Dr Vishal Patel

Principal Dentist & Clinical Director

August 9, 2026
First Min Read
Clinically Reviewed

Botox Injectables

Botox for Crow's Feet: Everything You Need to Know

August 9, 2026
First Min Read
Clinically Reviewed

What Are Crow's Feet?

Crow's feet, also called laughter lines or smile lines, are the fine lines and wrinkles that appear around the outer corners of your eyes. Our anti-wrinkle treatment is the usual way to soften them.

Why do they show up?
It's simple: repeated muscle contractions. Every time you squint, smile, or laugh, the orbicularis oculi muscle (that's the muscle around your eyes) contracts. Over time, this leads to dynamic wrinkles that eventually stick around, even when your face is at rest.

What Causes Crow's Feet?

A few culprits are behind those lines:

● Collagen and elastin loss: These are the proteins that keep your skin smooth and elastic. As you age, production slows down.

● UV exposure: Sun damage breaks down collagen and accelerates the appearance of wrinkles.

● Facial expressions: Smiling, squinting, or even frowning—your skin folds with every expression.

● Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor skin care, and dehydration can make wrinkles worse.

Does anti-wrinkle treatment work for Crow's Feet?

Short answer? Yes.

Anti-wrinkle treatment, using a botulinum toxin injectable (many people know it as “Botox”), works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause crow's feet. When the muscles can't contract as much, the lines and wrinkles soften, giving the area a smoother, more youthful appearance.

If you want to improve the appearance of crow's feet, check out our anti-wrinkle treatments here.

How Does Anti-Wrinkle Treatment for Crow's Feet Work?

Here's what happens:

1. Your aesthetic medicine practitioner will target the lateral canthal lines—that's the fancy term for crow's feet.

2. The treatment is injected in small amounts into the outer corners of your eyes.

3. The muscle contractions around the eyes are reduced, softening the lines without freezing your expression.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you're considering anti-wrinkle treatment, here's the low down:

● The consultation: Your provider will assess the lines around your eyes, your skin type, and the best approach.

● The injection process: It's quick—10 to 15 minutes. You might feel a small pinch at the injection sites, but it's over before you know it.

● Aftercare: Avoid touching the area for a few hours, skip intense workouts, and stay upright for at least four hours.

Side-by-side portraits of an older woman comparing skin firmness before and after treatment — crow's feet treatment

How Long Does Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Last on Crow's Feet?

Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Some people see effects linger longer with regular treatments. Our guide to how long anti-wrinkle results last explains the factors.

Is It Safe Around the Eyes?

Anti-wrinkle treatment is one of the most studied cosmetic treatments out there. When performed by a qualified professional, it's safe for treating wrinkles around the eyes.

Side effects are rare but can include:

● Redness or bruising at the injection sites

● Temporary swelling

● Rarely, eyelid drooping

Anti-Wrinkle Treatment vs Dermal Fillers: What's the Difference?

Anti-wrinkle treatment is best for dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, like crows feet or frown lines.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, add volume and work better for deeper wrinkles or areas with lost fullness.

Preventing Wrinkles: Can You Stop Them?

You can't stop aging, but you can slow down the formation of wrinkles:

● Wear SPF 30+ daily: Protect your skin from UV damage.

● Use an eye cream: Look for ingredients like retinol or peptides to support collagen.

● Stay hydrated: Drink water and keep your skin moisturized.

● Don't squint: If you need glasses, wear them.

● Eat a balanced diet: Foods rich in antioxidants can promote healthy skin.

How do you prevent crow's feet?

Preventing lines around your eyes is all about taking care of your skin:

● Wear sunscreen every day.

● Use an eye cream with retinol or peptides.

● Stay hydrated and avoid smoking.

● Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and not squinting.

How much does anti-wrinkle treatment for crow's feet cost?

The cost of anti-wrinkle treatment for crow's feet depends on a few things:

● The number of units needed (usually 6 to 12 per side).

● Your provider's expertise.

● Where you're getting treated.

At Dental & Wellness London, anti-wrinkle treatment starts from £169, including a two-week refresh; the price depends on the areas treated.

Woman surrounded by gloved hands holding syringes aimed at different areas of her face

FAQs

Does anti-wrinkle treatment cause eyebags?

It doesn't cause eye bags, but improper placement or dosage can lead to uneven results. Always go to a qualified provider.

How many units are needed?

Most providers use 6 to 12 units per side, but this depends on your specific case.

Is anti-wrinkle treatment permanent?

No, results tend to last 3 to 4 months.

Can I get anti-wrinkle treatment and fillers together?

Yes. Anti-wrinkle treatment and dermal fillers often complement each other for a more complete facial rejuvenation. Our guide to how to get rid of smile lines covers the options.

Does anti-wrinkle treatment work on crow's feet eye wrinkles?

Yes. It is one of the most popular treatments for crows feet and other facial wrinkles. It relaxes the muscles responsible for those lines, smoothing out the skin around the eyes. Results are noticeable, but they still leave you looking natural and refreshed.

Is anti-wrinkle treatment safe near the eyes?

Yes, it is safe around the eyes when injected by a trained professional. It's one of the most common treatments for wrinkles around the eyes, and the side effects are usually mild (like redness or bruising at the injection sites).

What is anti-wrinkle treatment?

Anti-wrinkle treatment uses an injectable made from botulinum toxin (many people know it as “Botox”). Don't let the word toxin scare you—it's been used for decades to treat both medical conditions and fine lines and wrinkles. It works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, like those in the corners of your eyes. One of the most typical areas include frown lines and crows feet.

Can anti-wrinkle treatment cause eye bags?

Not directly. But if the injections aren't placed correctly or if too much is used, it might lead to a slight drooping or puffiness in the area. This is why choosing a skilled injector is key.

What other side effects may occur?

While the treatment is considered safe, some people might experience:

● Temporary bruising or redness at the injection sites.

● Mild swelling around the treated area.

● Rarely, drooping eyelids (which resolves on its own).

Always chat with your provider if something feels off.

When do crow's feet start to appear?

Crows feet lines often start appearing in your late 20s or early 30s, depending on your UV exposure, genetics, and lifestyle habits. If you've spent a lot of time in the sun or skipped SPF 30, they might show up earlier.

Is there a medication to get rid of crow's feet?

There isn't a magic pill for wrinkles around the eyes, but anti-wrinkle treatment is as close as it gets. Other treatments like chemical peels, retinoids, and laser therapy can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of crows feet, but they don't address the muscle movement behind those wrinkles.

Book Your Anti-Wrinkle Consultation

Ready to take the next step? Our skin and aesthetic consultation is £65, redeemable in full against treatment.

Wrinkles might be a natural part of aging, but you don't have to settle for them.

Anti-wrinkle treatment is a safe, effective injectable to smooth the skin around your eyes and refresh your look.

Book an appointment today and let's chat about how to make those lines a thing of the past.

Talk it through before you decide

Dr Vishal Patel

BDS Liverpool · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry Manchester · GDC 103127 · AACD Member · Invisalign Diamond II Provider · IFAAS (International Fellowship in Advanced Aesthetic Science) · Facial anatomy & cadaver course, Dr Ali Pirayesh, University of Amsterdam · Harley Academy foundation training in injectable aesthetics · IBSA-trained (Profhilo) · NeoStrata-trained (skin peels) · Lynton Lasers trained, incl. ONDA

Founder of Dental & Wellness London. BDS Liverpool, MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry Manchester, GDC 103127, AACD member, Invisalign Diamond II Provider. ~20 years in practice; 10 years in facial aesthetics. Aesthetic training: IFAAS, facial anatomy course with Dr Ali Pirayesh (University of Amsterdam), Harley Academy, IBSA (Profhilo), NeoStrata, Lynton Lasers (incl. ONDA).

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