Botox for Crow’s Feet in New York, NY
Laughter may be the best medicine, but all that smiling, squinting, and laughing can leave behind little lines around your eyes called crow’s feet. These fine lines—also called “smile lines” or “laugh lines”—can start to show up as early as your 20s and become more pronounced with time.
If you’re noticing these tiny etchings sticking around even when your face is at rest, Botox for crow’s feet may be just the thing to help you smooth things out—while still looking like yourself.
What Are Crow’s Feet?
Crow’s feet are the fine lines and wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes. They’re called “crow’s feet” because they resemble the three-pronged footprint of a bird. Cute in theory—not always as cute in the mirror.
These lines are caused by the repeated movement of the muscles around your eyes—especially the orbicularis oculi muscle—when you squint, smile, or laugh. Over time, the skin loses elasticity and can’t bounce back as easily, causing lines to set in.
Factors like sun exposure, facial expressions, smoking, and age all contribute to the formation of crow’s feet.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes muscles when injected into specific areas. It’s FDA-approved, widely used, and well-loved for its ability to soften dynamic wrinkles (the kind caused by movement).
It’s not just for crow’s feet—Botox is also commonly used for forehead lines, frown lines (the “11s”), and even non-cosmetic conditions like migraines and excessive sweating.
How Does Botox Work to Treat Crow’s Feet?
When Botox is injected into the muscles around the eyes, it temporarily blocks the nerve signals that tell those muscles to contract. With the muscles relaxed, the skin above them smooths out, and those fine lines become much less noticeable.
The goal isn’t to freeze your face—it’s to soften your expression so that you still look like you, just more refreshed and less creased.
Results typically last 3–4 months, and with consistent treatment, you may notice that the lines return more slowly and are less deep over time.
Injection Sites for Crow’s Feet Treatment
For crow’s feet, Botox is usually injected into three points on each side of the face, just outside the eye, in a fan-like pattern. These injections target the lateral portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
A skilled injector will know how to place the Botox to minimize lines while maintaining the natural shape and movement of your eyes when you smile.
The treatment takes only a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort—most people describe it as a tiny pinch.
When to Start Botox for Crow’s Feet?
There’s no perfect age to start Botox—it really depends on your goals and genetics. Some people start in their late 20s or early 30s as a preventive measure, before lines become deeply etched. Others begin later, when the lines are more noticeable and they’re ready for a refresh.
Preventive Botox can help train the muscles to move less forcefully over time, which can slow the progression of wrinkles.
If you’re unsure whether it’s time, a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist is a great way to get personalized guidance.
Does the Treatment Affect the Smile?
This is a great question—and one we get a lot! When done correctly, Botox for crow’s feet should not affect your ability to smile or express emotion.
The key is precise placement and proper dosing by an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy. When Botox is overdone or placed incorrectly, it can lead to a flat expression—but in the hands of a skilled professional, it enhances rather than hides your natural beauty.
You’ll still look like you—just with smoother eye contours.
Is Botox for Crow’s feet covered by insurance?
No. Treating crow’s feet is done for cosmetic reasons. Insurance does not cover the procedure.
Ready to Refresh Your Eyes?
If you’re starting to notice smile lines that stick around long after your grin is gone, Botox for crow’s feet could be the subtle touch you need to feel more youthful and confident.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist known for her natural results and expert touch. Let’s keep the smiles coming—minus the extra lines!
