Crow's feet.
Fan-shaped lines at the outer corner of the eye, caused by the eye's ring muscle when smiling. Well treatable with low doses of botulinum toxin.
Crow's feet explained: origin in the orbicularis muscle, role of sun and thin skin, treatment with botulinum toxin, addition of skin boosters, durability.
A closer look.
Crow's feet arise from the outer part of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which pulls the skin at the corner of the eye together when smiling and squinting. At about 0.5 mm the skin here is the thinnest of the face and loses collagen early; UV light accelerates that further.
Botulinum toxin is placed at two to three points per side in the outer part of the muscle; the smile stays, the fan lines soften. The dose is low and the effect lasts three to four months. If the lines are also clearly visible and crinkly at rest, a skin booster helps in addition for hydration and elasticity.
Placement matters: too close to the cheek elevator the smile can look asymmetric, too deep in the lower lid swelling can occur. Sun protection is the most effective prevention – no treatment replaces it.
This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).
At a glance.
A question about Crow's feet? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions.
Will my eyes look frozen?
No. Only the outer part of the muscle is treated; eyelid closure and smile remain.
What helps with crinkle lines at rest?
Skin boosters or polynucleotides for skin quality – botulinum toxin only acts on movement.
Sources and further reading.
- NHS: Botox injections – patient information
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
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