Crow’s feet are the lines people least want to lose entirely — they are, after all, the evidence that you smile.
What is the best Botox treatment for crow’s feet? Conservative dosing placed in the muscle at the outer corner of each eye, typically a small number of units per side across two or three points. The aim is to soften the fan of lines while keeping a natural smile — lines that remain visible at rest usually need a skin treatment alongside.
What crow’s feet actually are
Lateral canthal lines
The medical term is lateral canthal lines — the fan of creases radiating from the outer corner of the eye, created by the orbicularis oculi muscle contracting whenever you smile or squint.
Why they appear early
The skin around the eye is the thinnest on the face and the muscle beneath it is used constantly, which is why these are often the first lines people notice.
How Botox treats them
Softening the ring muscle
Small amounts of botulinum toxin placed in the outer part of the muscle reduce how forcefully it contracts. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals that make muscles contract — which is precisely what is needed for a movement-driven line.
Why dosing is light here
The same muscle ring supports the lower lid and contributes to the smile. Over-treating it produces an odd, flattened smile, so restraint is the point.
Typical treatment at a glance
| Element | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Injection points | 2–3 per side, outer eye corner |
| Units per side | A small number — confirmed at consultation |
| Onset | Softening from about day 3 |
| Full effect | 10–14 days |
| Duration | About 3–4 months |
| Downtime | None; pinpoint redness for an hour or two |
Illustrative only. Your dose depends on muscle strength, line depth and how much movement you want kept.
What it will and will not do
Honest expectations before treatment:
- It softens lines that appear when you smile or squint
- It does not remove lines clearly visible with your face fully relaxed
- It does not improve crepey skin texture or sun damage around the eye
- It does not lift a hooded upper lid or tighten loose lower-lid skin
- It will not make your smile look unnatural if dosed conservatively
- It is temporary, so maintaining the result means repeating it
When crow’s feet need more than Botox
Etched lines
Where the lines are visible at rest, the crease has set into thin skin. Toxin softens the movement component only; resurfacing or collagen-stimulating treatment addresses the rest.
Sun damage and texture
Much of what reads as crow’s feet in a sunny climate is photoageing. Daily sun protection and a skin treatment plan do more for that than any number of units.
Avoiding an unnatural result
Keep the dose light and the placement outer
Injecting too close to the lower lid or too far medially can affect lid support or flatten the smile. Experienced placement matters more here than almost anywhere else in the upper face.
Build, do not chase
A conservative first treatment with a two-week review is the safest route to a natural outcome, because over-treatment around the eye cannot be undone.
Step-by-step: preparing for crow’s feet treatment
How to approach it:
- Photograph your eyes at rest and in a full smile, in natural daylight.
- Note whether the lines are visible when your face is completely relaxed.
- Book a consultation and ask whether your lines are dynamic, static or both.
- Agree a conservative dose and confirm placement will stay at the outer corner.
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements for 24–48 hours beforehand, where appropriate.
- Stay upright and avoid rubbing the area for the first few hours after treatment.
- Review at about two weeks, when a small top-up can be added if needed.
Crow’s feet treatment at LIV Clinic
Natural-first around the eyes
At LIV Clinic on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Dr. Narathai treats the outer eye conservatively and will tell you honestly when part of the problem is skin quality rather than movement.
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See our Botox and wrinkle programme, compare dermal filler for volume-related eye changes, or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Botox treatment for crow’s feet?
Conservative dosing placed in the muscle at the outer corner of each eye, usually across two or three points per side. The aim is softening the fan of lines while keeping a natural smile.
How long does Botox for crow’s feet last?
Typically about three to four months. The area is highly mobile, so some people find it wears off slightly sooner than frown-line treatment. Longevity varies by individual.
Will it change my smile?
Not if dosed conservatively and placed at the outer corner. Over-treating the muscle ring around the eye can flatten the smile, which is why restraint and experienced placement matter here.
Does it help lines I can see when my face is relaxed?
Only partly. Lines visible at rest have become etched into thin skin and usually need resurfacing or collagen-stimulating treatment alongside the toxin.
Is treatment around the eye safe?
It is a well-established treatment area, but it demands experience because the same muscle supports the lower lid. Temporary effects such as pinpoint bruising are the most common issue.
Can I treat crow’s feet on their own?
Yes, it is often treated alone. Some people prefer to combine it with frown-line treatment so the upper face looks balanced rather than one area being noticeably smoother.
Safety and consultation
Botox for crow’s feet is a prescription medical treatment and, like any injectable, carries some risk — common temporary effects can include redness, swelling, bruising, mild headache or a short-lived heaviness, and less common reactions such as temporary eyelid or brow droop are possible. Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be promised. This article is general information, not medical advice.
At LIV Clinic, every treatment begins with an in-person assessment by Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut, M.D., who reviews your skin, medical history and goals before recommending a personalized plan. Book a consultation to find out whether this treatment suits you.
LIV Clinic — “Live Your Life Young”
Doctor-led aesthetic and wellness clinic on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, serving both international visitors and local residents.
Koh Samui (Bophut): 1/63 Thaweeratpakdee Rd, Bo Put, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 · Tel 065-996-4242
Koh Phangan: 116/16 Moo 1, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280 · Tel 093-254-5259
LINE: @Livclinic · Book a consultation
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