Crow’s Feet
What Causes Forehead Lines?
Crow’s feet develop from repeated contraction of the orbicularis oculi, the circular muscle surrounding the eye that’s responsible for squinting, smiling, and blinking. The skin around the eyes is also thinner and has fewer oil glands than skin elsewhere on the face, which makes it more prone to showing early lines than other areas.
Sun exposure plays an outsized role here too, since most people squint reflexively in bright light, adding extra repeated muscle movement on top of the cumulative UV damage itself, which is one reason sunglasses are one of the simplest ways to help protect this delicate area.
How to Detect Crow's Feet
- Fine lines fanning out from the outer corner of the eyes when you smile or squint
- Lines becoming more visible in bright sunlight or when smiling for photos
- Lines that are starting to remain faintly visible even when your face is relaxed
- Skin around the eyes that looks slightly crepey or less smooth than the rest of your face
When Is It Worth Treating Crow's Feet?
- Crow's feet are noticeable in photos or when you smile, and it bothers you
- You want to treat this delicate area early, since thin, sun-exposed skin here tends to show static lines sooner than other areas
- Lines around the eyes are starting to persist even when you're not smiling or squinting
- You're looking for a subtle refresh rather than a dramatic change
What Happens If Crow's Feet Are Left Untreated?
Because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more fragile than skin elsewhere on the face, crow’s feet often progress from dynamic to static lines faster than other expression lines, particularly with ongoing sun exposure and squinting. Left untreated, the combination of repeated muscle movement and thinner, UV-damaged skin in this area tends to accelerate visible aging around the eyes compared to other parts of the face.
Once crow’s feet become static, achieving the same smoothness typically requires a more involved approach, sometimes combining a neuromodulator with skin resurfacing, than would have been needed with Botox alone at an earlier stage.
The Genesis Dermatology Process
- A consultation reviewing your smile pattern and how your crow's feet behave with movement and at rest
- Careful, conservative neuromodulator injection (Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify) placed to soften lines while preserving a natural smile
- A quick appointment, typically 10 to 15 minutes, with minimal to no downtime
- Guidance on daily sun protection for this delicate area, since ongoing UV exposure works against treatment results
- Results appearing within 3 to 7 days and lasting approximately 3 to 4 months, with maintenance treatments to sustain them
