What to expect from Botox for crow's feet

Crow's feet are lines at the outer corners of the eyes that become more visible with smiling or squinting. Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces activity in selected muscles, which can soften dynamic lines as the muscles move less. Lines caused mainly by skin texture, sun exposure or volume changes may need a different approach. The clinician must work carefully around the eyes to preserve a natural facial expression and eyelid function.

Bring up dry eyes, eyelid conditions, facial weakness, previous eyelid procedures, medicines, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Arrive with clean skin and disclose any recent injectable or eye-area treatment. Afterward, follow the clinic's instructions, avoid pressing or vigorously rubbing the injection points, and allow mild bruising or tenderness to settle. Do not judge the final appearance immediately; changes develop over time and a review can address asymmetry or remaining movement.

Contact your clinician for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge or significant pain near an injection site. Seek urgent help for new vision changes, severe eye pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, widespread weakness, or pronounced eyelid drooping. These symptoms need prompt assessment.

Ask which lines are movement-related, how much muscle movement will be preserved, when to expect a review, and what symptoms around the eyes should prompt a call. Discuss whether your dry-eye history changes the plan.