Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon
Medical Review Date: August 18, 2026
Cat eye surgery is a general aesthetic term used for procedures intended to modify the position, support or appearance of the outer corner of the eye.
However, “Cat Eye Surgery” is not the name of one standardized operation.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, treatment discussions may involve procedures such as:
- Lateral canthopexy
- Lateral canthoplasty
- Temporal brow lift
- Blepharoplasty when there is a separate eyelid indication
- Non-surgical thread procedures
These treatments involve different anatomical structures and should not be presented as interchangeable ways of achieving the same result.
The appropriate option depends on the natural eye shape, lower-eyelid support, lateral canthal position, brow position, skin and soft-tissue characteristics, previous eye surgery, eye symptoms and individual treatment goals.
You can also explore other Face Aesthetic treatments in Turkey.
Cat Eye Surgery Turkey Cost 2026
Current Clinic Care Center published estimates for 2026 are:
| Procedure | Current 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|
| Cat Eye Surgery / Canthoplasty | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Temporal Brow Lift | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Fox Eye Thread Lift | $800–$1,500 |
| Cat Eye Surgery + Blepharoplasty | $3,000–$4,200 |
These are estimated treatment prices rather than guaranteed prices for every patient.
The final cost can vary according to:
- The actual procedure required
- Canthopexy or canthoplasty
- One or both sides
- Previous eyelid surgery
- Degree of correction
- Additional blepharoplasty
- Additional brow surgery
- Type of anesthesia
- Surgical facility fees
- Medical assessment
- Follow-up requirements
- Accommodation and transfers when included
The exact procedure should be named in the written treatment plan.
A quotation simply stating “Cat Eye Package” does not explain which anatomical structures will actually be treated.
What Is Cat Eye Surgery?
“Cat eye,” “fox eye” and “almond eye” are commonly used aesthetic terms rather than precise medical procedure names.
They may describe a desire to change features such as:
- Lateral canthal position
- Outer eye angle
- Eyelid support
- Brow-tail position
- Apparent eye shape
But similar-looking goals may require very different procedures.
For example, lifting the outer eyebrow is not the same operation as surgically modifying the lateral canthus.
This distinction is important because each procedure has different:
- Indications
- Limitations
- Scars
- Risks
- Recovery
- Effects on eyelid function
What Is the Lateral Canthus?
The lateral canthus is the outer corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet.
Its position is influenced by structures including the lateral canthal tendon and surrounding eyelid tissues.
The relationship between the inner and outer corners of the eye contributes to what is often described as the canthal tilt.
A surgical plan should consider more than simply making the outer corner point upward.
The surgeon also needs to consider:
- Lower-eyelid support
- Eyelid closure
- Contact between the eyelid and ocular surface
- Existing asymmetry
- Eyelid laxity
- Previous surgery
- Overall facial anatomy
An excessive aesthetic change may interfere with normal eyelid position or function.
Canthopexy vs Canthoplasty
These terms should not be used interchangeably.
Canthopexy
Canthopexy generally refers to supporting or repositioning the lateral canthal structures without the same degree of tendon division and reconstruction used in more extensive canthoplasty techniques.
It may be considered when additional lateral eyelid support is required in selected patients.
Canthoplasty
Canthoplasty can involve more extensive modification or reconstruction of the lateral canthal tendon and eyelid structures.
Different canthoplasty techniques exist.
The appropriate procedure depends on factors such as:
- Eyelid laxity
- Existing canthal position
- Lower-eyelid anatomy
- Degree of change required
- Previous surgery
Canthoplasty should therefore not be described simply as:
“Cutting the tendon and attaching it higher to create permanent cat eyes.”
The operation is more individualized than that.
Is Canthopexy the “Safer” Version?
It is sometimes marketed that way, but the distinction is not that simple.
Canthopexy is generally a less extensive form of lateral canthal support than some canthoplasty techniques, but suitability depends on the patient’s anatomy and the correction required.
A more conservative procedure may not achieve an appropriate result when greater structural correction is necessary.
Similarly, performing a more extensive procedure when it is not required can expose the patient to unnecessary intervention.
The treatment should match the anatomical problem.
Cat Eye Surgery vs Temporal Brow Lift
A Temporal Brow Lift primarily changes the position of the outer portion of the eyebrow and surrounding forehead or temple tissues.
Canthoplasty primarily concerns the lateral eyelid and canthal structures.
They are therefore not the same operation.
A person may perceive both procedures as producing a more elevated outer-eye appearance, but they achieve this through different anatomy.
A temporal brow lift should not automatically be recommended simply because someone requests a “fox eye.”
The surgeon should first determine whether the concern relates mainly to:
- The eyebrow
- The eyelid
- The lateral canthus
- Or a combination
Cat Eye Surgery vs Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery performed to address concerns such as excess eyelid skin or selected fat-related changes.
It does not automatically change the lateral canthal angle.
Likewise, canthoplasty is not a substitute for blepharoplasty when the main issue is excess eyelid tissue.
The two procedures may be combined in selected patients when there are separate indications for each operation.
But they should not be combined simply because a larger package is available.
Cat Eye Surgery and Lower Eyelid Support
Lower-eyelid support is particularly important when considering lateral canthal surgery.
The surgeon may assess:
- Eyelid laxity
- Existing scleral show
- Lower-eyelid position
- Previous blepharoplasty
- Dry-eye symptoms
- Eyelid closure
- Facial bone support
- Existing asymmetry
Changes in lower-eyelid position can affect both appearance and ocular comfort.
For this reason, aesthetic goals should not be considered independently of eyelid function.
Who May Be Suitable for Cat Eye Surgery?
A lateral canthal procedure may be discussed with appropriately selected adults who:
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand that perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed
- Are generally healthy enough for surgery
- Understand possible eyelid and ocular-surface complications
- Have anatomy that may be suitable for the proposed change
- Do not smoke or can follow the surgeon’s recommendations regarding smoking
Suitability cannot be determined from a social-media reference photo alone.
The same operation should not be applied to every eye shape.
Who May Need Additional Eye Evaluation?
Additional evaluation may be appropriate when the patient has a history of:
- Significant dry eye
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Previous eyelid surgery
- Previous canthoplasty
- Eye trauma
- Persistent eye irritation
- Existing eyelid malposition
- Significant asymmetry
- Visual symptoms
- Other ophthalmic conditions
Patients with significant eye symptoms may need assessment from an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic specialist before elective aesthetic surgery.
Aesthetic appearance should not take priority over unresolved eye disease or eyelid dysfunction.
Can Cat Eye Surgery Create Any Eye Shape?
No.
A patient’s natural anatomy places limits on the degree and direction of change that can be achieved safely.
Factors include:
- Orbital anatomy
- Eyelid length
- Canthal position
- Lower-eyelid support
- Brow position
- Soft tissues
- Facial asymmetry
A reference photograph can help communicate an aesthetic preference, but it does not mean the same shape can or should be reproduced.
The goal should be an individualized change that respects the patient’s anatomy and eyelid function.
Can Perfect Symmetry Be Achieved?
No surgical procedure can guarantee perfectly symmetrical eyes.
Natural differences can exist between:
- Right and left canthal height
- Brow position
- Eyelid opening
- Orbital anatomy
- Facial bone structure
- Soft tissues
Surgery may improve selected asymmetries but can also leave residual differences.
New asymmetry is also a potential postoperative concern.
The realistic goal is improvement rather than mathematical symmetry.
Risks and Possible Complications
Lateral canthal surgery involves structures close to the eye and has potential complications.
Depending on the procedure, risks may include:
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Chemosis
- Dry-eye symptoms
- Eye irritation
- Changes in tearing
- Temporary or persistent sensory changes
- Asymmetry
- Scarring
- Eyelid malposition
- Scleral show
- Ectropion
- Incomplete eyelid closure
- Overcorrection
- Undercorrection
- Recurrent change in canthal position
- Need for additional treatment
- Revision surgery
The risk profile differs between patients and procedures.
The specific risks of the proposed technique should be discussed before surgery.
Dry Eye After Cat Eye Surgery
Dry-eye symptoms are an important consideration in surgery around the eyelids.
Normal eyelid position and blinking help protect the ocular surface.
If eyelid closure or lower-eyelid position is affected, some patients may experience symptoms such as:
- Dryness
- Burning
- Irritation
- Foreign-body sensation
- Excessive watering
- Sensitivity
This does not mean every patient develops chronic dry eye after canthal surgery.
However, the website should also not promise:
“We guarantee that the eyelid will remain in perfect contact with the eye and your vision will be protected.”
Preoperative assessment and appropriate surgical planning are important, but complications cannot be completely eliminated.
What Is Ectropion?
Ectropion is a condition in which the eyelid turns outward or sits away from its normal relationship with the eye.
It can contribute to:
- Irritation
- Tearing
- Exposure
- Dry-eye symptoms
- Visible scleral show
- An altered lower-eyelid appearance
Eyelid malposition is a recognized concern following periocular surgery.
The risk varies according to anatomy, surgical technique and previous procedures.
What Is Scleral Show?
Scleral show refers to visible white sclera between the lower edge of the iris and the lower eyelid.
Some patients naturally have a degree of scleral show.
It can also become more noticeable if the lower eyelid changes position.
Because cosmetic canthal surgery intentionally modifies eyelid-related anatomy, the preoperative position of the lower eyelid should be considered carefully.
What Is Lagophthalmos?
Lagophthalmos means incomplete eyelid closure.
If the eyelids cannot close adequately, the ocular surface can become exposed and irritated.
Severe or persistent exposure can require medical treatment.
This is why an aggressive “maximum lift” should not be the objective of lateral eye surgery.
The desired aesthetic change must be balanced against normal eyelid function.
What Is Chemosis?
Chemosis is swelling of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering part of the eye surface.
It can occur following periocular surgery.
It may appear as a swollen or gelatinous area over the white part of the eye.
However, it is incorrect to tell every patient:
“Chemosis is expected and always resolves within two to three weeks.”
Not every patient develops it, and duration can vary.
Persistent or significant symptoms should be assessed by the treating team.
Can Cat Eye Surgery Affect Vision?
The objective of aesthetic lateral canthal surgery is not to change eyesight.
However, surgery takes place close to the eye, and it would be inappropriate to guarantee that vision-related complications are impossible.
Postoperative blurred vision may occur for different reasons, including swelling, ointments or ocular-surface irritation.
More serious ocular complications are uncommon but require urgent medical evaluation when they occur.
Patients should seek prompt medical care for symptoms such as:
- Sudden vision loss
- Significant reduction in vision
- Severe eye pain
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- Marked bleeding
- Severe headache with eye symptoms
- Other unexpected visual changes
These symptoms should not be treated as normal recovery.
Will Cat Eye Surgery Leave Scars?
Surgical incisions leave scars.
The scar position depends on the exact technique used.
Some incisions can be placed near:
- Natural lateral eye creases
- Existing skin folds
- Eyelid structures
The resulting scar may become less noticeable with time.
However, it should not be promised that:
- The scar will disappear
- It will always be hidden in crow’s feet
- It will be invisible from every angle
Scar appearance depends on individual healing, skin characteristics, surgical technique and other factors.
Is Cat Eye Surgery Permanent?
Canthoplasty can create structural changes that may be long-lasting.
However, it should not be described as a guaranteed permanent aesthetic result.
Future appearance can be affected by:
- Healing
- Scar tissue
- Tissue relaxation
- Aging
- Changes in eyelid position
- Trauma
- Previous or future facial surgery
Recurrence or revision can occur.
It is therefore more accurate to describe the potential result as long-lasting rather than guaranteed for life.
Can Cat Eye Surgery Be Reversed?
Revision may be possible, but returning the tissues exactly to their original anatomy cannot be guaranteed.
Revision can be more difficult because the first operation may have altered:
- Tendons
- Scar tissue
- Eyelid position
- Soft tissue relationships
This is especially important for patients seeking a dramatic trend-based change.
The possibility that preferences may change in the future should form part of the decision.
What Is Fox Eye Thread Lift?
A thread lift is not the same treatment as surgical canthoplasty.
Threads are placed within soft tissues to create a temporary lifting effect.
Depending on the technique, this may primarily affect tissues around the:
- Brow
- Temple
- Lateral face
It does not surgically reconstruct the lateral canthal tendon in the same way as canthoplasty.
Possible thread-related concerns can include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Visible or palpable threads
- Dimpling
- Irregularity
- Loss of lifting effect
- Need for removal or correction
Results are temporary, but a precise duration should not be guaranteed for every patient.
Thread Lift vs Surgical Cat Eye
The treatments serve different purposes.
Thread Lift
- Non-surgical or minimally invasive
- Temporary soft-tissue repositioning
- Does not provide the same structural canthal modification
- Has its own complication profile
Surgical Canthal Procedure
- Alters or supports anatomical structures around the lateral eyelid
- Requires surgical healing
- Can create longer-lasting structural change
- Has eyelid-specific functional risks
The decision should not be based only on which option has less downtime.
The first question is which anatomical structure actually needs treatment.
Can Cat Eye Surgery Be Combined With Blepharoplasty?
Yes, in selected patients.
A patient may have both:
- An indication for Blepharoplasty
- And a separate indication for lateral canthal support or repositioning
However, combining procedures can change:
- Surgical duration
- Swelling
- Recovery
- Eyelid tension
- Risk profile
The combination should therefore be based on anatomy and safety rather than simply providing “complete eye rejuvenation.”
Can It Be Combined With a Brow Lift?
Possibly.
If the outer eyebrow position is part of the patient’s concern, a Brow Lift may be discussed.
But brow surgery and canthal surgery affect different anatomical structures.
A surgeon should determine whether the desired appearance is more likely to require:
- Brow repositioning
- Eyelid surgery
- Lateral canthal surgery
- Or no surgery at all
More procedures do not automatically mean a better result.
Can It Be Combined With a Facelift?
A Facelift generally addresses different areas of facial aging than isolated lateral canthal surgery.
There may be selected patients in whom both procedures are planned, but they should not be described as a standard or automatically recommended combination.
Combining operations can increase surgical and recovery demands.
Suitability should be assessed individually.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?
Anesthesia depends on:
- The specific canthal procedure
- Surgical extent
- Combined operations
- Patient health
- Patient comfort
- Surgeon and anesthesia assessment
Options may include:
- Local anesthesia
- Local anesthesia with sedation
- General anesthesia
It is not appropriate to state that all isolated cat eye surgeries use twilight sedation or that general anesthesia is required only when a facelift is added.
The anesthesia plan should be individualized.
Recovery After Cat Eye Surgery
Recovery depends on the exact procedure.
Early symptoms may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tightness
- Tenderness
- Eye irritation
- Temporary changes in tearing
- Temporary asymmetry from swelling
Patients may receive individual instructions concerning:
- Eye or wound care
- Medication
- Head elevation
- Activity
- Showering
- Makeup
- Contact lenses
- Follow-up
There is no single recovery timeline that applies to canthopexy, canthoplasty, brow lift and thread lift.
They are different procedures.
When Can I Return to Work?
Return to work depends on:
- Procedure extent
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Eye comfort
- Type of work
- Whether other operations were performed
A person working remotely may have different requirements from someone whose work involves:
- Physical activity
- Dust
- Outdoor exposure
- Eye strain
- Risk of trauma
A fixed seven-day return should not be guaranteed.
When Can I Exercise?
Exercise should be resumed according to the surgeon’s instructions.
During early healing, strenuous activity may increase:
- Swelling
- Blood pressure
- Bleeding risk
- Discomfort
Activities with a risk of facial or eye trauma may require a longer period of restriction.
Return should be gradual.
Makeup and Contact Lenses After Surgery
The timing of eye makeup and contact-lens use depends on:
- Incision healing
- Swelling
- Eye irritation
- Dryness
- The specific procedure
Patients should avoid manipulating healing eyelids simply to resume makeup or contact lenses early.
The surgeon should provide individual instructions.
Travelling to Turkey for Cat Eye Surgery
International patients should know the exact medical name of the procedure before travelling.
The treatment plan should explain:
- Canthopexy or canthoplasty
- Whether a brow lift is involved
- Whether blepharoplasty is involved
- Whether threads are being proposed
- Who will perform the procedure
- Where it will take place
- Type of anesthesia
- Expected follow-up
- Recommended stay in Turkey
- Warning signs after surgery
- Who will provide support after returning home
A marketing term such as “Fox Eye Package” is not sufficient information for informed treatment planning.
When Can I Fly Home?
There is no universal fit-to-fly date after lateral canthal surgery.
The decision may depend on:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Ocular symptoms
- Wound healing
- Infection
- Vision
- Combined procedures
- Follow-up requirements
- Length of the flight
Return travel should be planned according to individual recovery and medical assessment rather than simply the number of hotel nights included in a package.
What May Be Included in the Treatment Price?
Depending on the written quotation, arrangements may include some or all of:
- Surgeon and medical team fees
- The specified surgical procedure
- Anesthesia
- Surgical facility fees
- Preoperative assessment
- Prescribed postoperative medication
- Follow-up
- Accommodation
- Airport reception
- Local transfers
- Patient coordination
All inclusions should be confirmed in writing.
Patients should not automatically assume that a treatment package includes:
- Three hotel nights
- A 4- or 5-star hotel
- VIP transfers
- All eye drops
- All medications
- Treatment of complications
- Revision surgery
- A particular anesthesia method
unless those items are specifically included in the written treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Eye Surgery
How much does Cat Eye Surgery cost in Turkey in 2026?
Clinic Care Center’s current published estimate for Cat Eye Surgery / Canthoplasty is approximately $2,000–$3,000.
The final price depends on the exact operation and whether additional procedures are required.
Is Cat Eye Surgery the same as canthoplasty?
Not always.
“Cat Eye Surgery” is a broad aesthetic term.
The actual treatment may involve canthoplasty, canthopexy, brow surgery or another procedure depending on the anatomy.
What is the difference between canthopexy and canthoplasty?
Canthopexy generally provides lateral canthal support with less extensive tendon modification, while canthoplasty can involve more substantial reconstruction or repositioning.
The appropriate option depends on the patient’s anatomy.
Is a temporal brow lift the same as Cat Eye Surgery?
No.
A temporal brow lift primarily changes the outer brow and temple tissues.
Canthoplasty involves structures at the outer eyelid.
Is Fox Eye Thread Lift the same as canthoplasty?
No.
Threads provide temporary soft-tissue lifting and do not surgically reconstruct the lateral canthal structures in the same way.
Is the result permanent?
Structural changes may be long-lasting, but permanent aesthetic results should not be guaranteed.
Recurrence, tissue changes and revision can occur.
Can Cat Eye Surgery be reversed?
Revision may be possible, but exact restoration of the original anatomy cannot be guaranteed.
Can the surgery affect my eyesight?
The operation is not intended to change vision.
However, because surgery occurs around the eye, vision-related symptoms after surgery require appropriate assessment and a zero-risk guarantee is not appropriate.
Can Cat Eye Surgery cause dry eyes?
Dryness or irritation can occur after periocular surgery, particularly if eyelid position or closure is affected.
Patients with existing dry-eye symptoms should discuss this before treatment.
What is chemosis?
Chemosis is swelling of the conjunctiva.
It can occur after eye-area surgery but does not occur in every patient, and its duration varies.
Can the lower eyelid turn outward?
Ectropion or other eyelid malposition is a possible complication of periocular surgery.
Appropriate assessment of lower-eyelid support is therefore important.
Will the scars be invisible?
No scar should be guaranteed to be invisible.
Incisions may be placed in relatively discreet areas, but scars remain possible.
Will my eyes become perfectly symmetrical?
Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.
Natural anatomical differences may remain.
Can Cat Eye Surgery be combined with blepharoplasty?
Yes, in selected patients when there is a separate indication for both procedures.
Read more about Blepharoplasty in Turkey.
Can it be combined with a brow lift?
Potentially, if brow position is also part of the treatment concern.
Read more about Eyebrow Lift Surgery in Turkey.
Is general anesthesia necessary?
Not in every case.
The anesthesia plan depends on the procedure, combined operations, health history and surgical assessment.
Medical References
PubMed – The Spectrum of Aesthetic Canthal Suspension
PubMed – Aesthetic Canthal Suspension
PubMed – Aesthetic Lateral Canthoplasty
PubMed – Lateral Tarsoplasty for Managing Ectropion and Lower Eyelid Laxity
PubMed – Restoration of the Lateral Canthus and Stabilization of the Lower Eyelid
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Eyelid Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Brow Lift
Request Information About Cat Eye Surgery
Contact the Clinic Care Center patient coordination team for information about lateral canthal surgery, current treatment cost estimates, consultation availability and the next steps.
For international patients, photographs may help with an initial discussion, but photographs or digital simulations cannot guarantee a surgical result or determine the final procedure by themselves.
Before travelling, patients should receive clear information about:
- The exact procedure being proposed
- Whether it is canthopexy or canthoplasty
- Whether brow surgery or blepharoplasty is also proposed
- Expected incision locations
- Anesthesia
- Possible risks
- Dry-eye and eyelid-position considerations
- Expected recovery
- Recommended stay in Turkey
- Return-travel planning
- Follow-up after returning home
- Services included in the quoted price
Patients with significant pre-existing eye symptoms, eyelid dysfunction or previous complex periocular surgery may require additional ophthalmic or oculoplastic assessment.
The information on this page is intended for general education and does not replace an individual medical examination, diagnosis or consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
