Botox Around Eyes: Targeting Crow’s Feet and Under-Eye Lines

Crow’s feet and under-eye lines carry more information than most people realize. They tell the story of years of expression, squinting in sunlight, late nights, lost collagen, and changing skin quality. When they start to linger even at rest, many patients come in asking for help that looks subtle and feels natural. Correctly performed botox around the eyes can soften those lines without dulling expression. The key is anatomical finesse, micro-dosing strategy, and an honest assessment of what botulinum toxin can and cannot do in this area.

Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A. In aesthetic practice, it functions as a neuromodulator, a highly purified protein that reduces nerve signaling to targeted muscles. Less signal means less contraction, which softens dynamic wrinkles, the lines created by movement. Around the eyes, the orbicularis oculi muscle is the main mover responsible for crow’s feet. When you smile or squint, it bunches at the outer corners, folding the skin into radiating creases. Strategic botox injections quiet the strongest fibers of this muscle, so the skin doesn’t crinkle as deeply.

Dynamic lines respond best, static lines less so. If a wrinkle is etched into the skin at rest, botox still helps by reducing the repeated folding that keeps carving it deeper, but results are limited unless combined with skin-quality treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or lasers. Thin, crepey skin under the eye is primarily a skin texture and volume issue. Botox is not a filler and it does not thicken the dermis. It can be used conservatively to reduce “jelly roll” lines just under the lash line in selected patients, yet overtreatment here risks a heavy smile or a hollow, tired look.

The eye area magnifies both artistry and mistakes. In the outer eye region, the best results come from mapping the direction of the patient’s smile lines. I ask each person to smile fully. Some form tight, short lines near the orbital rim. Others show long, fan-like creases extending toward the temple. The injection pattern changes to match these differences, and so does the dose.

For crow’s feet, typical dosing ranges from about 6 to 15 units per side with most common patterns falling in the 8 to 12 unit range, adjusted to the muscle mass, gender, and expressive style. Lighter dosing delivers softer movement and a more subtle change. Heavier dosing smooths more but increases the risk of that “frozen” corner or a smile that no longer reaches the eyes. I often use a micro botox approach, spacing small aliquots in a fanned pattern, staying superficial, and avoiding the malar area where toxin diffusion can cause undesired effects.

Placement matters. Too low or too medial near the zygomatic recess can influence the zygomaticus muscles that lift the corner of the mouth, creating an odd grin or smile asymmetry. Too high near the brow tail can weaken lateral brow support and lead to a tail drop in someone already prone to hooding. A good injector keeps two mental maps: one of where to place, the other of where not to place.

Under-eye lines come in several flavors, and only one is a strong candidate for botox. The first is movement-driven creasing at the lash line from the preseptal orbicularis oculi. The second is surface crinkling due to thin skin, dehydration, and sun damage. The third is shadowing and bags caused by fat herniation, laxity, or volume loss in the tear trough and cheek.

Botox can help the first category when used sparingly, often 1 to 3 units per injection point in one or two points safiramdmedspa.com botox ga per side. It should be superficial and placed just under the ciliary margin in carefully selected patients with strong muscle bunching. In someone with minimal muscle bulk, I avoid it or use baby botox level dosing to prevent smile weakness. If the lines are etched but the muscle is quiet, I pivot to skin-focused strategies and sometimes filler in the tear trough or adjacent cheek if volume loss is the root problem.

The bottom line: botox for under-eye lines, done well, is conservative. Done excessively, it can flatten a smile and create that heavy-cheek look in photos.

Botox injections start working in 2 to 4 days for most people, with a peak at around 10 to 14 days. Around the eyes, patients often notice a smoother outer corner when they smile in the mirror by the end of week one. The duration typically runs 3 to 4 months. Athletes, fast metabolizers, or patients with very active expressions may feel the effect fade closer to the 8 to 10 week mark. With routine botox injections at steady intervals, some people find that their lines soften progressively because the skin is no longer being folded as aggressively.

Many patients in my practice return every 3 to 4 months for maintenance. A few stretch to 5 months if their dose and metabolism allow. Preventative botox is a strategy for those in their late 20s or early 30s with early crow’s feet. The idea is to reduce repetitive folding before the lines etch. It is not mandatory, and good sun habits often buy more time than injections alone.

A strong result around the eyes depends on subtle choices. Using a small gauge needle and a gentle approach reduces bruising. Superficial placement reduces the risk of unintended muscle spread. Ice, vibration, or topical numbing can make botox shots more comfortable. I often combine standard neuromodulator dosing for deep muscle bands with micro botox for feathering the edges, especially near the orbital rim.

Dilution and brand matter less than the injector’s algorithm. Allergan’s Botox, Galderma’s Dysport, and Revance’s Daxxify are all botulinum toxin type A products with different unit scales and onset profiles. Dysport sometimes seems to kick in slightly faster for crow’s feet in my experience, while Daxxify may last longer in some patients, but these differences are not universal. The skill lies in placing the right amount, in the right spots, for that person’s anatomy and smile.

The best candidates for botox around the eyes have dynamic wrinkles that deepen with expression and a desire for softening, not erasing. They understand that botox is a muscle relaxant and that skin quality still needs attention. They maintain sun protection, hydrate, and accept that maintenance is part of the plan.

Caution or alternative strategies are needed for patients with heavy upper lids and low-lateral brow support, very thin under-eye skin with significant crepiness, or pronounced under-eye hollows. Severe dry eye symptoms can worsen if blinking strength is reduced with aggressive dosing. Those with neuromuscular disorders, allergy to any product component, or active infection at the injection site should not undergo botox treatment. Pregnancy and nursing remain exclusion zones due to lack of safety data. If a patient relies on robust eye closure for contact sports or certain professions, conservative dosing is prudent to avoid even temporary weakness.

I ask patients to bring old photos. They reveal how someone’s eyes used to move and how lines have evolved. We talk about what they want to see in the mirror when they smile. Do they prefer a faint crinkle that still reads as warmth, or a glassy outer corner with minimal movement? There is no universal right answer. Eyelid anatomy varies, and so does the aesthetic ideal by culture and personal style.

Once we agree on a target, the first session is intentionally modest. I would rather add a touch at the two-week check than wait three months for an overcorrection to fade. It is common to treat the orbicularis at the lateral canthus, assess the balance with the brow, and see whether the outer brow lifts or drops subtly after the toxin settles. If a patient notices a slight heaviness at the brow tail, the next session shifts the pattern to restore support.

Botox is one part of an anti-aging strategy. Crow’s feet soften with neuromodulation, but the overlying skin tells its own story. Sun exposure accounts for a large share of the photoaging we see at the outer eye. High-SPF mineral sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats do more for long-term wrinkle prevention than any single cosmetic procedure. For skin quality, I reach for retinoids, a peptide serum, and well-formulated moisturizers that respect the delicate periocular area.

If static lines persist, energy devices can help. Fractional non-ablative lasers, gentle ablative laser resurfacing in selected cases, or radiofrequency microneedling stimulate collagen and tighten the dermis. For the under-eye hollows that cast shadows, carefully placed hyaluronic acid filler in the tear trough or the malar region may restore a rested look. The sequence matters. I prefer to stabilize muscle movement with botulinum toxin injections first, then resurface or fill if indicated, so the skin has a calmer environment to heal and remodel.

Around the eyes, side effects are generally mild when the injector respects anatomy. Expect small injection marks that fade within an hour or two. Bruising can occur, especially in those on aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil, or supplements like ginkgo and garlic. If bruising happens, it is usually pinpoint and resolves within a few days. A cool compress helps the first day, then gentle warmth speeds clearing.

More significant but uncommon issues include asymmetry of the smile, lateral brow heaviness, or a slight lid droop. Lid ptosis is rare with crow’s feet treatment because the levator muscle sits deeper and more medial, but spread of toxin in the wrong plane can cause problems. If a droop occurs, it tends to improve gradually as the toxin effect wanes. Eye dryness can worsen if blinking force is reduced too much. Patients with baseline dry eye should disclose it, and dosing should be conservative.

Allergic reactions to the toxin itself are extremely rare. The biggest safety decision you make is your choice of injector. Look for a clinician who performs facial botox routinely, understands periocular anatomy, and is willing to decline or modify treatment if your features suggest a higher risk of undesired changes.

Plan for 20 to 30 minutes. We start with photos, expressions at rest and on smile, then a cleanup of makeup and skin. Mapping is quick, using skin-safe marker dots. The botox cosmetic injections themselves take only a few minutes. Most patients describe a brief pinch with each entry. There is minimal downtime. Avoid rubbing the area vigorously for the rest of the day. Skip heavy workouts, steaming hot yoga, facials, or wearing tight eye goggles for 12 to 24 hours to reduce spread risk.

At day 3 to 4, look for early changes. By day 14, we evaluate symmetry and strength. If one side of your smile is stronger, a small booster can balance it. I prefer the smallest effective touch during follow-ups to keep expressions natural.

People worry that cosmetic botox will erase personality. Around the eyes, the most natural looking botox comes from respecting the role the orbicularis plays in expression. Full smiles use the eyes as much as the mouth. If I remove all movement in someone whose joy shows predominantly in the outer canthus, their face will read as muted. I would rather leave a whisper of motion than chase a porcelain finish.

That said, some professionals who spend long hours on camera or under bright studio lights prefer more pronounced smoothing. The camera adds contrast, and overhead lighting exaggerates creases. Even in these cases, it is possible to achieve effective botox treatment without crossing into an immobile look by distributing dose across several micro points and leaving the lower fibers of the muscle with a hint of play.

Lifestyle matters. Marathoners, swimmers, and those with intense cardio routines often metabolize botulinum toxin a bit faster, whether due to increased blood flow or simply higher facial movement. Outdoor workers who squint through sun and glare develop stronger lateral orbicularis and may need a slightly higher dose initially, alongside serious sun protection. Frequent fliers deal with dry cabin air and fatigue that deepens under-eye lines. For them, pairing routine botox injections with disciplined eye hydration, cool compresses, and a nightly retinoid can maintain a smoother baseline between treatments.

Preventative botox has its place, but prevention is bigger than injectables. Sunglasses with UV protection, hats with a brim, and daily sunscreen do more for crow’s feet than any other single habit. Smokers and those with high indoor screen time often squint without noticing. Adjusting screen brightness and taking breaks reduces micro-squints. A small nightly dab of a retinoid, used consistently and gently around the periocular area if tolerated, builds collagen slowly. If your skin is sensitive, start every third night, buffer with a lightweight moisturizer, and protect with SPF. This skincare groundwork makes every round of injectable botox work harder.

Costs vary by region, provider, and product. Some clinics charge per unit, others by treatment area. Around the eyes, total units across both sides usually fall in the teens to low twenties for crow’s feet alone, and a few extra units per side if treating under-eye jelly roll lines. A higher per-unit fee from an experienced injector who understands your facial choreography often costs less over a year if it means fewer corrections and better longevity from precise placement. Ask how the clinic handles touch-ups. A thoughtful provider will plan conservative dosing and minor adjustments rather than pushing to maximum units at the first visit.

Two faces may have similar lines but respond very differently. I think of a pair of siblings I treated a few years ago. They both had pronounced crow’s feet and asked for the same plan. The older sister squinted deeply and pulled the line pattern almost horizontal toward the temples. She did beautifully with a mid-range dose and three lateral points per side. Her younger brother had fine, long radial lines that came from a high cheek lift during smiling. The same map would have flattened his smile. We shifted to more superior-lateral placement, avoided lower points, and used micro botox to feather the transition. Both were happy, yet each would have been disappointed with the other’s pattern. This is why cookie-cutter maps fall short around eyes.

Not every under-eye concern improves with botulinum toxin treatment. If a patient’s main complaint is a deep tear trough or persistent bags, I explain why botox shots will not fix it. Volume loss, fat pad descent, and skin laxity need different tools, from hyaluronic acid fillers to energy devices or surgery in advanced cases. Some lines are the product of years of sun damage that thinned the dermis. Here, anti wrinkle botox softens the movement component, but resurfacing does the heavy lifting for texture.

If someone needs a brow lift that opens the lateral lid, brow lift botox can sometimes create a small, temporary lift by relaxing the depressor fibers of the orbicularis and corrugators. If the lid hooding is structural with excess skin, a surgical blepharoplasty may be more appropriate. The goal is honest guidance, not forcing botox to do a job it cannot.

Most aftercare advice is simple common sense, but it matters. Avoid pressing or massaging the area for the rest of the day. Keep workouts light or skip them for 12 to 24 hours. If a bruise appears, arnica gel can help a little, and a thin layer of concealer the next day handles the rest. Stay upright for several hours after injections. Hydrate well and avoid alcohol the evening before and after if you bruise easily. Resist the urge to test the muscle repeatedly in the first few days. Let the botox settle. By the two-week mark, evaluate in natural light and note what you love and what you would tweak next time.

While the focus here is cosmetic botox around the eyes, some patients exploring botox for wrinkles are also candidates for therapeutic botox elsewhere. Migraine sufferers may benefit from botox migraine treatment following specific medical protocols. Those with bruxism or TMJ issues look into masseter botox for jaw clenching. Others pursue botox for hyperhidrosis to reduce excessive sweating. These are medical botox or therapeutic botox indications and use different dosing and mapping. If you are exploring multiple reasons for botulinum toxin injections, coordinate timing so cosmetic and medical plans do not conflict and so the total toxin load per session stays within safe limits.

A successful crow’s feet treatment looks like you, rested. When you smile, the outer eye still brightens, but the accordion effect softens. At rest, fine lines look shallower, makeup doesn’t settle as much, and photos stop catching that deep crease under studio lights. The change should be clear to you in the mirror yet discreet to others. Friends may say you look fresh without pinpointing why. That is the standard I aim for.

Book a consultation with a clinician who routinely performs botox facial injections and can articulate, in plain language, how they plan to treat your specific pattern. Ask about units, placement, risks, and what adjustments they make if a smile feels less natural. Bring your priorities. If you prefer some crinkle to keep your signature expression, say so. A good injector listens and aims for a result that fits your face, not a trend.

The options within the botulinum toxin family are tools: standard botox, baby botox for nuanced control, micro botox for surface feathering, and tailored maps for lateral eye versus the under-eye zone. When used with respect for anatomy and expression, botox around the eyes is one of the most effective, low-downtime ways to soften age lines and restore an easy, confident smile.