Yes, Botox is a very common and effective treatment for crow's feet (fine lines around the eyes) because it works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause these wrinkles when you smile or squint, leading to smoother skin. The injections are quick, minimally invasive, and can provide a natural-looking rejuvenation when administered by a skilled injector, with results lasting several months.
When injected near the outer area of the eyes, Botox® relaxes and softens crow's feet by blocking nerve signals to the injected muscles. This will result in fewer contractions which helps reduce these fine lines and wrinkles that can contribute to an aged appearance.
The riskiest areas for Botox involve locations with crucial blood vessels and delicate muscles, primarily the glabella (between eyebrows) due to arteries that can cause blindness if blocked, the forehead/brow area risking eyelid droop (ptosis) or unnatural brow shapes, and the perioral region (mouth area), where poor placement can affect speech, smiles, or cause puckering. The masseter muscle (jaw) and neck (platysmal bands) are also sensitive, potentially causing chewing difficulty or swallowing issues with improper technique, requiring expertise to avoid complications like necrosis or paralysis.
You probably won't notice any reduction in your crow's feet immediately after leaving your treatment session. They will improve gradually, however, and you'll start to notice a reduction within three to five days. The Botox will take full effect in seven to 14 days.
What Removes Crow's Feet?
“I think there is a certain amount of fear among many Gen Zs,” says Dr Sophie Shotter, an aesthetic doctor. “They see the results of some people who have gone too far with injectables and they want to avoid that.”
20s: Some people choose preventative Botox in their late 20s if they see early signs of crow's feet or forehead lines. 30s: Many begin in their early 30s, when fine lines may start setting in and are visible even at rest. 40s and beyond: Starting later is still highly effective.
The "Botox 4-hour rule" means you should stay upright and avoid pressure or lying down for at least four hours after injections to prevent the neurotoxin from migrating from the treated muscles to unintended areas, which can cause side effects like drooping or uneven results. This helps the Botox settle precisely where it's needed for optimal wrinkle-smoothing effects, so avoid bending, rubbing, or strenuous activity during this critical period.
If you've had Botox for crow's feet but still notice some lines appearing when you smile, this may be due to 'skin bunching'. This is a common occurrence and is not due to the fact the Botox 'didn't work', it happens because Botox only targets the muscles around the eyes, not the ones in the cheeks.
After 10 years of regular Botox, you generally look younger with smoother, brighter skin and significantly fewer deep wrinkles because the muscles have been trained not to frown, but you might experience subtle muscle weakening, less facial expression (which some find positive), and potentially thinner skin or more visible veins in some areas, while the skin remains refreshed and well-maintained.
If it's right for you, The Look of 3® is an opportunity to be treated in 3 areas, with 64 units, at least 3 times a year. For moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet in adults. *Treatments should be spaced 90 days apart.
Botox Injection Danger Zones
Avoid injecting botulinum toxin into these frontalis muscles, which is the muscle that raises your eyebrows and arches your forehead. You should also try to not inject botox into several other facial muscles, such as those that allow you to smile or chew.
Average Botox Treatment Cost: A standard Botox cosmetic treatment involves 20 to 40 units, translating to a cost between $325 and $600.
If you do get too much Botox near the eyebrow, that's when the eyebrow itself drops. If you go too close to the eyelid, when you're injecting near the crow's feet, that's when the Botox can diffuse into the eyelid. As a result, patients can get a condition known as Ptosis. That's spelled P-T-O-S-I-S.
The short answer? Yes! You can absolutely stop Botox whenever you choose. There are no harmful side effects from discontinuing treatment.
Gen Z is saying "no" or "not yet" to Botox due to a desire for natural beauty, individuality, and healthy aging, rejecting the overdone "Instagram Face," fearing irreversible damage, and prioritizing serious skincare and non-toxic alternatives over the costly, repetitive nature of injectables, despite social media pressure to do them. They're focused on "skinimalism," collagen support, and avoiding the potential for unnatural or frozen looks often seen online, opting for treatments that enhance rather than mask their natural features.
20 units of Botox before and after treatment can create subtle but noticeable improvements in the appearance of your skin. It's a popular option for those looking to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, especially in areas like the forehead and around the eyes.
One of the primary reasons for increased under-eye wrinkles post-Botox is muscle compensation. When Botox relaxes the muscles responsible for crow's feet, other nearby muscles might overcompensate, leading to increased movement and wrinkles under the eyes.
If you are aged between 30-50 your facial muscles tend to be strong enough to have Botox injections and for them to be effective. Having Botox in your 50s is always a good idea, as when you get to the age of 65 and above, the facial muscles tone might end up being too weak to achieve your desired results.
Avoid alcoholic beverages at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to treatment. Alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising. Discontinue Retin-A two (2) days before and two (2) days after treatment.
Most people start to see Botox results within 3 to 5 days, while full results typically appear between 7 and 14 days. The exact timing depends on factors like muscle strength, treatment area, and individual response.
The Bottom Line on Botox
Risks aside, it's worth noting that those 65 and up might not receive the results they're looking for after receiving Botox, which is one reason the FDA lists this age as their recommended cut-off. Ultimately, the decision to receive or reject Botox at any age rests with you and your doctor.
Botulinum toxin is the most effective for dynamic crow's feet, while fillers, lasers, and microneedling help with deeper lines.