Botox for Crow’s Feet: Everything You Need to Know

By:  
Dr. Vishal Patel
Published on:  
April 16, 2025

Let’s talk crow’s feet.

You know those fine lines that show up at thecorners of your eyes when you laugh or squint? Yeah, those.

If you’re wondering whether Botox is the answerto smoothing them out, you’re in the right place.

What Are Crow’s Feet?

Crow’s feet, also called laughter lines or smilelines, are the fine lines and wrinkles that appear around the outer corners of your eyes.

Why do they show up?
It’s simple: repeated muscle contractions. Every time you squint, smile, or laugh, the orbicularis oculi muscle (that’s the muscle around your eyes) contracts. Over time, this leads to dynamic wrinkles that eventually stickaround, even when your face is at rest.

What Causes Crow’s Feet?

A few culprits are behind those lines:

●    Collagen and elastin loss: These are the proteins that keep your skin smooth and elastic. As you age, production slows down.

●    UV exposure: Sun damage breaks down collagenand accelerates the appearance of wrinkles.

●    Facial expressions: Smiling, squinting, oreven frowning—your skin folds with every expression.

●    Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor skin care,and dehydration can make wrinkles worse.

Does Botox treatment work for Crow’s Feet?

Short answer? Yes.

Botox, a botulinumtoxin injectable, works by temporarily relaxingthe muscles that cause crow’s feet. When the muscles can’t contract as much, the lines and wrinkles soften,giving the area a smoother, more youthful appearance.

If you want to improve the appearance of crow's feet, check out our Botox treatments here.

How Does Botox for Crow’s Feet Work?

Here’s what happens:

1.   Your plastic surgeon or dermatologist will target the lateral canthal lines—that’s the fancy term for crow’s feet.

2.   Botox is injected in small amounts into the outer corners of your eyes.

3.   The muscle contractions around the eyes are reduced, softening thelines without freezing your expression.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you’re considering Botox, here’s the low down:

●    The consultation: Your provider will assess the lines around your eyes, your skin type, and the best approach.

●    The injection process: It’s quick—10 to 15 minutes. You might feel a small pinch at the injection sites, but it’s over before you know it.

●    Aftercare: Avoid touching the area for a fewhours, skip intense workouts, and stay upright for at least four hours.

How Long Does Botox Last on Crow’s Feet?

Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Some people see effects linger longer with regular treatments.

Is It Safe Around the Eyes?

Botox is one of the most studied cosmetic treatments out there. When performed by a qualified professional, it’s safe for treating wrinkles around the eyes.

Side effects are rare but can include:

●    Redness or bruising at the injectionsites

●    Temporary swelling

●    Rarely, eyelid drooping

Botox vs Dermal Fillers: What’s the Difference?

Botox is best for dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, like crows feet orfrown lines.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, add volume and work betterfor deeper wrinkles or areas withlost fullness.

Preventing Wrinkles: Can You Stop Them?

You can’t stop aging, but you can slow down the formation of wrinkles:

●    Wear SPF 30+ daily: Protect your skin from UV damage.

●    Use an eye cream: Look for ingredients like retinol or peptides to support collagen.

●    Stay hydrated: Drink water and keep your skin moisturized.

●    Don’t squint: If you need glasses, wear them.

●    Eat a balanced diet: Foods rich in antioxidants can promote healthy skin.

How do you prevent crow’s feet?

Preventing lines around your eyes is all about taking care of your skin:

●    Wear sunscreen every day.

●    Use an eye cream with retinol or peptides.

●    Stay hydrated and avoid smoking.

●    Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and not squinting.

How much does Botox for crow's feet cost?

The cost of Botox for crow’s feet depends on a few things:

●    The number of Botox units needed (usually 6 to 12 per side).

●    Your provider’s expertise.

●    Where you’re getting treated.

On average, you’re looking at £150–£350 per session.

before and after botox for crow's feet

FAQs

Does Botox cause eyebags?

Botox doesn’t cause eye bags, but improper placement or dosage can lead to uneven results. Always go to a qualifiedprovider.

How many Botox units areneeded?

Most providers use 6 to 12 units per side, but this depends on your specific case.

Is Botox permanent?

No, Botox results tend to last 3 to 4 months.

Can I get Botox and fillers together?

Yes. Botox and dermal fillers often complement each other for a more complete facial rejuvenation.

Does Botox work on crow’s feet eye wrinkles?

Absolutely. Botox is one of the most popular treatments for crows feet and other facial wrinkles. It relaxes the muscles responsible for those lines, smoothing out the skin around the eyes. Results are noticeable, but they still leave you looking natural and refreshed.

Is Botox safe to inject near the eyes?

Yes, Botox is safe around the eyes when injected by a trained professional. It’sone of the most common treatments for wrinkles around the eyes, and the side effects are usually mild (like redness or bruising at the injection sites).

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable made from botulinum toxin. Don’t let the name scare you—it’s been used for decades to treat both medical conditions and fine lines and wrinkles. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, like those in the corners of your eyes. One of the mosttypical areas include frown lines and crows feet.

Can Botox® or Dysport® cause eye bags?

Not directly. But if the injections aren’t placed correctly or if too much is used, it might lead to a slight drooping o rpuffiness in the area. This is why choosing a skilled injector is key.

What other side effectsmay occur?

While Botox is considered safe, some peoplemight experience:

●    Temporary bruising or redness atthe injection sites.

●    Mild swelling around the treated area.

●    Rarely, drooping eyelids (which resolves on its own).

Always chat with your provider if somethingfeels off.

When do crow’s feet start to appear?

Crows feet lines often start appearing in your late 20s or early 30s, depending on your UV exposure,genetics, and lifestyle habits. If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun or skipped SPF 30, they might show up earlier.

Is there a medication to get rid of crow’s feet?

There isn’t a magic pill for wrinkles around the eyes, but Botox isas close as it gets. Other treatments like chemical peels, retinoids, and laser therapy can help improve skin texture andreduce the appearance of crows feet,but they don’t address the muscle movement behind those wrinkles.

Book Your Botox Consultation

Ready to take the next step?

Wrinkles might be a natural part of aging, but you don’t have to settle for them.

Botox is a safe, effective injectable to smooth the skin around your eyes and refresh yourlook.

Book an appointment today and let’s chat about how to makethose lines a thing of the past.

botox for crow's feet treatment in dental wellness london

 

Youtube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW2Vh2u8o4g

 

Article by

Dr. Vishal Patel

I’m a dentist with a passion for creating beautiful, natural-looking smiles. With a Master’s in Aesthetics and Restorative Dentistry, I’ve honed my skills in treatments like Invisalign, clear aligners, fixed braces, veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening. Combining precision with a keen eye for detail, I aim to help patients achieve smiles they can feel proud of, using techniques that are tailored to each individual.