rest of the face.
Is blepharoplasty permanent?
Blepharoplasty can produce long lasting results, but the ageing process continues. Skin quality, genetics, lifestyle and facial anatomy all influence how the eye area changes overtime.
Upper eyelid surgery can often provide long term improvement in hooding or excess skin. Lower eyelid surgery can also provide lasting improvements in under-eye bags or contour, provided the procedure is planned carefully.
A good blepharoplasty result should look refreshed rather than overdone.
Risks and considerations
All cosmetic procedures carry risk. These vary depending on whether the treatment is non surgical or surgical.
Possible risks of fox eye lift treatments may include asymmetry, bruising, swelling, visible or palpable threads, irregular contour, infection, dissatisfaction with the shape, or a result that does not last as long as expected.
Possible risks of eyelid surgery may include bruising, swelling, scarring, dry eyes, asymmetry, changes in eyelid position, irritation, temporary blurred vision, or the need for revision surgery. Serious complications are uncommon but must be discussed during consultation.
Cosmetic treatments should never be presented as risk free. GMC guidance states that cosmetic intervention marketing should be factual, responsible, and must not minimise or trivialise risks. The ASA also advises that cosmetic surgery advertising should not be misled, harm or offend, and should be socially responsible.
Questions to ask during your consultation
Before deciding on treatment, it can help to ask:
- Is my concern caused by the eyelid, brow position, skin quality or facial volume loss?
- Would upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, a brow lift or non surgical treatment be more suitable?
- What result is realistic for my anatomy?
- Where will the scars be placed if surgery is recommended?
- What are the risks in my individual case?
- How long is the recovery period?
- How many similar procedures has the surgeon performed?
- What happens if I am unhappy with the result?
A good consultation should include a careful examination, a discussion of your goals, realistic expectations and a clear explanation of risks and recovery.
Final thoughts
A fox eye lift and eyelid surgery are not interchangeable procedures. A fox eye lift is usually intended to create a lifted or angled eye shape, while upper and lower blepharoplasty are designed to address excess eyelid skin, heaviness, puffiness or under eye bags.
The best option depends on your individual anatomy and what you are hoping to improve. In many cases, the most natural result comes from choosing the procedure that treats the real cause of the concern rather that following a particular trend.
If you are considering treatment around the eyes, book a consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your options and whether surgery or a non surgical approach is most appropriate for you.