For patients in South Africa

Fox eye surgery in Turkey from South Africa: what it does and what to expect

Fox eye surgery lifts the outer corners of the eyes and the tissue around them, giving a more elongated, almond-shaped eye. It is a surgical lift of the outer eye area, and the change is meant to be subtle rather than dramatic. This page explains who it suits, how it differs from non-surgical options, and how to plan the trip from South Africa.

Surgery, threads or injectables?

Thread lifts and injectables can lift the outer eye temporarily. Fox eye surgery repositions the tissue itself, so the change to the position and shape of the outer eye lasts longer. It is also a bigger step: there is an operation, a recovery period and a small risk of revision. If you want to compare, we also have a page on thread lifts for South African patients. More detail on the surgery is on the fox eye surgery treatment page.

Who it suits

• People who want a more lifted, elongated or almond-shaped eye
• People whose outer eye corners droop, or who have mild laxity at the outer brow and eye
• People looking for a long-lasting change rather than a temporary one
• People in good general health who do not smoke, or can stop before surgery, and whose expectations are realistic

If the main problem is heavy outer brows, a temporal lift may be discussed instead, and if it is excess eyelid skin, eyelid surgery may suit you better. The surgeon decides after an assessment. Other options are in our face surgery guide for South African patients.

How long to stay in İzmir

After arrival you have health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. After surgery you recover at Mandarin Grove, with nursing support, dressing changes and follow-up checks. Expect swelling, bruising around the eyes and a feeling of tightness for the first few days; resting with your head raised and using cold compresses can help.

By days four to seven the bruising is improving, though the outer eye may still look slightly swollen. Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, once the surgeon approves. Bring sunglasses for the journey, and book a return flight you can change.

Recovery at home

Most swelling settles between two and six weeks, and most people return to work within one to two weeks. Hold off strenuous exercise until the surgeon clears you. Over three to six months the tissue settles and the incision lines fade.

Risks are explained at consultation: swelling, bruising, temporary tightness, asymmetry and delayed healing and, more rarely, bleeding, infection, a change in eye shape or the need for revision surgery. Tell your GP about the operation once you are home.

After you fly home, follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team, and İzmir is only one hour ahead of South Africa, so calls fit into a normal day. Medical complications and any revision that becomes clinically necessary within one year of treatment are covered by our treatment guarantee; it does not cover a preference for a different look where the result is within what was discussed beforehand. See our clinic facts and complaints process.

What decides the cost

The cost depends on what the surgeon recommends, whether fox eye surgery is combined with another procedure, and how long you stay. You receive a personalised quote after the surgeon has reviewed your photographs.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, we will not promise a result, and we will not operate if your health makes it unsafe. Coming a long way is not a reason to add more procedures to one operation than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

What is fox eye surgery?

It is an operation that lifts the outer corners of the eyes and the surrounding tissue to create a more elongated, almond-shaped eye while keeping natural expression.

How is fox eye surgery different from a fox eye thread lift?

Threads give a temporary lift. Surgery repositions the tissue, so the change lasts longer, but it involves an operation and a recovery period.

How long after fox eye surgery can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, subject to the surgeon’s approval. Some swelling around the outer eye may still be visible when you travel.

What are the risks of fox eye surgery?

They include swelling, bruising, temporary tightness, asymmetry and delayed wound healing and, more rarely, bleeding, infection, a change in eye shape or the need for revision surgery. Your surgeon explains your own risk profile at consultation.

Will my medical aid cover fox eye surgery?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic eye surgery of this kind done abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask your scheme and your insurer directly before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.