Wrinkles are not all created equal. The lines that radiate from the outer corners of the eyes tell a different story than the vertical grooves that dig between the eyebrows. When I plan treatments, I don’t just think about softening lines. I think about the muscle patterns that created them, the skin quality around them, and how the face moves when someone smiles, concentrates, or talks. Crows’ feet and frown lines respond beautifully to neuromodulators like Botox, but the strategies diverge in meaningful ways. Understanding those differences is the key to getting smooth, believable results without freezing your personality.
What each line is really telling you
Crows’ feet form at the lateral canthus, the outer corners of the eyes. They fan outward when you smile or squint. The primary driver is the lateral orbicularis oculi, a circular sphincter muscle that closes the eyelids. Add in sun exposure, thinning skin, and some genetic luck, and you see those fine radiating creases become etched over time. If you’ve ever noticed your lines deepen after a summer of outdoor sports or long commutes without sunglasses, you’ve seen how repetitive squinting accelerates crows’ feet.
Frown lines, also called glabellar lines or the “11s,” sit between the brows. They are created by the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles, which pull the brows inward and down. If you furrow your brow while checking a spreadsheet or concentrating on a long drive, those vertical or oblique lines pop into view. With age and habitual movement, the skin overlying those muscles creases, first dynamically, then statically. People often report that others ask if they are upset or tired, even when they feel fine. That emotional mismatch is one reason treatment is so satisfying here.
Both patterns start as dynamic lines. Left untreated, and with skin losing collagen and elasticity, they evolve into static wrinkles that linger even when the face is at rest. The earlier you intervene, the more you can retrain the muscle activity and preserve skin quality. This is the logic behind preventative botox, sometimes in “baby botox” micro-doses, for patients in their late 20s and 30s with strong expression patterns.
Why crows’ feet and frown lines require different tactics
The muscles are different in size, shape, and function. The skin is different too. The lateral eye area has thin, delicate dermis with a dense network of tiny blood vessels. The glabellar complex sits over thicker tissue anchored to bone. These differences affect where we place the product, how many units of botox are needed, and how we balance results with natural movement.
In the crow’s feet, our aim is to soften the fan of lines when you smile, without flattening your smile or interfering with eye closure. Over-treat the orbicularis oculi and the smile can look tight or the lower eyelid may appear slightly lax. Under-treat and you won’t see much change. Micro-adjustments to depth and spread matter. I like to feather injections, spacing small aliquots in a curved pattern that mirrors the way the lines botox treatment MA form.
In the frown lines, the goal is to release the brow-drawing muscles enough to prevent the crease and the downward pull that makes the upper face look stern. Here, precise targeting is essential, because if you miss the balance between corrugator and frontalis, you can get heaviness or an odd brow shape. The injection technique here is deeper and more vertical, with attention to midline and lateral corrugator fibers.
Typical dosing and placement, with room for personalization
There is no single “correct” number, but there are reliable ranges. For most adults, treatment of the lateral canthus uses approximately 6 to 15 units per side, split across 3 to 5 small injection points. On the lighter end, baby botox for fine lines might mean 4 to 6 units per side, especially for first time botox users or those seeking very subtle botox results. For etched lines or stronger muscles, I’ll move toward 10 to 15 units per side.
For frown lines in the glabella, the classic pattern uses 15 to 25 units across 5 points: two corrugator sites per side and one procerus point midline. People with powerful brow depressors or deeply etched “11s” may benefit from 25 to 30 units. Conversely, someone with a low-set brow or a tendency toward brow heaviness does better with conservative dosing and careful placement to avoid a droop.
These ranges shift across products. Dysport vs botox and Xeomin vs botox distinctions aren’t just branding; each has unique diffusion characteristics and conversion ratios. I sometimes use Dysport for broader spread in a strong glabella or Micro Botox for delicate feathering around the eyes. The selection depends on anatomy, prior botox results, and the patient’s timeline.
Natural looking movement, not a frozen mask
Most of my patients want to look rested, not “done.” That is easier to achieve at the crow’s feet, where we need only temper the squint lines. Because the orbicularis also supports the lower eyelid, less is often more here, especially in people with thinner skin or mild lower eyelid laxity. In practice, we treat the lateral fibers and stay a few millimeters away from the bony orbit to reduce the risk of unwanted diffusion. If someone is a frequent squinter or spends long hours outdoors, I pair treatment with sun protection and habit coaching, otherwise they will outpace the botox anti wrinkle treatment with constant overuse.
In the glabella, subtlety still matters, but the aesthetic target often is stronger relaxation. A full release of the corrugators can also create a gentle eyebrow lift botox effect by rebalancing the depressors and the frontalis elevator. This non surgical brow lift botox effect is a bonus for many, but it requires accurate anatomy and dosing to avoid peaked or arched brows that look surprised. If I see frequent over-recruitment of the mid-forehead after a glabellar treatment, a tiny touch to the frontalis may smooth the transition.
Onset, duration, and what to expect each week
Neuromodulators don’t work immediately. Most people notice changes 2 to 4 days after a botox appointment. The effect continues to build, with peak smoothing at about the 10 to 14 day mark. How soon does botox work and when does botox start working are questions I answer in the same way: expect subtle shifts by the end of the week, and judge the true result at two weeks.
How long does botox last? In the crow’s feet and glabella, the average is 3 to 4 months. Stronger muscles may wear it off in 2.5 to 3 months. Patients who metabolize quickly or work out vigorously sometimes see a shorter duration. Longevity improves with consistency. After two or three cycles of botox maintenance on schedule, many people notice the muscles don’t rebound as aggressively, and the lines soften even at rest.
I plan botox touch ups in two ways. At day 14, if there is minor asymmetry or a small segment that didn’t respond fully, a couple of units can refine the result. Then, at 12 to 16 weeks, we repeat the full treatment to maintain the effect. This rhythm preserves smoothness, minimizes the rollercoaster of wearing off, and, in the long run, supports better skin texture over the most dynamic zones.
Safety and side effects, with honest nuance
Is botox safe? When used appropriately by a trained clinician, botox cosmetic treatment has a robust safety record. The most common issues are temporary redness, pinpoint bleeding, and small bruises, especially around the eyes where the vessels are fine and plentiful. Mild headaches can occur after glabellar treatment, usually resolving within 24 to 48 hours.
The complications everyone worries about are eyelid or brow ptosis. In the crow’s feet, unwanted diffusion downward can affect lower eyelid tone and create a subtle asymmetry. In the glabella, improper placement, dose, or diffusion toward the levator palpebrae can cause a heavy eyelid. The risk is low when injections respect anatomic landmarks and depth. It increases when dosing is excessive or if post-treatment instructions are ignored. I ask patients to avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying firm pressure, especially around the eyes, for the first day. Heat and strenuous workouts can increase blood flow and diffusion risk, so hold off on a hot yoga class that evening.
Botox side effects like temporary dryness or a slight tightness around the eye can happen as the muscles relax. These usually settle in a few days. If a patient is worried about a result, I prefer they reach out early. Small issues are easy to fix with a thoughtful touch up or simply time, since the medication wears off gradually.
How crows’ feet guide the broader eye strategy
Treating crow’s feet often highlights other elements around the eyes. If the lateral lines soften beautifully but under-eye creasing or volume loss remains, we may discuss complementary treatments. Neuromodulators do not rebuild collagen or replace lost fat. If the issue is skin quality, I might suggest skincare and energy-based treatments alongside botox anti aging treatment. If the issue is volume, fillers or biostimulators can support the tear trough and malar region. I avoid chasing every small line with botox in thin lower eyelid skin, because that is how smiles look odd. Restraint around the eye is the mark of a best botox doctor.
Occasionally, I add a very conservative orbicularis injection along the lateral lower lid for strong “jelly roll” contraction, but only in selected candidates. Too much and the lower lid can look slack. This is an edge case where experience and facial assessment drive the plan more than any fixed formula.
The glabella sits in a triangle with the forehead and brows
You cannot treat frown lines in isolation. The corrugators and procerus pull down and inward, while the frontalis lifts the brows. If we fully relax the glabella but leave an overactive lateral frontalis, the brows can peak laterally and look arched. If we relax the frontalis too much to fix forehead lines without addressing a strong glabella, the brows may drop. Balancing botox for frown lines and botox for forehead lines is like tuning a musical instrument: a small adjustment in one area changes the sound of the whole.
This is also where eyebrow lift botox can be strategic. A gentle lift at the tail of the brow can brighten the eyes, especially in those with mild lateral brow hooding. Again, it is a few well-placed units, not a heavy hand. Patients who ask for a non surgical brow lift botox are often happiest when we first calm the glabella, then reassess the frontalis a week later and add the lift if needed.
Cost, units, and how to think about pricing
People often ask how much does botox cost or how many units of botox for crow’s feet and how many units of botox for frown lines. Pricing varies by geography and injector expertise. Many clinics charge by the unit; others set a botox cost per area. As a rough guide, glabella treatments average 15 to 25 units and crow’s feet 12 to 30 total units (both sides combined). Baby botox forehead approaches and micro botox feathering near the eyes tend to use fewer units per visit but may be repeated at shorter intervals.
Affordable botox is not the same as bargain botox. Experience, sterile technique, and a personalized botox plan matter more than saving a few dollars. The best botox clinic will take photos, mark injection sites carefully, and document units and product type for accurate botox before and after comparisons and consistent botox maintenance over time. If you see alluring botox deals, ask what brand is used, whether the vial is shared, and who is injecting. A fair price for precise work is money well spent on your face.
What to do after your appointment, and what not to do
You can return to normal life immediately after botox injections, but the first day sets the tone for success. I give the same simple guidance every time: no rubbing the treated areas, avoid lying flat for four hours, skip vigorous exercise and saunas until the next day, and go easy on alcohol that evening. If you’re wondering can you work out after botox or can you drink after botox, the short answer is wait a day for workouts and keep alcohol minimal that night. Light walking is fine.
Makeup can be applied gently after a couple of hours, although I prefer people wait until any pinpoint bleeding has sealed. If a small bruise appears at the crow’s feet, a cold compress in short intervals can help. Arnica can reduce swelling and discoloration for those prone to bruising. Expect small bumps at injection sites that settle within 15 to 60 minutes.
Prevention and pacing, not a one-off fix
Lines form because muscles signal skin to fold in the same place every day. Breaking that cycle intermittently is helpful, but the real shift comes with consistent intervals that retrain movement patterns. Preventative botox and baby botox are not marketing phrases when used correctly; they are strategies that use the minimum dose necessary to interrupt the habit of over-frowning or over-squinting before the line etches in.
Sun protection supports the crow’s feet better than any product alone. Good sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen reduce the need to squint and protect collagen. For the glabella, posture and facial awareness help. If you knit your brows when you read, opt for better lighting or a routine check of your expression during desk work. Often, patients discover they were frowning unconsciously and feel better when the muscle simply cannot clamp as hard.
When botox is not the only answer
Some lines do not vanish with neuromodulators alone. Static creases at the crow’s feet or deep etched “11s” may need complementary treatments. A tiny droplet of soft filler in a glabellar crease can help but must be done with high caution due to the vascular anatomy in that region. Experienced injectors will discuss risks and alternatives. For crows’ feet etched into thin skin, collagen-stimulating procedures and skincare help the surface quality so botox for fine lines has a better canvas to work on.
If brow heaviness is the primary concern rather than frown lines, sometimes surgery or energy-based skin tightening is the right path. A minimally invasive botox treatment can still refresh expression, but we should be honest about what botox for sagging skin can and cannot achieve.
Men, women, and anatomy-driven nuance
Botox for men, sometimes called brotox for men, follows the same principles but with different aesthetic anchors. Male brows are flatter and heavier, and the frontalis often extends differently, so placement shifts to preserve a natural masculine look. The corrugators can be larger in men, requiring more units for the same effect. Women tend to prefer a slight lateral brow lift, while many men prefer a straighter brow with less arch. The desired result informs the map, not just the lines themselves.
Skin thickness, ethnic variation in brow shape, and previous procedures all factor in. Patients who have had eyelid surgery or an eyebrow lift may need more conservative dosing around the eyes to protect support. Those with migraines sometimes benefit from therapeutic botox patterns that overlap aesthetic zones, particularly when migraines botox treatment includes the glabella, temples, and forehead. A medical botox or therapeutic botox history helps us coordinate the timing for both functional and cosmetic goals.
First visit flow, from consultation to follow up
A comprehensive botox consultation includes a look at how your face moves. I ask patients to smile, squint, frown, and raise their brows, then I palpate the muscles to gauge strength and bulk. I check skin thickness, crepiness, and any asymmetries. We review previous botox injection sites and doses if available, as well as medical history, medications, and supplements that affect bruising. Good lighting and standardized photos matter. The plan accounts for your calendar too. If you have a photo-heavy event, schedule your botox appointment at least two weeks prior to allow full effect and any adjustments.
Two weeks later, we meet again or review photos. If one side still pulls more or if a subtle line persists, a small botox touch up can complete the result. Long term, we set a botox maintenance schedule that fits your metabolism and goals, usually every 3 to 4 months. Some patients stretch to 5 months in winter when sun exposure and squinting decrease, then return to a tighter interval in summer.
A note on product choice and brand questions
Patients ask about dysport vs botox or xeomin vs botox because they hear different stories from friends. All are FDA approved neuromodulators with similar safety and efficacy when used properly. Dysport tends to show slightly faster onset for some, and its diffusion profile can be useful in broader muscles. Xeomin is a “naked” neurotoxin without accessory proteins, which some clinicians prefer in patients who have repeated exposure or want a simple formulation. I choose based on the area, the desired spread, and the patient’s prior response. If someone loves their results with one brand, I stick with it. If someone plateaus, a trial switch can be useful.
What good results look like in real life
The best compliment after treating crows’ feet is a friend saying you look rested, without being able to point to what changed. You should still smile fully. The lateral fan should soften, not vanish into a blank patch. When I review botox before and after photos, I look for smoother skin that still creases slightly at peak smile, with less radiating depth and fewer lines at rest.
For frown lines, you should lose the habit of scowling. At rest, the “11s” should soften significantly or disappear. When you try to frown, the brows may move a little, but the deep glabellar crease should not form. The eyebrow position should look balanced, with no heavy lids. If someone comments that you seem more approachable, that is success.
A short comparison you can take to your consultation
- Crows’ feet require light, feathered dosing across multiple tiny points, prioritize smile preservation, and pair well with sun protection and skin quality support. Frown lines respond to deeper, more focused injections that rebalance brow depressors and elevators, often creating a mild brow-lifting effect when done correctly.
Questions worth asking your injector
- How many units of botox for crow’s feet and how many units of botox for frown lines do you anticipate for my face today? Where can you get botox around the eyes safely, and how do you avoid diffusion that affects eyelid function? What is your touch up policy at two weeks, and how often to get botox based on my muscle strength and goals? If my lines are still visible at rest, what non surgical wrinkle treatment botox should be paired with, and when? How do you document botox injection sites and doses for consistent results over time?
Final thoughts from the treatment chair
Crows’ feet and frown lines are neighbors with different personalities. Treating both with the same template leads to flat smiles or heavy brows. Treating them as distinct but connected parts of your expressive map gives you smooth skin that still moves naturally. A customized botox treatment hinges on anatomy, dosing finesse, and a willingness to start conservatively and build.
If you are searching for the best botox clinic or “botox near me for wrinkles,” weigh experience, patient reviews, and the clarity of the consultation. Ask to see botox results in similar faces. A personalized botox plan should spell out units, expected onset, botox downtime, and botox aftercare instructions in plain language. It should also acknowledge limits. No injectable solves every wrinkle without help. With that honesty and a steady hand, the outer eye can stay bright and the space between your brows can stay calm, all while your face remains yours.