Temporal Lift (“Fox Eyes”) in Istanbul

Overview & objectives

A temporal lift—also called a temple lift or lateral brow lift—elevates the outer brow and tightens the lateral forehead. The gaze looks more alert, the lateral upper-lid hood feels lighter, and the contour towards the cheekbone is more defined. While “fox eyes” describes a slightly up-swept eye shape, we prioritise natural harmony over trends. We plan lift and vectors so that expression, brow shape, hairline and upper-lid crease work together.

Who is it suitable for?

A temporal lift is helpful for a laterally descended brow, a tired outer eye area with an otherwise stable central forehead, or for patients seeking a subtle lateral upswing. Often there is a lateral “hood” while the centre has dropped only slightly. It’s not ideal as a sole procedure for globally low brows or deep central forehead lines—in such cases a forehead/brow lift offers better control. Consultation distinguishes true brow ptosis from pure upper-lid skin excess.

Methods & techniques

Two main surgical routes are used and tailored to your anatomy.

  • Endoscopic temporal lift: very short incisions in the hair-bearing temple, minimally invasive mobilisation of lateral forehead tissues, precise vector setting and internal fixation with resorbable systems. Benefits: tiny scars, controllable lift, quick recovery.
  • Open mini-temporal lift: curved incision in or just at the hairline when extra skin needs tightening or a stronger lateral effect is desired. Scar hides within hair; allows fine surface tightening.

Suture/“thread” techniques can create a short-term accent but are less predictable. With lax lateral canthus we add a canthopexy to stabilise the outer lid corner. Volume deficits at zygoma/temple can be refined with autologous fat micro-grafting—lift plus volume often looks most natural.

Anaesthesia & procedure

Options: local anaesthesia, local + twilight sedation, or general anaesthesia. Endoscopic variants are very comfortable with local + sedation; open techniques or combined procedures may benefit from general anaesthesia. After seated markings we perform tissue-sparing dissection along planned vectors, fix the new position and close under low tension. Usually outpatient; cooling and a short observation complete the day.

Combinations & alternatives

For a coherent upper face we often combine a temporal lift with an upper-lid blepharoplasty when excess skin also hides the crease. Lower-lid fat repositioning smooths bags; CO₂/Er:YAG resurfacing treats fine lines; fat shaping harmonises the cheekbone line. If the main issue is central, a forehead/brow lift is the better primary choice; the temporal lift then serves as a lateral fine-tune.

Aftercare — clearly explained

For the first 48 hours use intermittent (not icy) cooling and sleep with the head elevated. Avoid tension on the temples; hair washing from the next day with lukewarm water and mild shampoo. Mild swelling, tightness and bruising are normal and reduce markedly within a week. Non-absorbable sutures are removed on days 5–7. Make-up at the temples only after clearance; SPF 50+ for several weeks is mandatory. Pause sport, sauna and heavy chewing for 2–3 weeks; gentle walks aid lymphatic drainage. Follow-ups ensure symmetry, nerve sensation and scar maturation; if needed we support with lymph/scar care or a mild laser refresh.

Risks & safety

Complications are uncommon but possible: bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, altered sensation in hair-bearing scalp, mild asymmetries or—rarely—outer canthus irritation. We minimise risk with gentle dissection, secure fixation, sterile technique and structured aftercare. Natural results depend on moderate elevation: a few millimetres are enough to open the gaze without altering expression or forehead tone. 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1How “strong” is the effect—will it look artificial?
We plan vectors so the outer brow rises only a few millimetres and the lateral hood lightens. Expression stays lively, not “pulled.” We deliberately avoid excess—aiming for timelessness, not a short-lived trend look.
2Where are the scars and how visible are they?
Incisions hide in the hair-bearing temple or just at the hairline. After maturation they’re barely noticeable in daily life. UV protection, gentle care and avoiding tension in the first weeks promote flat, pale scars.
3How long is downtime?
Many are socially presentable within a few days. Swelling and pressure ease clearly after a week. Work appointments can be camouflaged with suitable hairstyles. Pause sport and sauna for 2–3 weeks; the final result matures over months.
4Which anaesthesia is sensible?
Endoscopic variants are very comfortable with local anaesthesia + twilight sedation; open techniques or larger combinations are often best under general anaesthesia. The choice depends on findings, procedure length, pain sensitivity, and your safety/comfort preferences.
5Can a temporal lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes—often usefully: upper-lid update for a clear crease, lower-lid fat repositioning for bags, laser resurfacing for fine lines, and fat grafting for cheekbone definition. One session means a single anaesthetic and a consolidated recovery.