Crow's feet—the fine wrinkles at the corners of the eyes—appear when laughing, and that's precisely what makes them so problematic: they are part of a warm facial expression. The goal of treatment is therefore not to erase them, but to soften them without compromising the smile's natural look.
How is it treated
The orbicularis oculi muscle around the eye is treated at a few points with low doses of botulinum toxin—laterally, at a safe distance from the eyelid. With the correct dosage, the eyes remain involved when laughing; only the fan-shaped lines become less pronounced. The eye area is often treated in conjunction with... Frown lines or Forehead considered so that the face remains consistent in motion.
Effect and duration
The effects begin after three to seven days, are fully developed after about two weeks, and generally last three to four months. Fine lines and wrinkles, visible even without facial expressions, respond only to botulinum toxin to a limited extent—in these cases, skin quality is the key factor, for example, with... Polynucleotides. I'll tell you that beforehand, not afterwards.
Risks and side effects
- Bruises — somewhat more common in this well-vascularized area than on the forehead
- Temporary dryness or foreign body sensation in the eyes, rare
- If the injection is too deep or too close, it can result in a changed smile — the reason for cautious, anatomically guided acupuncture points.
- Treatment is not given during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in cases of neuromuscular diseases.
Cost
Treatment with botulinum toxin costs 200 € For one area—the eye area alone. In combination with frown lines or forehead: two areas €320, three areas €400. A follow-up appointment after two weeks is included. All prices at Prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I losing my laughter?
No — that is the central concern and the central requirement. With a low dose, the eyes remain involved in smiling; only the lines become softer. Too much would be worse than too little.
Why do I bruise more easily here?
The area is highly vascularized and the skin is thin. Small bruises are possible and can be easily covered; they disappear after a few days.
Do the injections also help against fine lines under the eyes?
Only to a limited extent. Wrinkles that result from skin quality rather than muscle movement require different treatment — this is clarified by the analysis in the initial consultation.
Can I do sports afterwards?
Not on the day of treatment — no sports, no sauna, no rubbing. Everything is back to normal from the next day.
How often should treatment be administered?
The effects last three to four months; two to three appointments per year are typical. There is no obligation to repeat the treatment.
Softer eye area, lively laughter — we'll clarify whether this is possible for you in our initial consultation.
Medically responsible: Dr. Jan Gumilar, General Practitioner — Private Practice for Aesthetic Medicine, Brandstätte 3, 1010 Vienna. Member of the German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum and Filler Therapy (DGBT).