Skin Guide · Sep 2026
Skin Guide
Softer lines, same smile
Crow’s feet Botox relaxes part of the muscle around the eye, so the lines fold less deeply while the smile stays natural.
Light
hand,
natural
Maylin Apgujeong
Model portrait
Not a patient
Skin Guide · Botox
Crow’s Feet Botox: Softening Eye Lines Without a Frozen Look
Crow’s feet Botox softens the fine lines that fan out from the outer corner of the eyes when you smile. It relaxes part of the ring-shaped muscle around the eye, so the skin creases less. Done with a light hand, you can still smile naturally; the lines just fold less deeply. It is one of the most common uses of Botox, and a good starting point if you want a fresher look without a frozen one.
Maylin Apgujeong · Skin Guide
Why crow’s feet form
The muscle around each eye, the orbicularis oculi, closes the eye and lifts the cheek when you smile or squint. Every time it contracts, the skin at the outer corner folds. Over years, sun exposure and thinning skin make those folds stay visible even when your face is at rest.
There are two kinds of lines here:
- Dynamic lines appear only when you smile or squint. Botox works best on these.
- Static lines stay when your face is relaxed. Botox can soften them, but deep static lines often also need work on the skin itself, such as skin boosters or resurfacing.
What the treatment involves
- A doctor watches you smile and squint to see exactly where the lines form on each side.
- A few very small injections are placed at the outer corner of each eye, kept away from the eye itself.
- It takes minutes, with a brief sting. There is no downtime, but avoid rubbing the area and skip saunas and heavy exercise for the rest of the day.
Keeping the smile natural
The most common worry is looking stiff. That comes from treating too much of the muscle, not from the treatment itself. A lighter dose placed at the outer corner keeps the cheek lift and the warmth of your smile while the lines fold less. If you have never had Botox before, it is sensible to start conservatively and adjust next time.
When you will see the change
- Days 3 to 7: the lines start to soften.
- Around 2 weeks: the full effect shows.
- About 3 to 4 months: the effect fades gradually as the muscle recovers, and you can repeat when the lines return.
When you will see the change
Crow's feet Botox, illustrated
Three illustrations cover what crow's feet are, how Botox works on them, and what to expect from the treatment.
Illustration only. These are conceptual educational illustrations, not actual patient results.
Side effects to know about
- Small bruises at the injection points, which fade within days.
- A brief headache or tightness on the first day.
- Rarely, a slight change in how the lower eyelid or cheek moves if the toxin spreads further than planned. This is temporary.
Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell the doctor about your health history and any medication first.
When Botox is not the whole answer
If the lines are etched into the skin, or the skin under the eyes is thin and crepey, relaxing the muscle alone will not smooth them completely. A doctor may suggest pairing it with treatments that improve skin quality. It is better to hear that at consultation than to expect a result Botox cannot give.
Combining areas
Crow’s feet are often treated together with frown lines between the brows or with masseter Botox for jaw slimming. Each area is planned separately so the whole face still looks like you.
Doing it safely in Seoul
At Maylin Apgujeong, a doctor examines your expression before treatment, keeps the dose light enough to protect your smile, and explains the plan in writing before you book. Consultation is in English, and the treatment fits easily into a short trip.
How many units for crow’s feet?
A common dose is around 10 to 12 units per side, placed in a few points at the outer eye. Lighter doses are used for a softer result or for a first treatment. The pattern follows how your smile lines fan out.
Unit numbers here are in Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) units; other products are dosed differently, so numbers are not interchangeable.
Does it change the shape of the eye?
It should not, when placed correctly. Product placed too close to the eye or too low on the cheek can affect the smile or the lower lid, which is why the points stay a safe distance from the eye.
FAQ
Will I still be able to smile normally?
Yes. With a conservative dose the smile stays; the lines fold less deeply.
How long does crow’s feet Botox last?
Usually about three to four months.
Does it help lines under the eyes?
Only partly. Lines under the eyes often relate to skin thinness, which needs a different approach.
Is there downtime?
No. You can return to your day straight away.
Does Botox really work for crow’s feet?
Yes, for lines that appear when you smile. Lines that remain at rest may soften but may also need skin treatments.
How many units of Botox for crow’s feet?
Commonly around 10 to 12 units per side in Botox units. Your doctor adjusts this to your smile.
Does crow’s feet Botox change eye shape?
Not when placed correctly. Points are kept away from the eye and lower cheek to keep a natural smile.
What is the riskiest place for Botox?
Areas near the eyes and brows need the most care. Correct dose and placement keep risks such as lid droop or an uneven smile low.
Plan a visit: send a photo of your eyes while smiling on WhatsApp, LINE, or KakaoTalk, and we will explain what a light, natural treatment would look like for you, in English, before you land.
Written at Maylin Clinic Apgujeong, where every consultation is held in English. Read how the clinic works or how to find us.
General information, not medical advice for your individual case. What is appropriate depends on your history and on an examination. See also our Medical Disclaimer and Medical Review Process.
Published · Updated
Medically reviewed by Hyoung Moon Kim, MD, PhD on .
From our channels
YouTube · from our channel
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Watch on Instagram →Not sure this is the right treatment?
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