Medically reviewed by Dr. Hootan Zandifar, MD, FACS — double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Beverly Hills & Santa Monica · 2026-09-04
Quick answer: It depends on the method. A thread-based fox eye lift is temporary, typically lasting several months to a couple of years as the threads dissolve. A surgical approach — a lateral brow or canthal lift — is designed to be long-lasting, though it does not stop natural aging.
What a ‘fox eye’ lift actually is
The fox-eye look lifts and elongates the outer brow and eye for a subtly upturned, almond shape. It’s achieved several ways — dissolvable threads, a lateral (temporal) brow lift, or a canthal procedure — and each lasts a very different amount of time.
Thread lift vs. surgical: how long each lasts
Thread lifts give a temporary lift that fades as the threads dissolve, often within months to about two years. A surgical lateral brow lift or canthopexy repositions tissue and is meant to be durable — the closest thing to permanent, within the limits of ongoing aging.
Why ‘permanent’ is the wrong question
Even a surgical lift doesn’t freeze your face in time. The right question is which method matches how much change you want and how long you want it to hold — decided after an in-person exam of your brow position and eyelid anatomy.
Natural vs. overdone
The pulled, overly slanted ‘alien’ look comes from overcorrection. A natural fox-eye respects your existing features and lifts modestly. Artistry and restraint matter more than the technique name.
Key points
- Thread-based fox eye lift: temporary (months to ~2 years).
- Surgical lateral brow lift / canthopexy: long-lasting, not literally permanent.
- Aging continues regardless of method.
- A natural result depends on modest, individualized correction.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a thread fox eye lift last?
Typically several months up to about two years, as the dissolvable threads break down. Results vary by person and are confirmed at consultation.
Is a surgical fox eye lift permanent?
It’s designed to be long-lasting, but natural aging continues, so no facial procedure is truly permanent.
Does it look fake?
It shouldn’t. An overdone, sharply slanted result comes from overcorrection; a natural fox-eye is subtle and tailored to your anatomy.
Which option is right for me?
That depends on your brow and eyelid anatomy and your goals, which are assessed in person before any recommendation.
Related on this site: Brow lift · almond eye surgery · canthoplasty vs. canthopexy.
Talk to a Beverly Hills specialist
If you’re weighing a temporary thread lift against a longer-lasting surgical option, Dr. Zandifar sees patients in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica and reviews your anatomy in person before recommending anything. Request a consultation.
Dr. Hootan Zandifar, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist practicing in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Educational information only, not medical advice.
