Most people notice their eye area aging first. The skin there is thin, mobile, and constantly recruited when we smile, squint, or concentrate. If you are weighing botox for crow’s feet versus under the eyes, you are looking at two very different treatment zones with different muscles, risks, and expectations. Understanding those differences makes the consultation smoother and the results more predictable.
What really causes crow’s feet and under eye lines
Crow’s feet form because the orbicularis oculi muscle, which encircles the eye like a doughnut, pulls the skin laterally when you smile or squint. Those radiating lines start as dynamic wrinkles that appear only with expression. Over time, the skin thins, collagen declines, and those repeated contractions etch static lines that show even at rest. Sun exposure, smoking, and frequent squinting speed up the process. Good sunglasses, SPF, and a sensible screen brightness seem like small things, but I have watched them change how quickly crow’s feet deepen across a decade.
Under eye lines are a different animal. They can be from mild muscle activity, but they are more often from skin laxity, thinning, allergies or puffiness, and natural volume loss in the tear trough and cheek. Some people inherit a visible infraorbital hollow in their twenties. Others see it after weight loss or in their late thirties when bone and fat diminish under the lower lid. When you treat the under eye with botox cosmetic, you are walking near the muscle that helps close the eye. That is why this zone demands smaller doses, careful placement, and honest conversations about what botox can and cannot fix.
How botox works in these regions
Botox treatment temporarily reduces the muscle’s ability to contract by blocking acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. In normal terms, it tells overactive muscles to relax. For crow’s feet, relaxing the outer fibers of orbicularis oculi softens the fan of lines beside the eyes. This is where botox injections shine. Patients who say they “crinkle” a lot when they laugh see a smooth, yet still expressive, outer eye within a week or two.
Under the eyes, however, the same muscle also supports lower lid tone. If you over-relax it, the lid can look looser, the eye can feel dry, and a slight smile might not fully close the eye for a few weeks. When the lower lid already shows laxity, botox can accentuate crepey texture rather than improve it. This is one of the most common misunderstandings. Under eye lines that come from thin, crepey skin are rarely botox problems. They are skin quality and support problems, often better addressed with skincare, energy devices, or a conservative filler plan.
Ideal candidates, by area
For crow’s feet, the best candidates have dynamic lines that deepen with a big smile, decent skin thickness, and realistic expectations. Men need higher doses per side due to stronger muscles and thicker skin, while women may do well with modest dosing. People in their late twenties or early thirties sometimes ask about preventative botox. For a person who habitually squints and has early etching, baby botox or mini botox can delay deep line formation. It is not about chasing perfection, it is about preventing deep grooves that later require more product or additional modalities.
For the under eye, the ideal candidate is more limited. A touch of lower lid bunching with a smile can respond to micro dosing along the lash line. If the concern is hollowing or dark circles from shadow, botox is not the main tool. A tear trough filler, a skin-improving plan, or both is often more effective. Patients with dry eye, lower lid laxity, prior eyelid surgery, or a history of lagophthalmos need special caution. I have turned away many under eye botox requests when the risk-to-benefit ratio is poor, and those patients usually appreciate the candor.
Dosing, placement, and technique differ
Treating crow’s feet usually involves a series of small injections in a curved pattern lateral to the eye, placed away from the orbital rim. The goal is to relax the outer orbicularis without dropping the cheek or altering the smile shape. When you see someone whose smile suddenly looks flat after botox around eyes, it is often because the injector drifted too low or too medial. In my clinic, I map three to five injection points per side, tailoring spacing based on muscle pull. The patient squints, I place with clear landmarks, and I ask about asymmetries. Nearly everyone has a stronger side, often their dominant eye.
Under eye dosing is conservative and closer to the lash line, but not too close. Many injectors use micro botox or dilute microdroplets to reduce bunching while preserving lid support. Placement is often one to three superficial blebs per side, if the anatomy allows. If the lower lid is long and lax or the tear trough is deep, I explain why botox is likely to worsens the look. Even a couple units can show up as a heavier under eye if the tissue is not supported.
Expected results and timeline
Most people notice botox results starting at day 3 to 5, with full effect at approximately day 10 to 14. For crow’s feet, the change is usually obvious by the two-week mark. Makeup sits better, photos look fresher, and the lateral eye crinkling softens. Botox duration averages three to four months in this zone, sometimes stretching to five in patients with slower metabolism or smaller muscles. Athletes who do high-intensity training, patients with very active facial expressions, and people with faster metabolism often see the effect fade closer to the 10 to 12 week mark.
Under eye changes, when properly chosen, are subtler. You may see slightly less bunching with a broad smile, but do not expect hollow correction or dramatic lightening of dark circles. The duration is similar, but because the dose is small, the perceived benefit can feel shorter. Many patients combine this micro-dose with skin-focused treatments to improve overall texture and brightness.
Where fillers, lasers, and skincare fit
Botox for wrinkles is one instrument in a larger kit. Crow’s feet that are deeply etched at rest benefit from a layered approach. Once the muscle is relaxed, fractional laser or microneedling with radiofrequency can remodel crepey skin and soften etched lines. For stubborn lines that remain static after multiple botox sessions, I sometimes use a microdroplet filler technique or biostimulators in very experienced hands. Sunscreen, retinoids, antioxidants, and peptides support those nearest botox treatment results between visits.
Under the eyes, I lean on skin quality and structure first. A well-chosen tear trough filler addresses shadowing and volume loss. If pigment contributes to dark circles, brightening skincare and sun behavior matter. For very crepey lower lids, non ablative lasers or gentle resurfacing can help, as can polynucleotides or PRF in practices that offer them. If puffiness is from fat pads or severe laxity, surgery becomes the more definitive option. A good botox specialist will explain these trade-offs rather than trying to make botox do everything.
Safety notes you should not skip
Botox safety is excellent in trained hands, with temporary side effects like pinpoint bruising, swelling, or a mild headache. The risks rise with poor anatomical judgment, overly aggressive dosing, or shortcuts. Around the eyes, the specific risks include eyelid or brow ptosis, an asymmetric smile, dry eye, or difficulty closing the eye fully. None of this is common when doses are appropriate and injection depth respects the anatomy. Still, if you have a history of dry eye, prior eye surgery, or you wear contact lenses for long hours, mention it during your botox consultation. Your injector may adjust the plan or recommend staged treatments.
Another safety pearl: avoid pressing or massaging the treated area, heavy workouts, or sauna heat on the day of injections. There is no need to ice your face for hours, but cool compresses help if you bruise easily. Keep your head elevated for a few hours, and avoid lying face-down on a massage table right after treatment. These small steps reduce migration risk and improve your early botox recovery.
What I tell first time patients
New patients often ask whether botox hurts. The sensation is a quick pinch, usually well tolerated without numbing. If someone is needle-averse, ice or a topical anesthetic helps. The appointment is short. Marking, a quick cleanse, then injections. Plan for ten to fifteen minutes for crow’s feet, less for a conservative under eye trial. If photos help you track botox before and after changes, take them in consistent lighting with the same expression.
As for botox cost, pricing varies by region and by clinic. Many offices price by unit, others by area. Crow’s feet typically require more units than an under eye micro-dose. If you see botox specials that seem unusually low, vet the experience of the injector and the authenticity of the product. Your eye area is not the place to experiment with bargain care. Look for an expert botox injector, whether a botox doctor or a highly trained botox nurse injector, who treats this region routinely.
Botox for crow’s feet versus under eyes, side by side
A brief comparison helps clarify decisions without getting lost in jargon.
- Crow’s feet respond reliably to botox injections because the problem is primarily muscle-driven. Expect visible softening within two weeks, with natural smiles preserved when placement is correct. Most adults repeat botox sessions every three to four months, or they follow a botox maintenance schedule that flexes with seasons and events. Under eye lines may not be muscle-driven. Botox can help very specific bunching near the lash line, and only at low doses. Hollowing, shadow, and crepey texture usually need filler, devices, or skincare more than toxin.
How often to get treated, and when to pause
A reasonable cadence for crow’s feet is three to four times per year. Some people stretch to twice a year if they like a softer, not frozen, look between cycles. Over time, many notice they can maintain results with slightly fewer units because the habit of over-squinting breaks and the muscle deconditions a bit. I prefer that to cramming in more product than needed.
For under eye botox, once every three to four months is the outer limit if it is working well. If the first session gives marginal improvement or creates dryness, reduce dose or skip the area. There is no prize for being overtreated. Short touch ups, when needed, should be minimal, and at least two weeks after the initial session so the full effect has declared itself.
What influences results beyond the syringe
Skin biology and lifestyle matter. Smokers etch lines faster. Outdoor athletes who skip sunglasses squint more and burn collagen quicker. Sleep position is surprisingly relevant. Habitual side sleeping folds the outer eye repeatedly through the night, and those lines are stubborn. Switching to a silk pillowcase or a sleep position that reduces facial compression helps small but measurable amounts over years. Hydration and diet will not erase wrinkles, but adequate protein and omega-3s support skin and muscle health better than a low-nutrient pattern.
Hormonal shifts around perimenopause and menopause thin the skin, so women in their forties and fifties often notice that their botox for fine lines seems to “wear off” faster. It is not that botox effectiveness declines, it is that the canvas is changing. This is the moment to pair toxin with collagen-stimulating therapies and topicals. Men often need higher starting doses for crow’s feet. They also metabolize faster if they have larger muscle mass, so their botox frequency might be a few weeks shorter.
What to expect after botox, day by day
Day 0, small bee-sting bumps flatten within an hour. You may see tiny red dots. Makeup can be applied after a few hours if the skin is intact. Day 1 to 2, there can be mild tenderness or a faint bruise, especially if you take supplements like fish oil or use aspirin. Day 3 to 5, early softening starts. Day 10 to 14, peak results. If something feels asymmetrical at that point, your injector can adjust with a small touch up. Do not judge the final outcome before the two-week check.
If you feel dry eyes, use preservative-free artificial tears and mention it to your clinic. Most symptoms pass as the body adjusts. If a smile looks new or different, give it two weeks before deciding if you need a tweak. Micro adjustments are often enough to restore balance.
Combining botox with other areas for harmony
Treating only crow’s feet while leaving heavy frown lines or 11 lines between the brows active can look odd. The glabella pulls inward and down, the outer eye lifts, and the central brow looks tense. A balanced plan lightly addresses the glabella and sometimes forehead lines along with the lateral eye, adjusting doses so brows do not drop. For patients seeking a subtle botox brow lift, easing the pulling fibers at the tail of the brow can open the eye slightly, but it must be paired carefully with lateral eye dosing to avoid a see saw effect.
Under eye work, when appropriate, should harmonize with the cheek. If midface volume is depleted, supporting the cheek mound often improves the lower lid more than treating the lid itself. This is why cookie cutter botox procedure steps do not work around the eye. Anatomy, age, and goals drive the design.
Cost, value, and longevity
Botox pricing is often discussed per unit. Lateral crow’s feet can take anywhere from 6 to 12 units per side for women and 8 to 16 per side for men, depending on musculature and desired softness. Under eye micro-dosing is much lower, often 1 to 3 units per side, when used at all. Prices per unit vary widely by city and by injector experience. The least expensive option is not always the best value. Fewer, well placed units from an expert can outperform a larger but poorly targeted dose from a novice, both in results and in duration.
As for longevity, there is no supplement that reliably makes botox last longer. Anecdotes abound, but the evidence is mixed. What helps most is consistent scheduling, sun protection, and smart skin care so you get the most visible benefit from each cycle. If you are chasing longer duration, a discussion about botox vs Dysport or botox vs Xeomin is reasonable. Some patients perceive faster onset or slightly different spread with those options, though the differences are subtle. Your injector’s familiarity with a product usually matters more than brand swapping.
Pros, cons, and realistic outcomes
The benefits of botox around the eyes are clear: quick appointment, minimal downtime, natural softening of lines, and high patient satisfaction when expectations are aligned. The risks are usually temporary and manageable when the plan suits your anatomy. The main drawback is that results are not permanent, so maintenance is part of the deal. There is also the ceiling of what toxin can accomplish under the eyes. If structure and skin are the problem, a toxin-only plan will disappoint.
Patients appreciate transparent talk about botox pros and cons. I make room for preferences. Some want the faintest line reduction and full mobility, a “natural botox results” look. Others prefer a stronger smoothing that lasts a bit longer. The art lies in matching dose and placement to those goals while protecting function and symmetry.
Practical prep and aftercare you will actually use
A few simple habits improve outcomes. Avoid alcohol the night before your botox appointment. If your doctor says it is safe, pause non-essential blood thinners like fish oil or high-dose vitamin E for a week. Arrive with clean skin. After treatment, keep workouts light the first day, skip facials or massage on the area for 48 hours, and wear sunglasses outside. If you bruise, topical arnica can help. If a big event is on the calendar, schedule your botox two to three weeks in advance so you can settle any touch up comfortably.
Special cases and edge scenarios
Smokers and people with a history of heavy sun exposure often need a stronger skin plan plus toxin. Postpartum patients sometimes feel their face looks different as fluid shifts and sleep deprivation set in. Give your body a window to normalize before locking into a new dosing pattern. Patients over 50 can absolutely benefit from botox, but the supporting cast of treatments grows in importance. Preventative botox at 30 or earlier can be reasonable for strong squinters, yet restraint is key. Overuse on a youthful face can look odd, flattening expression without need.
For men, smaller visible pores and thicker skin can disguise early fine lines. When treatment starts, stronger doses often maintain a natural look. Men also notice when the tail of the brow lowers after forehead botox. Balancing with lateral eye and glabellar dosing helps keep the brow shape masculine and open.
Choosing the right provider, and the right plan
You want a clinician who treats hundreds of eye-area patients per year, not a generalist who dabbles. Ask to see botox before and after photos for crow’s feet that match your age and skin type. Read botox reviews that describe subtle, expressive outcomes. In consultation, expect a discussion of alternatives like fillers, devices, and skincare, not a one-note pitch. An expert botox injector should map your anatomy, test your smile, check lower lid support, and explain the plan in plain language.
If you search for botox near me, narrow to practices with a strong medical pedigree, consistent outcomes, and access to the full toolbox. A thoughtful botox clinic will prioritize safety, document dosing, and maintain a customized botox plan so each session refines the last. When you find that, you get more than smoother crow’s feet. You get a strategy that ages well.
The bottom line for decision makers
Crow’s feet, driven by muscle pull at the outer eye, respond beautifully to botox injections when placed correctly. Under eye lines are more complex, and botox plays a limited, careful role for small muscle-related bunching. If the under eye issue is hollowing, texture, or shadow, consider filler, energy treatments, and skin care first, then add a micro-dose only if needed. Plan for maintenance every three to four months, judge results at two weeks, and protect your investment with healthy skin habits and sunglasses. With that, you will get the best from modern botox methods while keeping the eye area expressive and functional.
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