In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in cosmetic procedures that enhance the eyes.
Whereas trends used to focus more on the lips and other facial features, the eyes have become a prime target for upgrades.
Two of the most popular eye enhancement techniques that are gaining traction are the fox eye and cat eye looks.
But what exactly sets these two trends apart?
The fox eye and cat eye aesthetics have unique goals in reshaping the eyes. The overarching purpose of both is to create an exotic, lifted appearance.
However, the specifics of each look differ. Understanding the nuances can help you determine which option, if either, is best suited for your facial structure and beauty objectives. Next, let’s learn about cat eye vs fox eye.
What Is the Fox Eye and Cat Eye Look?
The fox eye trend aims to give an elongated “almond” shape to the eyes, with the outer corners slanted upwards. Imagine the alluring, dramatic eyes of a fox.
The look creates a sense of lift, opening up the eyes horizontally to appear more youthful and wide-eyed.
Meanwhile, the cat eye look lives up to its name, making the eyes appear more feline. Instead of the focus being on lifting the outer corners, cat eye procedures enlarge and customize the overall eye shape.
The goal is a rounded yet widened appearance, with a sultry, downturned shape resembling a cat.
Both eye trends play into classic ideas of beauty while putting a modern spin on aging gracefully. The fox eye and cat eye look gained initial popularity in East Asia, where fashion and media embraced aesthetics.
Now, these eye enhancement techniques are catching on rapidly in Western cultures too.
Ways to Achieve the Fox Eye Look
So, how exactly is the fox eye procedure carried out? There are a few options to create this aesthetic, ranging from non-invasive to surgery:
Fox Eye Thread Lift
The fox eye thread lift utilizes dissolvable sutures to provide a temporary lift to the outer corners of the eyes.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes with minimal downtime. While results only last around 1-2 years, it’s a simple and relatively affordable way to test out the fox eye shape.
Fox Eye Surgery
For permanent fox eye enhancement, there is a surgical procedure aptly named the fox eye lift or fox eye surgery. This is a type of canthoplasty which elongates the outer corner of the eye.
An incision is made along the eyelid to reposition tissue and tendons. Then, sutures give an upward lift while opening and widening the eye overall. Healing takes 2-4 weeks, with subtle bruising possible during recovery.
How to get the Cat Eye Look
Cat eye procedures also come in surgical and non-surgical options. Here are some of the most popular techniques for getting a feline gaze:
Cat Eye Surgery
Similar to a fox eye lift, cat eye surgery utilizes canthoplasty techniques to reshape the eyes. However, instead of lifting just the outer corners, the entire eyelid structure is reconstructed.
This allows more customization of width, rounding of eye shape, and opening of the eyes. The surgical approach leads to dramatic yet natural-looking enhancement.
Non-Surgical Approaches
For those not ready to take the plunge into surgery, non-invasive treatments can emulate some aspects of the cat eye. Eyelash extensions, eyeliner techniques, eye tapes, and face yoga exercises can temporarily make the eyes appear more catlike.
However, these will not achieve the same permanent transformation as cat eye surgery.
Cat Eye vs Fox Eye: A Comparison
Now that the basics of each procedure are mapped out let’s directly compare some of the major differences between fox eyes and cat eyes:
Appearance
Fox eyes elongate mainly the outer corners for a lifted, “almond” look. Cat eyes create a fully rounded, widened shape with a downturned slant.
Techniques
Thread lifts offer a temporary fix for fox eyes. Surgery is needed for permanent enhancement. Cat eyes can get some short-term shaping via makeup but also have more extensive surgical options.
Healing Time
Healing takes 2-4 weeks for fox eye surgery. Cat eye surgery and reconstruction may have a slightly longer recovery, around 4-6 weeks.
Results
Fox eyes eventually revert back to the original eye shape without maintenance touch-ups. Cat eye surgical changes are lasting, though some settling may occur.
As you can see, the choice between fox vs cat eye aesthetics depends on factors like your starting eye shape, tolerance for surgery vs non-invasive treatments, and how dramatic of a makeover you desire.
What Are the Key Differences Between Fox Eye and Cat Eye Procedures?
If you’re considering an eye-enhancing procedure, it helps you understand the surgical and non-surgical techniques that are available. Here’s a breakdown of the approaches for fox eyes versus cat eyes and how they compare:
Fox Eye Thread Lift
This non-invasive approach uses dissolvable PDO threads anchored to lift and elongate the outer eye corners. Treatment takes 30 minutes with minimal downtime but temporary results.
Fox Eye Lift Surgery
An incision to the outer upper and lower eyelids reshapes tissue and repositions fat to lift the outer corners. This surgical eye enhancement creates a permanent fox eye shape when healed.
Cat Eye Surgery
During this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions along the entire upper and lower lash lines to access the internal structure. Through reshaping the eye contour and openings, a rounded cat eye appearance results.
As shown above, the level of invasiveness and areas treated differ significantly between fox eye and cat eye procedures.
Fox eye thread lifts offer a subtle non-surgical solution, while actual eye lift surgeries make lasting structural changes to transform eye shape.
What to Expect During a Fox Eye Thread Lift
For those intrigued by the fox eye trend but not ready for surgery, thread lifts offer a “testing the waters” approach. Next, let’s learn about cat eye vs fox eye. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
During the Procedure
The surgeon marks injection points on the temple and outer eye corners and then injects a local anesthetic. Next, PDO threads are woven under the skin to lift the corners of the eye. The entire treatment takes around 30 minutes.
Recovery
Expect moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days. Ice packs help ease any pain as threads dissolve. Most patients heal within a week, but give it 2-4 weeks before judging final results.
Longevity of Results
Threads dissolve in 6-24 months, so results are temporary. Some lingering effects may last up to 2 years, but most patients need a touch-up within a year to maintain the lifted fox eye corners.
Why is the Fox Eye Trend Gaining Popularity?
What exactly fueled the growing popularity of fox eye procedures versus other eye enhancing options? A few influencing factors:
Celebrity Influence
As stars like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner showcased their fox eye shapes on Instagram and magazine covers, interest skyrocketed. The celebrity effect continues as more influencers post their nonsurgical thread lift experiences.
Desire for “Almond” Eyes
The fox eye offers a youthful yet sultry eye shape that aligns with modern beauty standards, favoring big, awakened eyes. The almond eye shape also brings focus front and center to the windows of the soul.
Promise of Wide-Eyed Allure
Rather than fully reshaping the eyes as the cat eye does, the fox eye subtly widens and lifts the outer corners. The impact opens up the eyes, playing into cultural preferences for looks that seem more alert, refreshed, and even innocent.
Is Eyelid Surgery Necessary for Either Procedure?
What about going under the knife? Does either the fox eye or cat eye look require surgery beyond the specialist lift procedures? Let’s explore whether eyelid enhancements mesh well with these aesthetic goals.
Eyelid Tightening Procedures
Certain surgical procedures like lower eyelid surgery can complement fox eye and cat eye outcomes. Tightening droopy eyelids or removing under-eye bags brings better balance.
When Eyelid Surgery Makes Sense
Patients seeking whole facial harmony may pair eyelid lifts with a fox eye lift for complete rejuvenation. Timing matters too - get eyelids done first since that skin will impact healing from the eye lift.
Nonsurgical Routes
Not everyone needs or wants extensive surgical intervention to achieve widened, lifted eyes. Combining nonsurgical fox eye or cat eye techniques with filler, Botox, or laser skin resurfacing often satisfies.
You might want to have a look at our recent blog post “When can I sleep on my side after a facelift?”
Long Term Impacts: Do Cat Eyes and Fox Eyes Last?
When considering semi-permanent or permanent eye changes, it helps to understand longevity realistically. Let’s learn about cat eye vs fox eye. Here’s what to expect:
Since threads dissolve within 1-2 years, continuing thread lift maintenance touches up the fox eye shape temporarily. Repeats regain lift but don’t stop natural aging changes.
Cat eye surgery structural remodeling of eyelid tissue and eyelash lines intends to be lasting. However, the subtle loosening of the skin can have dull effects years later. Periodic touch-ups help retain the cat eye look.
Factors like skin elasticity, genetics, and lifestyle ultimately impact how long transforms are maintained. Regardless of technique, eyes refresh about every decade.
How to Decide Between Fox Eyes and Cat Eyes
Unsure whether to embrace fox eye versus cat eye aesthetics? As you contemplate potential procedures, ask yourself these questions:
What are my eye concerns? Drooping outer corners? Hooded eyelids? Address functional issues first before cosmetic tweaking.
Do I desire a subtle lift or a total transformation? Fox eyes offer temporary subtlety, while cat eyes dramatically remodel structure.
What look complements my features? Fox eyes suit those desiring elongation. Cat eyes better fit wide-set eyes wanting to balance facial proportions.
Is this trend right for me? Make sure to consider cultural context, too, rather than just following celebrity aesthetics.
Trust your gut instinct during consultations about what meshes best with your natural beauty. Slow down and give the decision adequate contemplation.
Eye or Fox Eye Lift: How to Prepare for the Procedure
What should fox eye or cat eye candidates do to prepare for procedures? Follow these pro tips:
Give yourself recovery time. Have help lined up for at least 72 hours post-procedure, as you won’t feel like venturing out with bruises.
Stock up on cold compresses, gauze pads, eye lubricant, and any prescribed meds beforehand. Setting up a recovery station prepares you.
Limit caffeine, alcohol, supplements like fish oil, garlic, and Vitamin E for at least a week pre-surgery since they heighten bleeding risks.
Movement jars heal tissues, so proactively ask for detailed post-op instructions. Especially avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and saltwater that can irritate incisions.
Following proper protocol before and after treatments minimizes pain and complications and extends results. Don’t rush back into normal activity levels.
Side Effects or Problems Associated with Fox Eye Lift
The Fox Eye Lift is one procedure that comes with some really big disadvantages.
So, what are some of the side effects you can expect? You could expect to see some signs of swelling, bruising, and redness around the eyes.
Now, this is usually normal, and you don't need to panic about this. It will easily subside within a few days.
It also falls to skin sensitivity, as you might also experience some sort of itching or mild discomfort as the area heals. As I mentioned, this is all normal, and no need cause for alarm.
There are also some more serious risks that come with this procedure. There are some cases of infection, scarring, and sometimes nerve damage. All these can easily lead to asymmetry, where one of your eyes could be larger or smaller than the other.
There've even been some cases where some patients reported prolonged tightness or a little bit of rigidness in moving their eyes naturally.
Aside from all the issues that could crawl in that we've mentioned, you also have to remember that there is a chance, no matter how slight, that you could be dissatisfied with the result.
Cons or Side Effects of Cat Eye Lift Procedure
As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential downsides and risks to consider before undergoing this eyelid surgery.
So, what's one of the things you might notice? Well, one of the most common side effects of this procedure is that you start to notice some swelling around your eyelids and face.
This can lead to some tenderness and bruising around the eye in the first week or two.
In some cases, which isn't really common, the swelling may persist for several months. They could also be a point where you'd feel you can't feel your eyes like they're numbed for several weeks.
Since it's a procedure that involves a few incisions around your eyelids while the cosmetic surgeon is trying to alter the shape, scarring is often unavoidable.
The best thing the professional can do is to ensure the appearance of scars is very minimal and discreet.
The scars could heal evenly with them or could become even more noticeable as time progresses. The coin could flip anywhere.
You're also at a slight risk of bleeding, infection, and anesthesia if it's adverse. There are more severe complications like vision impairment than can arise if the nerves are damaged.
Conclusion
The fox eye and cat eye trends provide alternative options for eye rejuvenation beyond standard eyelid surgery. Now, we have learned about cat eye vs fox eye.
Both aesthetics play into a modern preference for wide-eyed, innocent allure with an exotic edge.
However, the specifics of each look differ significantly. Fox's eyes elongate mainly in the outer corners, while cat eyes fully customize their eye shape for a feline appearance.
If you’re considering an eye procedure, understand the nuances between approaches. Factor in invasiveness, recovery times, longevity, and facial synergy, too, when deciding on fox eye lift vs cat eye surgery.
Making the optimal choice hinges on your honest self-evaluation. Work with an eyelid specialist who is willing to translate your vision into realistic outcomes that complement your best features.
Lastly, take a minute to browse through our website, Diaminy Aesthetics. We're positive you'll find something that works for your eye appearance.
