Ever notice when you laugh, squint in the sun, or smile, you see those tiny fan-shaped lines around your eyes? These are known as crow’s feet.

While they’re a natural part of making your everyday facial expressions, they’re also one of the first signs of aging that many of our clients at SDBotox Austin want to treat.

If you’ve been wondering whether Botox for crow’s feet is right for you, here’s what you need to know—from how it works to what results to expect, and why expertise like ours makes all the difference.

When you’re thinking about botox treatment for crow’s feet, it’s important to follow specific pre-treatment guidelines to ensure optimal results.

Managing your post-treatment expectations is also important, as the timeline for noticeable results and the duration of those results can vary. Regular maintenance is often needed to achieve and maintain a youthful appearance.

Understanding Your Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet, also known as lateral canthal lines, are fine lines from the outer corners of your eyes. As one of the first signs of aging that most people notice, these lines are a natural part of the aging process and are caused by a combination of factors, including repeated facial expressions, loss of skin elasticity, and environmental stressors.

To help smooth out crow’s feet lines, many people look to Botox injections to soften their appearance and maintain a youthful look.

What Causes Crow’s Feet in the First Place?

Crow’s feet develop when the facial muscles around your eyes contract repeatedly over time. Along with natural collagen loss, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors, those lines will continue to deepen with age.

Crow’s feet are considered dynamic wrinkles due to these repetitive muscle contractions. Cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, target these facial muscles to reduce their appearance by blocking nerve signals and causing temporary muscle relaxation.

Common factors of crow’s feet include:

• Smiling or squinting frequently
• Natural loss of skin elasticity with age
• Sun damage and environmental stress
• Dehydration, smoking, or lack of sleep
• Genetics and facial structure

Crow’s feet are very common—and nothing to be ashamed of—but if they do bother you, there’s a safe, effective way to smooth them out.

How Do Botox Injections Treat Crow’s Feet?

The #1 concern we hear from patients interested in Botox is: “I don’t want to look frozen where I can’t move my facial expressions at all.”

Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles that create your expression lines. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals from the brain to your facial muscles, which helps reduce wrinkles like crow’s feet by limiting muscle contractions.

When used around the outer corners of the eyes, Botox injections help soften crow’s feet by relaxing the muscles around your eyes without affecting the natural movement of your face—so you can still smile and show expressions, just with fewer wrinkles.

Why Placement Matters for Facial Muscles

The area around your eyes is very delicate and expressive, so precision and proper training are crucial when getting Botox. At SDBotox, our injectors are highly trained in facial anatomy and symmetry.

We customize every Botox plan based on your unique movement patterns and facial structure. Understanding facial anatomy is essential for treating crow’s feet effectively, ensuring safe and optimal results.

How Many Botox Units Do You Need for Crow’s Feet?

While everyone is different, the typical Botox dosage to treat crow’s feet is 6–24 units per side.

Factors that can change your dosage amount include:

• Strength of the muscle around your eyes
• Skin thickness and elasticity
• Gender (men often need slightly more)
• Age and level of existing wrinkles

During your consultation, we will assess your muscle movement and curate a custom treatment plan, and determine the dosage you’ll need for effective treatment.

Best Candidates for Botox for Crow’s Feet Treatment

Botox for crow’s feet treatment is ideal for those with moderate to severe crow’s feet lines who are looking for a non-surgical solution to smooth out their wrinkles.

However, it’s important to note that not everyone is a suitable candidate. Those with a history of eye problems, skin infections, or certain medical conditions should avoid Botox injections, especially around the eyes.

Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not get Botox. Consulting with our experienced team is essential to determine if Botox is the right option for your specific needs and to ensure a safe and effective treatment.

Preparing for Your Botox Treatment

Proper preparation is key to a successful Botox treatment for crow’s feet. During your consultation, we will discuss your medical history, skin concerns, and treatment goals. We’ll also examine the skin around your eyes to ensure we tailor the treatment to your skin and goals.

Before you come in for your Botox treatment, we recommend you avoid taking any medications, such as aspirin blood thinners, or supplements that can increase bruising. Also, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, because these can affect your skin’s healing process.

When you arrive at our med spa, please come with a clean face, free of makeup, and consider eating a healthy meal beforehand to help you feel comfortable during the treatment.

What Is Botox for Crow’s Feet Appointment Like?

The treatment itself is quick and minimally invasive. Here’s what to expect when you come in for a Botox treatment:

1. Goals – We talk through your goals, medical history, and facial movement patterns again to ensure nothing has changed.
2. Prep – We will cleanse your skin and prep it for treatment. Numbing or cooling before injection is also an option, for a more comfortable treatment.
3. Injection – Using a very fine needle, we make a few tiny injections around the outer eye area. Most clients describe the feeling as a “small pinch” or mild pressure that is not painful at all.
4. Done – The whole treatment usually takes less than 20 minutes.

What to Expect After Your Botox for Crow’s Feet Visit

One of the best parts of getting Botox? There’s virtually no downtime. You can return to your normal day immediately—just avoid strenuous workouts or lying down for four hours.

The results typically last about 3-4 months, so you can enjoy a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

Here’s the typical post-treatment timeline:

• Day 1–2: You may notice mild swelling or redness that will heal quickly.
• Day 3–5: Results begin to appear, and some facial movement starts to stop.
• Day 10–14: Facial movement around your eyes is frozen and your skin is completely smoothed out.
• Duration: Results from botox crow’s feet treatment lasts about 3–4 months, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle. Regular maintenance is necessary to sustain a youthful appearance.

Are There Side Effects or Risks with Botox Around the Eyes?

Botox is an FDA-approved treatment with a strong safety record when administered by professionals. However, with any injectable treatment, there still can be some risk.

Possible side effects:

• Mild bruising, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Temporary headache or tightness

At SDBotox Austin, all treatments are performed by our licensed medical professionals with advanced aesthetic training. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth, safe recovery.

Is Botox for Crow’s Feet Worth It?

We hear this a lot—especially from first-timers. Here’s the simple answer:

If your crow’s feet or other facial lines are something you notice in photos, in the mirror, or on video calls—and they’re affecting how you feel about your appearance and self-esteem—then Botox can make a subtle but meaningful difference.

At our Austin and Killeen offices, Botox for crow’s feet can range anywhere from $200–$400, depending on how many units you need.

Are There Alternatives to Botox for Crow’s Feet?

While Botox is often the most effective non-surgical option, some clients explore or combine other treatments for their crow’s feet:

• Microneedling – boosts collagen to improve fine lines
• Laser resurfacing – improves skin texture and elasticity
• Retinol creams – help prevent minor lines
• Hydration and SPF – essential for long-term skin health
• Dermal fillers – provide instant results for static wrinkles around the eyes and can be particularly beneficial for those who have lost volume in the eye area due to aging

For other types of facial wrinkles, these non-invasive alternatives can effectively address various types of facial wrinkles. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the best plan based on your skin, goals, and timeline.

Why Choose SDBotox Austin for Crow’s Feet Treatment?

We’re not here to sell you on “perfection.” Our goal is to enhance what makes you look like you—with just a little more glow and confidence.

At SDBotox:

• You’re treated by licensed medical professionals with advanced training.
• Every treatment is customized, never cookie-cutter, especially when it comes to treating crow’s feet. Our experts understand the importance of facial anatomy and offer personalized treatment plans, including options like Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels.
• We prioritize natural results, patient education, and long-term trust.
• You’ll experience a warm, and welcoming environment—whether in Austin or Killeen.

Ready to Soften Crow’s Feet and Look More Rested for a Youthful Appearance—Without Surgery?

Let’s chat.

Book a consultation with our expert injectors at SDBotox and discover the subtle, beautiful difference a little Botox can make in achieving a youthful appearance by smoothing out crow’s feet.