What Are Crow’s Feet and Eye Wrinkles?
Crow’s feet are the fine lines and wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes, typically becoming more visible with age. They are caused by repeated muscle movement from expressions such as smiling or squinting, along with gradual collagen loss in the skin.
The term “crow’s feet” comes from the branching pattern that resembles a bird’s foot. In Chinese, they are sometimes referred to as “fish tail lines” due to their similar appearance.
These wrinkles are often one of the first signs of facial ageing and can contribute to a tired or weathered look, even when you feel well-rested. Fortunately, botulinum toxin offers a safe and effective way to reduce their appearance by gently relaxing the overactive muscles around the eyes.
What Causes Crow’s Feet and Eye Wrinkles?
Crow’s feet are among the earliest wrinkles to appear as the skin begins to age, often starting in the late 20s. These fine lines form due to repeated muscle contractions during facial expressions such as smiling, squinting, or laughing.
The key muscle involved is the orbicularis oculi, which encircles the eye. When we smile, the outer portion of this muscle contracts, leading to the visible creasing known as crow’s feet.
With age, the skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, reducing its ability to bounce back after movement. As a result, these expression lines become deeper and more permanent. External factors such as UV exposure, sun damage, smoking, and chronic stress can further accelerate the breakdown of skin structure and worsen the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.
How Does Botulinum Toxin Treat Crow’s Feet Eye Wrinkles?
Botulinum toxin works by targeting the orbicularis oculi muscle—the circular muscle around the eye responsible for crow’s feet formation when we smile or squint. By relaxing this overactive muscle, botulinum toxin helps to reduce the number and intensity of facial contractions that cause dynamic wrinkles around the outer corners of the eyes.
The treatment works by blocking nerve signals to the muscle. With fewer nerve impulses reaching the orbicularis oculi, the muscle activity is reduced, allowing the overlying skin to remain smoother during facial expressions. This leads to a noticeable softening of crow’s feet and fine lines, without affecting natural facial movement.
Botulinum toxin is one of the most widely performed and extensively researched aesthetic treatments worldwide. When administered by an experienced doctor, it is both safe and effective for reducing signs of ageing around the eyes.
Note: While various brands of botulinum toxin are available globally, including those manufactured by Allergan, HSA regulatory guidelines restrict brand mentions on this website.
What to Expect During Crow’s Feet Treatment With Botulinum Toxin in Singapore
During your consultation, Dr Edwin will carefully assess the skin around your eyes to determine the ideal botulinum toxin injection points and dosage. This customised approach ensures precise targeting of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for the formation of crow’s feet when you smile or squint.
Before each injection, the area is cooled using an ice pack to minimise discomfort and reduce the risk of bruising. A very fine needle is used, and most patients describe the sensation as a mild ant bite or light pinch.
The procedure typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Immediately after treatment, small raised bumps may be visible at the injection sites—these contain the botulinum toxin and usually subside within 4 to 6 hours.
As a non-surgical procedure, there is no downtime. Patients can resume normal activities immediately, but it is important to avoid massaging or applying pressure to the treated area for the first 24 hours to prevent unintended spread of the toxin.
Due to the thinness of the skin and presence of small blood vessels around the eyes, there is a slightly higher chance of bruising in this area. If bruising does occur, Dr Edwin may recommend applying a targeted recovery cream to accelerate the healing process.
When Will I See Results and How Long Do They Last?
Most patients begin to see visible softening of crow’s feet within 3 to 10 days after botulinum toxin injections. Results continue to improve over the following week as muscle activity gradually reduces and the skin begins to appear smoother.
The effects typically last 3 to 4 months for those who opt for a natural, lower-dose treatment. Patients who prefer a more dramatic reduction in muscle movement—commonly referred to as a “frozen” look—may choose higher doses, which can extend results to around 4 to 6 months.
At the two-week mark, a review is often recommended to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. If required, a small touch-up can be performed to achieve optimal symmetry and wrinkle reduction.
Does Crow’s Feet Treatment With Botulinum Toxin Hurt?
Most patients find the treatment very tolerable, with minimal discomfort. The injections are performed using an ultra-fine needle, and the procedure is quick—typically completed within 10 to 15 minutes.
To further reduce any discomfort, the treatment area is cooled with an ice pack before each injection. This helps to numb the skin and minimise the risk of bruising.
Patients often describe the sensation as a light pinch or tiny ant bite, lasting only a few seconds. In the hands of an experienced injector, the process is smooth, precise, and well-tolerated by even first-time patients.
Will I Look Frozen or Fake After Crow’s Feet Treatment?
When performed correctly, botulinum toxin treatment for crow’s feet should not make you look frozen or unnatural. An experienced doctor will tailor the dosage based on your aesthetic goals and facial muscle activity.
For those who prefer a more natural look, a lighter dose is used. This retains approximately 30 to 40 percent of muscle movement, allowing for natural expressions while still reducing the appearance of fine lines. However, some subtle wrinkles may still be visible with this approach.
Patients who prefer smoother skin with minimal muscle movement may opt for a higher dose. This offers more dramatic wrinkle reduction but can lead to a slightly more “frozen” appearance with limited expression around the eyes.
During your consultation, Dr Edwin will guide you in selecting the right balance to match your preferences and facial anatomy.
Are There Any Side Effects From Crow’s Feet Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
Crow’s feet treatment with botulinum toxin is generally safe when performed by an experienced medical doctor. However, like all injectable procedures, mild side effects may occur.
The most common side effects include slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. These reactions are usually temporary and subside within a few hours to a few days. Due to the thin and delicate skin around the eyes, the likelihood of minor bruising may be slightly higher in this area compared to other facial regions.
Patients are advised not to massage or press on the treated area for the first 24 hours to prevent unintentional spread of the toxin. If bruising does occur, a soothing recovery cream may be recommended to support faster healing.
Serious complications are rare when botulinum toxin is administered by an experienced injector using proper technique.
Where Else Can Botulinum Toxin Be Used?
Where Else Can Botulinum Toxin Be Used?
Botulinum toxin is not only effective for crow’s feet but is also widely used to treat other dynamic wrinkles in the upper face. Combining treatment areas often enhances overall facial harmony and delivers more balanced anti-ageing results.
Common upper face treatment areas include:
- Forehead lines – Horizontal lines that appear when lifting the eyebrows.
- Frown lines – Vertical lines between the eyebrows, often referred to as glabellar lines.
- Bunny lines – Fine wrinkles that develop along the sides of the nose during certain facial expressions.
When treated together, these areas contribute to a more youthful, rejuvenated, and natural-looking appearance. Your doctor will assess your facial muscle activity and skin condition to recommend a personalised botulinum toxin treatment plan.
Learn more about Botulinum Toxin treatments for other areas here
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose the Best Clinic for Crow’s Feet Botulinum Toxin in Singapore
Choosing the right clinic is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes. While many aesthetic clinics offer botulinum toxin for crow’s feet, not all have the same level of expertise or precision.
Look for a clinic that:
- Is doctor-led and experienced in facial injectables
- Has in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, especially the delicate eye area
- Offers a personalised consultation and treatment plan based on your aesthetic goals
- Uses only medically approved brands of botulinum toxin
- Provides proper follow-up care to assess treatment response and touch-up if necessary
Ultimately, the best results come from a tailored approach that balances wrinkle reduction with natural expression. Always ensure that your treatment is administered by a licensed medical doctor trained in aesthetic procedures.
