The Anatomy: The Orbicularis Oculi Muscle
In one line
Crow's feet are produced by contraction of the lateral portion of the eye muscle (orbicularis oculi) — a circular muscle that closes the eye and is active in smiling, blinking, and squinting.
The orbicularis oculi is a circular muscle that surrounds the eye. It has three parts: orbital (outer — responsible for firm closure), preseptal (middle — blinking), and pretarsal (inner — gentle closure). Crow's feet are formed by the orbital portion — the one that contracts when you smile broadly or squint in the sun.
The important point: crow's feet are part of the smile. A genuine smile (known as a "Duchenne smile") includes contraction of both the lips and the eye muscle. When you see a person who smiles only with the mouth — without the eyes "smiling" — it looks artificial. Therefore, treatment in this area requires balance: soften the lines without eliminating the eyes' participation in the smile.
Skin Characteristics in This Area
The skin at the sides of the eyes is among the thinnest on the face. It is also especially exposed to sun and UV damage. Consequently, crow's feet appear relatively early — sometimes as early as the late 20s. Over the years, the combination of repeated movement + thin skin + sun damage turns dynamic lines into static ones. At the dynamic stage, botox alone produces an excellent result. At the static stage, it softens but does not erase.
Treatment Approach: Fewer Points, More Precision
Treatment of crow's feet usually involves 2–4 injection points per side, about a centimeter away from the outer corner of the eye. The dose is relatively low — typically 8–16 units per side.
- Injection location matters: injecting too low can affect the zygomaticus muscle and cause asymmetry in the smile. Injecting too close to the eye can cause a lower-lid drop.
- Injection depth: the muscle here is superficial and thin. The injection is subcutaneous, not deep into the muscle.
- Combining with other eye-area treatments: many patients treat crow's feet as part of a comprehensive treatment of the eye area — including treating dark circles, hollows, or skin quality. The approach varies based on what is dominant.
| Problem | Botox | Skin-quality improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic lines (in movement) | First-line, effective tool | Not relevant as first line |
| Static lines (at rest) | Partial softening only | Relevant — improves the dermis |
| Skin thinness/translucency | Not relevant | Central tool |
| Dark circles | Not relevant | Depends on cause — sometimes relevant |
Preserving a Natural Smile
This is the main challenge in this area. The goal is to soften the lines without eliminating the smile. How that is done:
- Conservative dose: enough to soften the contraction, not enough to abolish it. The patient keeps smiling with the eyes — just without etching deep lines.
- Avoiding diffusion: if botox diffuses to neighboring muscles (especially the zygomaticus), the smile can become asymmetric. Therefore — precise points, calculated dose.
- Calibrated expectations: if a patient is after "zero lines when smiling" — that means paralysis of the smile. That is not a desirable goal. The goal is a smile that looks natural and does not leave deep etching.
In practice, most patients are happy with the balance: they see clear improvement in the lines and get compliments for looking refreshed — without anyone saying they look "like they did something."
Frequently Asked Questions
Will botox for crow's feet affect blinking?
No. Blinking is controlled by a different part of the muscle (preseptal), and the injection targets the outer part (orbital). At a correct dose, there is no effect on eye function.
Can this be combined with treatment for the under-eye area?
Yes, and sometimes it is even recommended. But the tools are different: botox for crow's feet (movement), and for the under-eye area — it depends on what is dominant: skin quality, a hollow, or pigmentation. Both treatments can be performed in the same session, but they are mechanistically separate.
Want to find out what’s relevant for you?
You can book a short consultation to assess the eye area — lines, skin quality, hollows — and understand the right tool. No obligation.