Living in the tropical paradise of Koh Samui often means days filled with sunshine and smiles. However, the combination of squinting against the bright sun and the natural joy of island life can accelerate the formation of “lateral canthal lines,” commonly known as crow’s feet. These radiating lines at the corners of your eyes are often the first sign of aging that our patients wish to address.

If you are researching a Botox injection for crow’s feet, you likely want to look refreshed without losing the sparkle in your eyes. At LIV Clinic, we understand that the eyes are the most expressive part of the face. Our goal is to soften the harsh creases while preserving your genuine, natural smile.

Why Trust LIV Clinic for Eye Rejuvenation?

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the entire body, making it unforgiving to improper technique. Injecting this area requires a deep understanding of the orbicularis oculi muscle—the circular muscle responsible for closing the eye.

Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut and our medical team use a specialized “micro-droplet” technique. Instead of a few large boluses, we place tiny, precise amounts of the neuromodulator just beneath the skin. This ensures that the product stays exactly where it is needed, smoothing the wrinkles without affecting your cheek elevation or causing a “droopy” look. When you choose LIV Clinic, you are choosing safety, precision, and a result that looks like you, only well-rested.

Understanding the “Smile Lines”

Before we treat them, it is helpful to understand why they form.

  • Dynamic Lines: These appear only when you smile or squint. A Botox injection for crow’s feet is highly effective here, relaxing the muscle to prevent the skin from folding.

  • Static Lines: These are etched into the skin even when your face is neutral. For these deeper lines, we may recommend a combination approach, perhaps pairing the toxin with a skin booster or laser treatment to repair the skin texture itself.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Many patients are nervous about needles near their eyes. We prioritize your comfort to make the experience stress-free.

  1. Consultation: We assess your smile pattern. Some people smile with their eyes more than others, and we want to keep that warmth.

  2. Numbing: We apply a topical numbing cream or use ice to desensitize the area.

  3. The Injection: The process takes less than 5 minutes. You will feel a tiny pinch, often described as less painful than plucking an eyebrow hair.

  4. Immediate Return: There is no downtime. You can return to your hotel or work immediately, though you might have tiny mosquito-bite bumps for about 20 minutes.

Dosage Guide: How Many Units Do You Need?

The “standard” dose does not apply to everyone. Factors like gender, muscle strength, and previous treatments play a role.

Severity Grading & Treatment Plan Table

To help you understand your needs, we use a grading scale to determine the appropriate dosage.

Grade Description Estimated Units (Per Side) Expected Result
0 (None) Smooth skin, no lines when smiling. 0 Units Prevention only (Sunscreen).
1 (Minimal) Shallow lines visible only during intense smiling. 4 – 6 Units “Baby Botox” to prevent deepening.
2 (Moderate) Distinct lines when smiling; faint lines at rest. 8 – 12 Units Significant smoothing; lines vanish at rest.
3 (Severe) Deep furrows when smiling; visible creases at rest. 12 – 16 Units Softened deep lines; may need skin boosters.
4 (Very Severe) Deep folds extending to cheeks/temples. 15 – 20 Units Multi-modality approach (Botox + Filler/Laser).

When Will I See Results?

The eyes often respond faster than the forehead.

  • Day 3-5: You will notice your skin looks smoother when you wake up.

  • Day 10-14: The full effect kicks in. When you smile, the skin around your eyes will crinkle significantly less, making you look fresher and more awake.

  • Duration: Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Since we use our eyes constantly to blink and express emotion, this area metabolizes the product slightly faster than the jawline.

Safety and Aftercare for the Eyes

Because the injection is close to the eye, following aftercare instructions is critical to prevent the product from migrating.

  • Do Not Rub: Avoid rubbing your eyes or applying heavy eye cream for 24 hours.

  • Stay Upright: Do not take a nap or lie face down for at least 4 hours.

  • Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses! Protecting your eyes from UV glare prevents you from squinting, which helps your Botox last longer.

Botox vs. Under-Eye Fillers

It is important to distinguish between “crow’s feet” (side of the eyes) and “tear troughs” (hollows under the eyes).

  • Botox: Treats wrinkles caused by muscle movement at the corners of the eyes.

  • Fillers: Treat volume loss and dark circles under the eyes.

  • The Power Couple: Many patients combine both treatments at LIV Clinic for total eye rejuvenation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Botox injection for crow’s feet affect my smile? If done correctly, no. Your cheeks will still lift naturally when you smile. Poor technique can freeze the upper cheek, making the smile look “flat.” This is why choosing a specialist like Dr. Narathai is essential.

Can it help with hooded eyelids? Yes, subtly. By relaxing the muscle that pulls the outer brow down (the depressor), we can often achieve a “chemical brow lift,” opening up the eye area by 1-2 millimeters.

Is it safe for older patients with thin skin? Yes, but the dosage must be adjusted. For mature skin with laxity, we are careful not to over-relax the muscle, which could lead to puffiness. We might recommend lower doses combined with collagen-stimulating treatments.

Does it hurt more than forehead injections? Surprisingly, no. The needles used for the eye area are the smallest available (often called “invisible needles”). The sensation is very mild.

Can I wear makeup immediately after? We recommend waiting at least 4 hours to allow the injection sites to close fully. This prevents bacteria from entering the skin.

Contact Us

Don’t let tired eyes define your look. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Narathai to see if this treatment is right for you.

  • Phone: +66 65-996-4242

  • Whatsapp: (+66) 65 996 4242

  • Line Official: @Livclinic

  • Email: Livclinic.samui@gmail.com

  • Address: 1/63 Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand, 84320

  • Website: https://liv.clinic/

References

  1. Dermatologic Surgery Journal. (2024). Anatomy of the Orbicularis Oculi and Safety Implications for Injection. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery

  2. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. (n.d.). Eyelid Rejuvenation Options. Retrieved from https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/

  3. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. (2023). Best Practices for Periorbital Botulinum Toxin. Retrieved from https://www.aestheticnursing.co.uk/

  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (n.d.). Treating Lateral Canthal Lines with Botulinum Toxin. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537069/

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