# Crow's Feet Wrinkles: Causes and How Botox Care Works > Category: treatment-guide > Published: 2026-07-31 01:00:44.999609+00 > Source: https://kdermzip.com/en/blog/crow-feet-wrinkles-botox-guide ## Crow's Feet Wrinkles: Causes and How Botox Care Works The fan-shaped lines that appear at the outer corners of the eyes when smiling or squinting are commonly known as crow's feet. They form where the skin around the eye folds repeatedly as expression muscles contract, combined with the fact that skin in this area is naturally thin and prone to dryness. In younger skin, these lines often disappear once the expression relaxes—so-called dynamic wrinkles—but over time they can settle into static wrinkles that remain even at rest. ### Why do wrinkles around the eyes appear earlier than elsewhere? Skin around the eyes is thinner than skin on most of the face and contains fewer oil glands, making it relatively harder to retain moisture and natural oils. The orbicularis oculi muscle, which surrounds the eye, contracts repeatedly with every blink and smile, gradually leaving creases in the skin. UV exposure, smoking, insufficient sleep, and age-related decline in collagen and elastin are also considered contributing factors. That said, the speed and depth of wrinkle formation vary considerably between individuals, influenced by genetic skin elasticity and lifestyle habits. ### How does crow's feet botox work? [Botox for crow's feet](/en/treatments/botox-crow-feet) involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into the orbicularis oculi muscle to temporarily reduce excessive muscle contraction. When the muscle contracts less forcefully, the skin folds less when smiling, which can make the wrinkles appear softer. This works by adjusting muscle movement rather than removing wrinkles entirely or regenerating the skin itself, and the degree and duration of the effect vary from person to person. ### How soon does the effect appear after treatment? Effects generally begin to appear gradually within a few days and are reported to stabilize over one to two weeks in many cases. How long the effect lasts also depends on an individual's muscle activity and metabolism, so it is best to confirm the expected course with your treating physician. Because the treatment area around the eyes is dense with blood vessels and nerves, thorough consultation and precise injection placement are important. ### Is botox alone enough, or is additional care needed? Crow's feet botox is mainly used to manage dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. For deeply set static wrinkles or reduced skin elasticity, ongoing skin care such as moisturizing and sun protection is typically needed alongside treatment. No single treatment works identically for every type of wrinkle, so the right approach for your specific pattern should be determined individually through a consultation. ### What should be checked before treatment? If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, or are taking certain medications, you should discuss eligibility with a physician beforehand. Temporary swelling or bruising can occur after treatment, and rare side effects such as eyelid drooping have also been reported, so it is important to receive thorough explanation before deciding. This information is for general reference only; an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan require consultation with a dermatologist. [Skin Health Blog](/en/blog) ## Related Resources - Blog post: https://kdermzip.com/en/blog/crow-feet-wrinkles-botox-guide - All guides: https://kdermzip.com/en/blog - K-DermZip: https://kdermzip.com