The Cat's Eye or Foxy Eyes, called Canthopexy in French, is a exclusively cosmetic surgery.
The aim of this operation is to’stretch the outer rims of the eyes to feminize the look. The desired aesthetic effect is an almond-shaped eye. In recent years, this almond shape has become a Western beauty standard.
Patients - since they are very generally women - who request a fox eye are looking to rejuvenate the look and give it a «fatal look» dimension. Indeed, one of the symptoms of facial aging is the inversion of the sagging facial triangle. However, canthopexy is a surgery most frequently requested by women aged 20 to 40.
The Cat eye gives the face a at once softer and more deadly.
Why is this cosmetic surgery procedure called Foxy Eye, Cat's Eye or Cat-Eye? The answer is quite simple: cats and foxes are animals with eyes stretched towards the’outside the eye, the desired effect of canthopexy.
The aim is to lift the corner of the eyelid to break a straight or falling effect.
Modify shape of the eye to enhance the look.
Foxy Eyes is an operation that consists of creating almond-shaped eyes, eye shape considered perfect. This shape is an inverted oval, with the outer extremities subtly ascending and pointed.
This structure gives the eye a soft, feminine shape. This is because the top and bottom edges of the iris leave no white space. The tapered shape prevents the iris from being fully visible.
The canthoplasty is generally performed under general anaesthetic.
It lasts about 60 minutes.
The plastic surgeon first makes a small incision in one of the horizontal folds of the upper eyelid. This creates an inconspicuous scar. Through this incision, the surgeon accesses the external canthal tendon holding the external canthus and replaces it slightly higher than the medial canthus. Finally, he sutures the wound with very fine sutures.
Cantopexy is not a major procedure. Complications are rare, but there are some risks, including :
The after-effects of a Canthopexy are minor, and the patient is discharged as an outpatient the same day. There is little or no pain. Discomfort may be experienced for the first few days.
After Cat's Eye surgery, the patient may see :
Foxy Eye doesn't require much care.
One or two days' rest is all you need before resuming your daily activities. For the first two days, it is essential to rest and avoid screens and bright light. The patient should also refrain from strenuous exercise or sports activities.
In addition, antibiotics (and/or other medications) are prescribed by the surgeon. For one week, the patient will have to put eye drops and ophthalmic ointment in her eyes before going to sleep.
The sutures are removed approximately 6 days after the procedure.
The first results can be seen after 2 weeks. The final result can only be appreciated after 1 to 6 months..
It should also be noted that the eyes may be asymmetrical for 3 to 4 weeks after the operation.
Other surgical techniques can be used to correct a sad look, dull and/or tired:
«I don't perform surgical canthopexy on young women who want to change the shape of their eyes. I reserve it for people whose eyes have become tired with aging.»
Dr Djian
The alternative is medical treatment.
This treatment is much less invasive and has the advantage of not permanently altering the look of the eyes.
This consists of a botox injection at the tail of the eyebrow to relax the eye orbicularis muscle and allow the tail of the eyebrow to rise.
The surgeon can combine a small injection of hyaluronic acid in the eyebrow shank and above to create a tensor effect and further lift the eyebrow.
The effects of this technique last between 4 and 6 months.
Dr Djian favours medical treatment wherever possible. Modifying the shape of the eye is no trivial matter, so beware of fashion trends!
No, canthopexy is irreversible surgery that permanently alters the shape of the eye, This is in contrast to temporary medical treatment with botox and hyaluronic acid. This is why Dr. Djian reserves this procedure for patients with age-related eye fatigue, and advises against performing it on young people for purely aesthetic or fashion reasons.
The price of a surgical canthopexy in France varies between €2,500 and €4,000., Depending on the establishment, this includes the surgeon's fees and associated procedures (blepharoplasty, lipofilling, etc.). This fee generally includes operating room fees, anesthesia and post-operative follow-up. Visit Dr Djian does not perform aesthetic canthopexy on young patients, unless medically indicated or the eyes are markedly aged.
Botox and hyaluronic acid injections are preferable for creating a light, reversible and natural Fox Eye effect., Dr. Djian favors this non-invasive option to avoid excess and preserve eye mobility. Dr. Djian favors this non-invasive option to avoid excesses and preserve eye mobility. The effect lasts approximately 4 to 6 months.
Yes, it is common to combine canthopexy with upper blepharoplasty or lower, Dr. Djian uses these combined techniques to give the face a rested appearance, without freezing the features. Dr. Djian uses a combination of these techniques to give the face a rested appearance, without freezing the features. The protocol is defined according to the clinical indication and aesthetic objective.
No, the non-surgical Fox Eye is not suitable for all faces, The result depends on eyebrow morphology, skin quality and muscle tone. A consultation is essential to verify feasibility. Dr. Djian adapts each injection to achieve a subtle, balanced lifting effect, without distorting the eyes.
Dr Jérémy Djian is a plastic surgeon based at 5 square Thiers, near the Victor Hugo roundabout, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
He trained in Paris and remains attached to the hospital in the prestigious department of Pr Laurent Lantieri.
