For decades, if not centuries, dare we even say millennia, women have used makeup to shape their eyes, whether it was to make them appear bigger or more elongated. Men and women, including royals like Cleopatra and Nefertiti, in Ancient Egypt, used eyeliner to create the look, especially since they believed they had protective powers, guarding against evil spirits and harsh sun glare.
And the slightly lifted and upturned appearance of the outer corners of the eyes, reminiscent of a fox’s gaze, has been a hit ever since. In many South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, lining the eyes with kajal or kohl was believed to protect against the evil eye and ward off infections. And icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren turned it into a beauty staple.
In a modern context, the look is inspired by the sultry, almond-shaped eyes of celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Heck, even I’m a huge fan of applying liquid eyeliner to the outer corners of my eyes for that fierce, “I’m ready to tackle anything” look.
Of course, in the modern era, this almond-shaped, lifted appearance can be achieved using eyeshadow, brow shaping to lift and elongate the eyes, surgery (canthopexy), or non-surgically with PDO threads. And in the world of medical aesthetics, PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are known for their remarkable ability to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin. But as more and more people seek the snatched Fox-Eyes look, PDO threads have reached a new level of popularity.
Let’s talk about it.
Here Is How It Works
If you are thinking about temporarily waking up with a gorgeous Fox Eye in place, you are probably wondering how PDO threads work to create the look. It is fairly simple. These biodegradable sutures are inserted under the skin in strategic areas to lift and support the tissue. They also typically have tiny cones or barbs that latch onto the skin tissue.
When it comes to creating a more elongated eye shape, the placement focuses on lifting the temples and lateral brow to create that lifted eye appearance. This lift instantly enhances the contours of the upper face and improves overall symmetry. Talk about a win-win!
And no, you will not have threads galore situated under your skin, as the threads dissolve naturally over time. Once they have naturally dissolved, the lifting effect will last for at least 6 to 12 months, depending on the patient’s age, skin type, and lifestyle. Some opt for touch-up sessions every 6 months to maintain the look.
But be that as it may, one of the key benefits of a fox eye procedure is that the results are immediate. Plus, there is minimal downtime, meaning you can get back to your daily routine quickly, with your new fox eyes appearance.
But Why Exactly Is It So Popular?
One can only help but wonder why fox eyes have beguiled the likes of many. But when it comes to the popularity of a Fox Eye Thread lift, the answer is simple. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically completed in under an hour.
No incisions, scalpels, overnight hospital stays or weeks of recovery to plan for. You are basically in and out of your aesthetician’s practice and can return to most normal activities within a day or two.
Naturally, the quick recovery time is a huge benefit when it comes to people opting for non-surgical treatments in general. So much so that according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), non-surgical procedures increased by 23.2% globally in 2022, with thread lifts ranking among the fastest-growing treatments.
Millennial and Gen Z patients are particularly drawn to this approach, favouring subtle, tweakment-style procedures that enhance natural beauty without the stigma of “obvious” work.
Who Has Had The Fox Eye Thread Lift?
While few celebrities openly admit to getting the procedure, experts and cosmetic insiders speculate that the Fox Eye look popularised in recent years is rarely the result of makeup alone.
- Bella Hadid has long been the poster girl for the fox eye trend, with her signature lifted brows and sculpted eyes. While she has not confirmed any procedures, countless aesthetic doctors point to subtle facial changes that hint at thread lifts or similar non-surgical interventions.
- Kendall Jenner, another name often mentioned in Fox Eye discussions, has a dramatically lifted brow and temple region, sparking similar speculation.
- Ariana Grande, known for her signature eyeliner and high ponytail, has also shown a subtle evolution in her eye shape, leading some to believe a thread lift may have played a role.
Influencers and reality stars, including Love Island’s Molly-Mae Hague, have also popularised the look, contributing to a surge in bookings at aesthetic clinics across the UK and beyond.
Is It Safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified practitioner, the Fox Eye Thread Lift is considered very safe. PDO threads are FDA-approved and carry a low risk of complications. However, like any cosmetic procedure, results depend on the skill of the provider.
It is crucial to choose a medical professional with training in thread lifting techniques and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Done incorrectly, thread placement can result in asymmetry, puckering, or poor results.
Fox Eye Thread Lift Vs Fox Eye Surgery
Key Differences At A Glance:
| Feature | Thread Lift | Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Surgical |
| Downtime | 1 to 3 days | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Results Duration | 6 to 12 months | Years or permanent |
| Cost (UK average) | £500 to £1,200 | £3,000 to £6,000+ |
| Pain And Recovery | Mild discomfort, quick recovery | More discomfort, longer recovery |
| Reversibility | Yes | No |
The Downsides Of The Fox Eye Trend
Despite its popularity, the Fox Eye look has also sparked some controversy. Critics argue that the elongated eye trend can sometimes draw from East Asian aesthetics in a way that feels culturally insensitive, especially when adopted without context or understanding.
It is also worth noting that exaggerated lifts can look unnatural if overdone. Subtle, natural-looking results are generally best, enhancing your features rather than reshaping them entirely.
The Bottom Line
The Fox Eye Thread Lift is one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments for achieving lifted, sculpted eyes without surgery. Quick, minimally invasive, and backed by collagen-boosting PDO thread technology, it’s no wonder this procedure is trending from TikTok to Tinseltown.
Whether you are aiming for Bella Hadid’s signature snatch or simply want to rejuvenate tired, drooping eyes, the Fox Eye Thread Lift offers an elegant solution with minimal fuss and maximum effect.
