Soft and smooth skin, a defining symbol of youth, fades as you age. Botox is one product that can help you regain the youthful appearance you once had.

Crow’s feet are some of the first wrinkles to appear on the face. They are the fine lines around the eyes that fan out each time you laugh or squint.

So, how much Botox do crow’s feet need?

Well, wrinkles differ from person to person, so a dosing chart and experience will help your provider determine what’s right for you.

What Causes Crow’s Feet

Squinting, laughing, and smiling repeatedly contract the muscle around your eye. Lines will first show up during the expression but then disappear.

Because the skin around your eyes is delicate, as you age, these lines become more prominent and lose their ability to soften.

Men often develop these dynamic lines earlier than women, since their eye muscle tends to be stronger.

Lifestyle habits also contribute to deeper crow’s feet:

• Exposure to UVA light breaks down collagen and elastin, thinning the skin and creating lines that stay even at rest
• Smoking narrows blood vessels and speeds up collagen loss
• Menopause also speeds up collagen and elastin loss
• Age, you guessed it, is also associated with natural declines in collagen regardless of other factors

How Many Units of Botox Do Crow’s Feet Need?

Muscle strength, skin thickness, and wrinkle depth all factor into your dose once you decide to treat your crow’s feet.

The amount of Botox that crow’s feet need is between 18 and 24 units for both eyes, working out to roughly nine to 12 units per side.

Your provider will determine what’s most appropriate for you.

Allergan, the company behind Botox, recommends 24 units as the standard starting dose for crow’s feet. Providers often start lower for first-time patients and add more at a follow-up visit if the lines have not fully relaxed.

Nine units might be plenty for someone with mild lines and a gentle squint. For someone with sun-damaged skin and deeper crow’s feet, 15 units might be more appropriate.

Three Points of Entry, One Fan Pattern

Treatment starts with cleaning the skin and marking three points around the outer corner of the eye, spaced about a centimeter apart.

A fine needle delivers three to four units per site, tracing the natural fan shape of the wrinkle.

Both sides need to end up even. A gap of one or two units between your left and right side can leave one eye looking more relaxed than the other.

The needle itself is barely felt. Most people compare it to a quick pinch, gone before they register it.

30 Minutes In and then Straight Back to Your Day

In addition to forehead and frown line treatments, Botox appointments for crow’s feet run under 30 minutes from start to finish. You can drive yourself home and return to your day without any downtime.

Avoid rubbing the treated area for the rest of the day so the Botox can settle.

Skip strenuous exercise until the next morning, since sweating can push the product away from where it was placed.

Three Days to See Results, Three-ish Months to Keep It

Results are not immediate. Expect the first signs of smoothing within three to seven days, with the full effect settling in by two weeks.

The relaxed muscle typically holds for three to four months.

Some people stretch past four months, while others notice movement returning a bit sooner.

To ensure you keep the crow’s feet from returning, schedule your next appointment around the three-month mark.

Otherwise, your crow’s feet will revert to their original depth.

Find Your Number at W Med Spa

How much Botox do your crow’s feet need? Every face needs a different combination of units to soften crow’s feet without looking overdone.

Dr. Wendy Wong will get your crow’s feet under control. Dr. Wong is a board-certified family physician with prestigious memberships in aesthetic and anti-aging medical organizations.

She evaluates your muscle strength and skin and has the experience and skillset to deliver exceptional results.

Call or text 301-681-8000 to schedule a visit.