Normal facial expressions result in fine lines around the eyes—commonly known as crow's feet—and are often among the first signs of ageing that patients notice.
Treating these lines effectively with Botox not only helps enhance a patient's confidence but also adds value to your practice as an aesthetic practitioner. Whether you're already offering Botox treatments or looking to expand your skill set, understanding the intricacies of how to treat crow's feet is essential.
This guide will provide a comprehensive overview, from understanding facial anatomy to mastering injection techniques.
What are crow's feet?
Crow's feet, also known as lateral canthal lines or “laughter lines,” are the fine wrinkles that form around the outer corners of the eyes. These facial wrinkles often develop due to repeated facial expressions, such as squinting, smiling, and laughing, combined with the natural loss of collagen and elastin as part of the ageing process.
Over time, these wrinkles can become more pronounced (especially on delicate skin), appearing even when the face is at rest, transitioning from dynamic lines to static ones.
Factors causing crow's feet wrinkles
Several factors contribute to the formation of crow’s feet:
Intrinsic ageing
Natural loss of skin elasticity, collagen production, and fat in the face.
Muscle overactivity
Frequent contractions of the orbicularis oculi muscle, the circular muscle around the eye.
Environmental stressors such as sun exposure
Sun exposure, smoking, and diet also play a role in accelerating wrinkle formation.
Understanding these factors not only helps with effective treatment but also informs discussions with patients about prevention and maintenance.
Botox & crow's feet treatment
Whilst it isn't currently possible to completely eliminate crow's feet (and why would you want to? They are a sign of a life full of laughter!) there are several treatments available that can drastically reduce their prominence and prevent crow's feet from reforming for a duration of time. Check our Botox Courses to learn more.
Botox injections are one of the most effective treatments for visible crow's feet, and other fine lines and wrinkles thanks to their ability to target and relax the orbicularis oculi muscle. By blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, Botox smooths out dynamic wrinkles and reduces the chance of deeper static lines forming.
Benefits of botox for crow's feet
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Immediate visible results within days of treatment, often lasting three to four months.
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Minimally invasive procedure with virtually no downtime.
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Prevention of future lines by reducing repetitive muscle contractions.
However, realistic patient expectations are key; Botox may not fully address deep static lines, which often require complementary treatments like dermal fillers or microneedling.
Injection techniques for periorbital botox
Administering Botox for crow's feet requires precision and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy. You can learn more about injection techniques with our Pick & Mix Beginner Course.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Patient assessment
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Analyse the patient’s facial expressions and dynamic wrinkles by asking them to smile. This helps identify optimal injection points.
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Evaluate skin elasticity and thickness. Firmer skin can influence both dosage and technique.
Injection points
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Target three injection sites per side, approximately 1 cm away from the orbital rim.
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Administer 4 units per injection site, totalling 12 units for each side, depending on patient needs.
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Inject superficially into the dermis to avoid spreading the toxin to unintended areas.
Avoid common mistakes
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Avoid injecting too close to the orbital rim to prevent affecting muscles that control eyelid movement.
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Steer clear of deeper injections near the zygomaticus major muscle, which could cause an asymmetric smile.
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Prevent bruising by using a fine needle (30g) and injecting into targeted points carefully.
Proper technique will improve patient satisfaction and help build trust—a critical factor in establishing yourself as a skilled aesthetic practitioner.
Effective communication and tailored treatment plans
Set realistic patient expectations
When consulting with patients, clearly explain what Botox can and cannot achieve. For instance:
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Botox is highly effective for reducing dynamic wrinkles but may not completely erase static lines.
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Discuss alternative or complementary treatments for more advanced concerns.
Create personalised treatment plans
Customisation is key. Every patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals are unique. During consultations:
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Use detailed assessments to identify the primary areas of concern.
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Combine Botox with adjunct skincare recommendations or additional treatments like chemical peels or microneedling (especially for patients with a high volume of dead skin cells) for holistic results.
Effective communication fosters long-term relationships and improves patient loyalty—leading to a thriving practice.
The importance of education and training
Administering Botox effectively and safely requires not only technical skill but also an in-depth understanding of anatomy and product use. Comprehensive training ensures you can manage patient outcomes and avoid common complications like bruising, eyelid drooping, or asymmetric smiles.
Elevating your skills with Moon Aesthetics Academy
At Moon Aesthetics Academy, we offer industry-leading courses for current and aspiring aesthetic practitioners.
Highlights include:
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Detailed anatomy modules focusing on critical areas like the orbicularis oculi muscle.
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Hands-on practical sessions with one-to-one mentoring from experienced injectors.
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Comprehensive modules covering safe practices and handling complications.
As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to stay updated on the latest techniques and treatments for optimal patient results.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking to enhance your expertise, our courses provide the tools you need to excel.
Why mastering botox for crow's feet is essential
Treating crow’s feet is often one of the first Botox procedures that practitioners learn, and for a good reason. It’s straightforward to perform with the right training, delivers consistently high patient satisfaction, and opens doors to expanding your aesthetic practice. With demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments continuing to rise, staying ahead of the curve is crucial.
By mastering periorbital Botox techniques, you can effectively treat crow’s feet, offer comprehensive and tailored solutions to your clients, and establish yourself as a trusted professional in the aesthetics field.
Take the next step in your aesthetics career
Becoming a confident, skilled practitioner starts with the right training. At Moon Aesthetics Academy, we’re committed to empowering you with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience to deliver exceptional results for your patients.
Whether you're completely new to the industry or a current practitioner looking to develop their skillset, we offer a range of courses and certifications to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Explore our website today to learn more about how Moon Aesthetics Academy can help elevate your career in aesthetics.
