Almond Eye Surgery: Captivating & Uplifted Gaze

Woman demonstrating the desired uplifted eye and brow shape achieved with almond eye surgery (fox eye lift).

The gaze is the most powerful mirror reflecting our expression and energy. The shape of the eyes determines the overall aura of the face, capable of conveying a wide spectrum of meanings, from a tired and melancholic look to a vibrant, dynamic, and attractive expression. In recent years, Almond Eye Surgery has taken center stage in global aesthetic trends. It is an exceptionally popular procedure that imparts a more uplifted, elongated, and gently tilted shape to the eyes, adding depth and allure to the gaze.

Also known as Canthoplasty, this procedure is more than just an aesthetic touch-up; it's a transformation that renews self-confidence and bestows a more positive expression. At his clinic in Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram performs almond eye aesthetics using the most modern techniques, meticulously tailored to your facial golden ratio and personal expectations, helping you achieve the captivating look you desire.

Book Your Consultation for a Personal Eye Shape Assessment

Book Now

What is Almond Eye Surgery (Canthoplasty)?

Almond Eye Surgery, medically termed Canthoplasty (specifically Lateral Canthoplasty), is a surgical procedure that involves elevating and securing the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus) to a higher position. The primary goals of this operation are to correct a downward slant of the outer eye corner, give the eye a more elongated and almond shape, and impart a more attractive, rested, and youthful expression to the gaze.

While often colloquially known as "eye lifting surgery," this procedure is far more intricate than a simple pull. It involves repositioning the lateral canthal tendon, the connective tissue that anchors the outer corner of the eye, to a higher point on the orbital rim bone (periosteum). This anatomical intervention ensures that the results are both permanent and natural-looking. This popular appearance, frequently referred to as "Upturned Eye Aesthetics", "Fox Eyes" or "Almond Eyes" is achieved through canthoplasty surgery.

Who is a Good Candidate for Almond Eye Surgery?

When performed on the right candidates, almond eye aesthetics can create a striking positive change in the overall facial expression. Ideal candidates typically possess the following characteristics:

Downward Slanting Outer Eye Corners: Individuals whose outer eye corners are lower than their inner corners, leading them to feel they constantly look tired, sad, or sleepy.
Round Eye Shape: Those desiring to transform their eye shape into a more elongated and tilted form for a more exotic and alluring gaze.
Seeking a Youthful and Dynamic Look: Young and middle-aged individuals who, regardless of aging signs, desire a more vibrant and dynamic expression as an aesthetic preference.
Addressing Aging Effects: It's also an ideal procedure for individuals experiencing drooping of the eye corners over time due to gravity, providing a significant lifting effect.
Good General Health: Anyone without serious medical conditions that would preclude surgery and who holds realistic expectations about the results can be a suitable candidate.

How is Almond Eye Surgery (Canthoplasty) Performed?

When performed by a specialist surgeon, almond eye surgery is an exceptionally safe, comfortable, and relatively short procedure. It is often performed in combination with procedures like a brow lift, temporal lift, and upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for comprehensive periorbital rejuvenation.

1. Consultation and Personalized Planning: The process begins with a detailed examination by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram. During this consultation, the anatomy of your face and eye structure is analyzed, your expectations are discussed, and the precise degree of lift for your eyes is planned millimetrically. Personalized planning is essential to achieve a natural result that harmonizes with your other facial features (brows, cheekbones, etc.).

2. Anesthesia Options: Almond eye aesthetics are typically performed under local anesthesia. Since the eye area is numbed, the patient feels no pain during the procedure. Light sedation can also be administered based on patient preference or the surgeon's recommendation, further enhancing comfort.

3. Surgical Technique (Step-by-Step): The operation typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

A very small incision (approximately 1 cm) is made in the natural crease at the outer corner of the upper eyelid. Hiding the incision within this natural skin fold ensures the scar is inconspicuous after healing.
Through this incision, the surgeon accesses the lateral canthal tendon, which holds the outer corner of the eye in place.
Using specialized surgical instruments, this tendon is carefully released. It is then resuspended and anchored to the periosteum (bone lining) of the orbital rim at a higher and slightly outward position using permanent, special sutures.
The incision is closed with very fine aesthetic sutures.

Almond Eye Surgery Recovery Process

The recovery process after almond eye surgery is generally quick and smooth.

First Few Days: Mild swelling, edema, and occasionally bruising may appear in the surgical area. This is quite normal. Applying cold compresses and resting with the head elevated helps reduce these effects. A slight stinging or tightness sensation in the eye area might be felt.
First Week: Sutures are typically removed between day 5 and day 7 (if non-dissolvable sutures were used). A significant portion of the swelling subsides during this period. Most patients can return to their social lives and desk jobs by the end of the week.
2-4 Weeks: During this period, avoid applying eye makeup, using contact lenses, and engaging in strenuous exercise. The new shape of the eyes becomes progressively more apparent.
Final Result: It may take 1 to 3 months for all tissues to fully settle, residual swelling to completely disappear, and the final outcome of the operation to emerge.

Almond Eye Surgery Costs 2025

Almond eye surgery costs vary depending on the surgeon's experience, the standards of the hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed, the type of anesthesia used, and the extent of the procedure (e.g., whether it is combined with additional procedures like eyelid surgery). Therefore, providing a precise cost estimate is only possible after a personal consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Eye Surgery

Is almond eye surgery a permanent procedure?

Yes, surgically performed almond eye aesthetics (canthoplasty) is a permanent procedure. Because the lateral canthal tendon is permanently anchored to its new position, the results maintain their longevity for a lifetime, unlike temporary methods like thread lifts. While the natural aging process continues, the new, uplifted shape of the eye remains. However, recurrence could potentially occur if there is an issue like loosening or breakage of the suture anchoring the tendon. This is rare with proper surgical technique.

Will there be scars after almond eye surgery?

The surgical incision is hidden within the natural skin folds at the outer edge of the eye. Once the healing process is complete, the remaining scar is typically faint and nearly impossible to detect when looking directly. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram meticulously applies aesthetic suturing techniques to minimize scarring.

Will my gaze and expression change with almond eye aesthetics?

Yes, the primary goal of this operation is to positively alter the expression. The surgery transforms a tired, sad, or droopy appearance into a more vibrant, dynamic, attractive, and youthful expression. However, it does not change the face's natural mimicry or character; it simply imparts a more positive aura.

Is almond eye surgery difficult or painful?

No, when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, almond eye aesthetics is considered a relatively straightforward and low-risk operation. Since it's done under local anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. Mild soreness that may occur in the postoperative period is easily managed with simple pain relievers.

Are 'upturned eye aesthetics' and 'almond eye aesthetics' the same?

These terms are often used interchangeably and refer to the same aesthetic outcome. Both describe surgical procedures aimed at achieving a more upturned and almond-shaped appearance by elevating the outer corner of the eye. "Upturned eye" is a more general description, while "almond eye" more specifically denotes the desired aesthetic shape.

Is non-surgical almond eye aesthetics possible?

Yes, a temporary uplifted effect can be achieved non-surgically with methods like "thread lifts" (Fox Eye Thread Lift). However, these methods do not alter the eye's anatomical structure; they merely lift the skin in the brow and temple area upwards. Their effect diminishes within 6 months to 1 year. For a permanent, natural, and genuine almond eye appearance, the surgical method (canthoplasty) is the gold standard.