The cat eyebrow lift is a recent beauty trend that has been spotted on Hollywood celebrities, runway models and Instagram influencers. The phenomenon refers to a slight upturn at the outer eye corners that can give your eyes a sleek, lifted and subtle cat-eye appearance.
But what exactly is this mysterious cat eye lift that’s causing such a buzz? Is it some tightly guarded beauty secret that only some lucky few know about? Fortunately, it’s not.
Anyone can achieve the cat eye lift. In fact, many plastic surgeons and aesthetic clinics across the country now offer the cat eye procedure. Cat-eye surgery has become one of the most requested facial procedures in Beverly Hills and beyond.
Whether through a brow lift, canthoplasty, or canthopexy, the goal is the same — creating an upswept, almond-shaped eye that looks naturally lifted and youthful. Dr. Cat helps patients understand which approach best fits their anatomy and aesthetic goals.
The Fancy (Medical) Name is Endoscopic Brow Lift
There are several ways to achieve the cat eye look. Brow lift surgery is one of them. This surgical procedure is not new but has been around for many decades. What has changed, however, is the advanced technique.
Even as recently as a decade ago plastic surgeons used to make one large incision in the hairline, spanning from ear to ear. The entire brow would be lifted and repositioned to achieve a more youthful look, counteract the effects of gravity, reduce wrinkles and tighten skin.
For the most part, the traditional brow lift is a thing of the past. Enter the endoscopic brow lift, a much less invasive approach to brow rejuvenation. Instead of making one large coronal incision, 2-4 smaller cuts are made in the hairline. Any alterations to the eye muscles and anatomy are administered endoscopically - using a camera and probes.
Endoscopic plastic surgery has been a game-changer for both patients and surgeons. With this new ‘gentler’ technique patients can achieve the cat eye lift and look more refreshed with less downtime. When it comes to brow lift surgery, Dr. Cat’s philosophy is to give each patient the best results possible while preserving a natural and harmonious appearance.
How Cat Eye Lift Surgery is Performed
A traditional endoscopic brow lift won’t necessarily give you the cat eye look. Then what is a cat eye lift, you ask? It’s still brow lift surgery but only instead of making small incisions in the middle and above the forehead, they are placed more to the sides. If you draw a line from the corner of your eyebrow into the hairline that’s where your incisions will go.
This specialized technique allows your surgeon to create the classic slanted shape of the cat eye lift by repositioning the outer (lateral) corners of the eyebrow only and not the whole brow. It’s a subtle change - only about 2 mm - but it makes a big impact visually.
It’s Not the Same as Blepharoplasty
With so many procedures out there, it’s easy to confuse the endoscopic brow lift with another popular surgery called blepharoplasty. Excess skin is removed from the upper or lower eyelids during a blepharoplasty to open up the eyes and give them a more rejuvenated appearance.
Surgeons may choose to perform a brow lift and blepharoplasty at the same time if a patient has excess skin on their eyelids. Doing so can produce a much better outcome overall as these two procedures complement one another. Keep in mind that only the lateral endoscopic brow lift can create the cat eyebrow lift.
What Are the Benefits of Cat Eye Lift Surgery?
A brow lift performed endoscopically is much less invasive and risky than older techniques. There is less chance of developing serious complications such as infection, bleeding, slow wound healing, scarring, asymmetry and unfavorable results.
The recovery is also much faster and easier. Undergoing an endoscopic brow lift, or any endoscopic plastic surgery procedure, makes for a much more pleasing healing experience. That’s because the recovery process takes less time and patients are back at work or return to their normal activities within one week post-op.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Cat-Eye Surgery?
Not everyone needs the same approach to achieve the cat eye aesthetic. Ideal candidates for cat-eye surgery typically have one or more of the following concerns: drooping or heavy brows that make the eyes appear tired, naturally downturned outer eye corners, mild to moderate upper eyelid hooding, or a desire for a more almond-shaped eye contour. Age, skin elasticity, and facial bone structure all play a role in determining which technique — endoscopic brow lift, canthoplasty, or canthopexy — will deliver the most natural-looking result.
During a consultation, Dr. Cat evaluates the position of the brow relative to the orbital rim, the laxity of the lateral canthal tendon, and overall facial proportions. Patients in good general health who have realistic expectations tend to be the best candidates. Those with certain autoimmune conditions or chronic dry eye may need additional evaluation before proceeding.
Cat Eyebrow Lift: Little Details Make a Big Difference
According to Dr. Cat, a highly trained and skilled plastic surgeon, the biggest advantage of the endoscopic brow lift is how exact it can be. To benefit her patients, she uses the exceptional precision required by the technique to her advantage.
When performing the cat eyebrow lift, Dr. Cat focuses all her attention on every patient, always striving to exceed their expectations. Her meticulous surgical approach and gentle touch ensures that patients experience less pain, swelling, bruising and overall discomfort post-op.
What Can I Expect After the Cat Eye Procedure?
Recovery and downtime following the cat eyebrow lift is usually two weeks. When you arrive home post-op you’ll be wearing a dressing over your head and eye area. Once the anesthetic wears off, you may experience a headache or pain at the incision sites. Make sure to rest and take your pain medication as directed.
For the first week, it’s normal to have some swelling, bruising and overall discomfort. Your vision may be blurred for a few days. You may be asked to sleep upright and elevate your head to minimize swelling. To prevent bleeding and infection, make sure to keep the area dry and clean until you’re given the go ahead to bathe.
The second week of recovery should go much more smoothly. Most swelling, bruising and discomfort should have been resolved. You’ll be able to resume most activities at this time except strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and using steam/sauna.
What Does Cat-Eye Surgery Recovery Actually Look Like?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the specific technique used. For an endoscopic brow lift targeting the cat eye aesthetic, most patients can expect about two weeks of visible swelling and bruising. Canthoplasty recovery follows a similar timeline, though the eye area may remain slightly puffy for up to three weeks. Cold compresses, head elevation while sleeping, and prescribed eye drops help manage discomfort during the first few days. Most patients return to desk work within seven to ten days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least three to four weeks. Sutures are typically removed within one to two weeks. The final result continues to refine over several months as residual swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position. Dr. Cat provides detailed post-operative instructions tailored to each patient’s procedure to help ensure a smooth healing process.
Will I Have a Scar?
With any surgical procedure where incisions are required there will be a scar. Fortunately, endoscopic brow lift incisions are carefully hidden well within the hairline. Furthermore, Dr. Cat executes her incision closures so meticulously that any scars are minimal and barely noticeable after they have healed.
Some patients may experience temporary hair loss near the incision closure. During this time scars may be more visible than usual. After about 4-6 months all the hair should regrow to fully conceal the scars.
Canthoplasty vs. Canthopexy: Understanding the Difference
Two terms that often come up alongside cat-eye surgery are canthoplasty and canthopexy. While they sound similar, they address different levels of correction. Canthoplasty involves detaching and repositioning the lateral canthal tendon — the tissue that anchors the outer corner of the eye — to create a more dramatic upward tilt. It’s a more involved procedure suited for patients who need significant reshaping of the eye’s outer angle. Canthopexy, on the other hand, tightens the existing tendon without fully detaching it, offering a subtler lift. Think of canthopexy as a reinforcement and canthoplasty as a reconstruction. Dr. Cat may recommend one over the other depending on how much lift is needed and whether the procedure is being combined with a brow lift or blepharoplasty. Both are performed under local anesthesia with sedation and involve incisions hidden within the natural crease of the eyelid.
How Much Does Cat-Eye Surgery Cost?
The cost of cat-eye surgery depends on several factors, including the specific technique performed, anesthesia fees, facility costs, and whether multiple procedures are combined in a single session. Because this is considered a cosmetic procedure, health insurance typically does not cover it. During a consultation at Dr. Cat’s Beverly Hills office, patients receive a personalized quote that reflects their unique treatment plan. Many practices, including Dr. Cat’s, offer financing options to help make the procedure more accessible. It’s worth remembering that choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific experience in periorbital and brow procedures is more important than finding the lowest price — the eye area is delicate, and precision matters enormously for both safety and aesthetics.
What is the Cat Eye Thread Lift?
Another trendy procedure to achieve the cat eyebrow lift is using absorbable surgical sutures or ‘threads.’ These can be made of PDO (Polydioxanone) or PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid).
How does the cat eye thread lift work? The threads are inserted under the skin through a pilot hole using a cannula. Depending on the threads, they can have bi-directional barbs or cones, which act as anchors to pull, lift and reposition the skin at the outer corners of the eyes.
Threads Vs. Brow Lift
The biggest problem with threads is how temporary they are. They’re supposed to last anywhere from 6-9 months but for many people that’s not always the case. Simply stated, the number one complaint from patients is that their cat eye thread lift only lasted a couple of months.
Considering the high cost of threads, and the discomfort of having to undergo the thread lift procedure, it can be very disappointing for patients when the cat eye effect doesn’t last.
Poor longevity aside, threads can have their own share of problems as well. Asymmetry is the biggest one as sometimes the threads can break or absorb at different rates from one side to the next. Sometimes they can look pulled or puckered, and in rare cases they can make the face look distorted.
Compare that to a much lower risk of complications with cat eye lift surgery, which can last upwards of five years, and it’s clear to see why the surgical route may be a better and longer-lasting option if you’re considering a cat eyebrow lift.
For more information about our services or general questions give us a call at 310-858-8808.
You can also reach us by email at help@beautybydrcat.com. Use this link to book a pre-consultation phone call: https://beautybydrcat.com/book-consultation.
Schedule a Cat-Eye Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you’ve been considering cat-eye surgery and want to explore your options with a plastic surgeon who specializes in precise, natural-looking results, Dr. Cat’s Beverly Hills practice is a great place to start. A one-on-one consultation allows Dr. Cat to assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the technique — or combination of techniques — that will give you the lifted, almond-shaped eye contour you’re after. Every face is different, and the best outcomes come from a plan that’s built around your specific features rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can reach the office by phone or through the online booking form to schedule your appointment. Bring any reference photos that reflect the look you’re hoping to achieve — they’re a helpful starting point for the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat-Eye Surgery
What is cat-eye surgery and how does it differ from a standard brow lift?
Cat-eye surgery refers to a group of procedures — including endoscopic brow lift, canthoplasty, and canthopexy — designed to lift the outer eye area and create an upswept, almond-shaped appearance. A standard brow lift raises the entire brow evenly, while cat-eye techniques focus specifically on the lateral (outer) portion for that signature tilted look.
How long do the results of cat-eye surgery last?
Surgical cat-eye procedures like endoscopic brow lifts and canthoplasty produce long-lasting results, often enduring many years. Natural aging will continue over time, but most patients enjoy their refreshed, lifted appearance for a significant period compared to non-surgical alternatives like threads, which may last only six to nine months.
Can cat-eye surgery be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine cat-eye surgery with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelifts, or fat transfer to achieve a more complete facial rejuvenation. Dr. Cat can discuss which combinations make sense for your anatomy and goals during a consultation at her Beverly Hills office.
