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Crow’s Feet

Crow's feet are the fine lines that fan out from the corners of your eyes — most visible when you smile or squint. These periorbital wrinkles respond well to neuromodulators, and Dr. Borakowski can add collagen-rebuilding treatments when lines have become etched into the skin.

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Soften the Smile Lines, Keep the Smile

Crow's feet — sometimes called laugh lines — fan from the outer corners of the eyes after years of squinting, sun exposure, and natural collagen loss. They begin as dynamic lines that appear only when you smile and gradually settle into static creases visible at rest. Most people notice them in photos before they notice them in the mirror.

At Desert Bloom, Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD begins every crow's feet assessment with one question: are your lines still purely dynamic, or have they started to etch into the skin? That answer decides whether the plan is a neuromodulator alone, a neuromodulator paired with RF microneedling, or — for deep, photodamaged lines — a resurfacing escalation.

Crow's feet are one concern within the broader family of wrinkles we address, alongside frown lines and forehead lines. All three route back to the anti-aging hub.

At a Glance

Primary cause: Orbicularis oculi contraction + collagen and elastin loss in thin periorbital skin
First-line plan: Neuromodulator (Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify) for dynamic lines
When lines are etched: Add RF microneedling; CO2 Cool Peel for deep, photodamaged wrinkles
Downtime: None for neuromodulators · 24–48 hr redness for RF MN · 3–5 days for CO2 Cool Peel
Consultation: 30 minutes with Dr. Borakowski to map dynamic vs static and the right combination

What Are Crow's Feet?

Crow's feet are the wrinkles that spread outward from the outer corners of the eyes. They begin as dynamic wrinkles — visible only when you smile, squint, or laugh — and gradually develop into static wrinkles that remain when your face is fully at rest.

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face, with minimal subcutaneous fat and fewer oil glands than any other region. The outer corners move with almost every facial expression, and each contraction of the orbicularis oculi slowly folds the upper layers of skin along the same lines. Over time, collagen production slows, elastin breaks down, and those folds settle into visible creases.

We classify crow's feet in two stages because the stage decides the treatment. Dynamic crow's feet appear only with movement — address the muscle and the lines soften dramatically. Static crow's feet have etched into the skin itself — the muscle contribution is still there, but now there's structural damage underneath. A careful assessment during your consultation reveals exactly where you stand.

Dynamic Crow's Feet

When a Neuromodulator Is Enough

If your lines disappear when your face relaxes, the orbicularis oculi is doing all the work. A precisely dosed neuromodulator — Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify — relaxes the muscle at the outer canthus and softens the fan pattern without freezing your expressions. Most patients start here and stay here for years.

Lines only visible when smiling or squinting
No structural collagen loss yet
Typical age: late 20s to mid-30s
Maintenance every 3–6 months depending on product

Static Crow's Feet

When Collagen Rebuild Is Needed

Once lines remain visible between neuromodulator cycles, the problem has shifted from muscle movement to structural collagen loss. RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermis to rebuild collagen around the lateral eye. For deep, photodamaged wrinkles, CO2 Cool Peel resurfaces the surface layer and reaches deeper collagen remodeling than RF can.

Lines visible at rest, not just in motion
Periorbital skin shows texture and crepe
Typical age: mid-30s onward (earlier with sun damage)
Plan: neuromodulator + RF microneedling, or CO2 Cool Peel for deep lines

Procedures

Treatments for Crow's Feet

Each procedure addresses a different mechanism. We choose between them based on whether your crow's feet are still dynamic, have become static, or have reached the deep, etched stage with surrounding photodamage.

Dynamic · First-line

Botox Treatment

Precise botulinum toxin dosing relaxes the orbicularis oculi at the outer canthus. Predictable 3–4 month duration lets Dr. Borakowski titrate around the thin eye area. Typical dose 16 units across both eyes (per Natalya's matrix — 16 for under 30, 20 for 30–45, 24 for 45+).

See Botox details

Dynamic · Wider spread

Dysport

Same botulinum toxin mechanism as Botox with a slightly broader diffusion — useful when crow's feet fan widely across the temple. Duration 3–4 months. Dosing roughly triple Botox units (48 for under 30, 60 for 30–45, 72 for 45+).

See Dysport details

Dynamic · 6-month duration

Daxxify

PEG-peptide carrier extends duration of daxibotulinumtoxinA to roughly six months — double a standard Botox cycle. Best for established neuromodulator patients who want fewer visits. Dosing doubles Botox units (32 for under 30, 40 for 30–45, 48 for 45+).

See Daxxify details

Static · Collagen rebuild

RF Microneedling

Radiofrequency energy delivered through fine needles stimulates new collagen and tightens thin lateral eye skin. Addresses the etched-in line that botulinum toxin alone cannot reverse. Series of 3 sessions 4–6 weeks apart; results develop over 3–6 months. Best paired with a neuromodulator.

See RF Microneedling details

Deep lines · Resurfacing

CO2 Cool Peel

Fractional ablative resurfacing for deep crow's feet with periorbital photodamage. Removes damaged surface cells and triggers deeper collagen remodeling than RF can reach. Cool Peel protocol shortens recovery to roughly 3–5 days versus traditional CO2 resurfacing. Single session; reserved for non-first-timers.

See CO2 Cool Peel details

Start with what you see

Find your match

Pick the line that sounds most like yours — we'll point you to the right starting procedure.

Dynamic

My lines appear only when I smile or squint.

→See Botox, Dysport, Daxxify — Dynamic crow's feet — neuromodulator alone usually solves it.

Static

Lines stay visible even when my face is at rest.

→See RF Microneedling — Static crow's feet — pair a neuromodulator with collagen-stimulating RF microneedling.

Deep + photodamage

My crow's feet are deep with crepey, sun-damaged skin around them.

→See CO2 Cool Peel — Deep periorbital wrinkles with photodamage — CO2 Cool Peel is the right escalation.

First-time

I want a fast first treatment without committing long-term.

→See Botox — Start with Botox — predictable 3–4 month duration lets you adjust.

Returning

I'm an established neuromodulator user and want fewer visits.

→See Daxxify — Daxxify lasts roughly six months — half the visit frequency.

Wide pattern

My crow's feet fan widely across my temples.

→See Dysport — Dysport's slightly broader diffusion often suits a wider line pattern.

Neurotoxin Dosing for Crow's Feet

Total units across both eyes, by age group — based on Dr. Borakowski's clinical dosing matrix. Final dose is adjusted in person based on muscle strength and line pattern.

	Botox	Dysport (×3)	Daxxify (×2)
Under 30	16 units	48 units	32 units
30–45	20 units	60 units	40 units
45+	24 units	72 units	48 units
Typical duration	3–4 months	3–4 months	5–6 months
Onset	3–7 days	2–5 days	1–2 days (initial); full at 2 weeks
FDA status for crow's feet	On-label (lateral canthal lines)	Off-label	Off-label

Botox

Under 30: 16 units
30–45: 20 units
45+: 24 units
Typical duration: 3–4 months
Onset: 3–7 days
FDA status for crow's feet: On-label (lateral canthal lines)

Dysport (×3)

Under 30: 48 units
30–45: 60 units
45+: 72 units
Typical duration: 3–4 months
Onset: 2–5 days
FDA status for crow's feet: Off-label

Daxxify (×2)

Under 30: 32 units
30–45: 40 units
45+: 48 units
Typical duration: 5–6 months
Onset: 1–2 days (initial); full at 2 weeks
FDA status for crow's feet: Off-label

Dysport units are roughly 3× Botox units; Daxxify units are roughly 2× Botox units. The numeric difference doesn't mean one product is stronger — only that they're measured on different scales.

Crow's Feet — Common Questions

At what age do crow's feet usually start?

Most people notice their first dynamic crow's feet between the late 20s and mid-30s — fine lines visible only when smiling or squinting. Static wrinkles that stay at rest typically develop mid-30s onward, earlier for fair skin with significant sun exposure or strong orbicularis activity. Genetics plays a meaningful role.

How many units of Botox do I need for crow's feet?

Dr. Borakowski's clinical matrix: 16 units total across both eyes for patients under 30, 20 units for 30–45, and 24 units for 45+. Dysport runs roughly 3× those numbers; Daxxify roughly 2×. Final dose is adjusted at the consultation based on muscle strength and how widely the fan pattern spreads.

What's the difference between dynamic and static crow's feet?

Dynamic crow's feet appear only when you smile, squint, or laugh — they're created by orbicularis oculi movement and respond well to botulinum toxin alone. Static crow's feet stay visible at rest because collagen and elastin loss has etched the wrinkles into the skin. Static lines need both a neuromodulator and a collagen-stimulating procedure such as RF microneedling.

When is CO2 Cool Peel better than RF microneedling?

CO2 Cool Peel is reserved for deep crow's feet with significant periorbital photodamage — when wrinkles are truly etched and the surrounding skin shows texture or sun-damaged tone. RF microneedling is the right choice for moderate static lines with less downtime. CO2 removes damaged surface cells and reaches deeper remodeling but requires 3–5 days of real recovery; RF microneedling needs a series of sessions but stays at 24–48 hours of redness.

Can crow's feet be prevented?

Not completely — they're driven by facial expression and the natural aging process. But you can meaningfully slow them: daily SPF 30+ around the eye area, polarized UV-blocking sunglasses, a nightly retinol or tretinoin, and for strong orbicularis activity, early low-dose neuromodulator can delay the transition from dynamic to static lines.

Are neuromodulators safe around the eyes?

Yes, when dosed conservatively by an experienced injector. Botox is FDA-approved for lateral canthal lines (the crow's feet area), and decades of clinical data support periorbital use of botulinum toxin. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, active periorbital infection, recent herpes zoster near the eye, and certain neuromuscular disorders — Dr. Borakowski screens at every consultation.

Does RF microneedling hurt around the eyes?

The periorbital area is sensitive, so a topical numbing cream is applied for about 45 minutes before the session. Most patients describe the sensation as a firm prickle with heat — uncomfortable but manageable. Mild redness and tenderness last 24–48 hours; periorbital skin heals quickly. Collagen-driven results develop over the following 3–6 months.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD

Founder, Desert Bloom Skincare · 17 Years Experience

References

1.
Carruthers JD, Lowe NJ, Menter MA, et al.. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of glabellar lines. J Am Acad Dermatol; 2002;46(6):840-849.
DOI: 10.1067/mjd.2002.121356
2.
Beer KR.. Comparative evaluation of the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A and topical creams for treating moderate-to-severe glabellar rhytides. Dermatol Surg; 2006;32(2):184-197.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32036.x
3.
Ascher B, Rzany B, Grover R.. Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of lateral crow's feet: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study. Dermatol Surg; 2009;35(10):1478-1486.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01261.x
4.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.. BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) — Prescribing Information. FDA; updated 2024.
5.
Cheles D, Vinshtok Y, Gershonowitz A.. Microneedling With RF-Assisted Skin Penetration Improves the Hard-to-Treat Periorbital Wrinkles. J Cosmet Dermatol; 2024.
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16559
6.
Beleznay K, Carruthers JD, Humphrey S, Jones D.. Avoiding and Treating Blindness From Fillers. Dermatol Surg; 2015;41(10):1097-1117.
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000486

Individual results vary. Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify are FDA-approved neuromodulators; use for crow's feet is on-label (Botox for lateral canthal lines) or off-label depending on the specific product and dosing. All procedures discussed on this page are medical and carry some risk of bruising, swelling, asymmetry, or other side effects. Dr. Borakowski reviews the complete list of potential risks during your consultation.

Content reviewed by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD · Last updated June 2026.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Start with a conversation, not a treatment plan

A consultation with Dr. Borakowski is a screening first. If the treatment you came in asking about isn't the right tool, she'll tell you — and point you toward what is.

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