Crow’s Feet (Lateral Canthus)

Crow’s feet, medically known as lateral canthal lines, are the delicate fan-shaped wrinkles that appear at the outer corners of the eyes. These lines are one of the earliest and most common signs of aging, primarily caused by the repeated, forceful contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle when we smile, squint, or laugh. Because the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face, it is highly susceptible to this dynamic movement, eventually etching permanent lines that radiate outward, giving them their characteristic nickname due to their resemblance to a bird’s footprint.

  • What they are: These are the fine lines or wrinkles that fan out from the outer corners of the eyes.

  • How they form: They are caused by the repeated action of squinting, smiling, and laughing (using the orbicularis oculi muscle).

  • Why they are called Crow’s Feet: Their pattern of radiating lines resembles the distinctive footprint of a crow.

The best solution for Crow’s Feet (Lateral Canthal Lines) under the philosophy of Natural Neurotoxin Artistry is a micro-dosing technique that softens the lines of expression while preserving the authentic, positive movement of the smile.

The goal is not to eliminate the lines completely, but to reduce their depth and spread so that the smile looks less harsh and tired, and more refreshed and youthful.

The Artistry of Treating Crow’s Feet

1. Conservative and Meticulous Dosing

Crow’s feet are caused by the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Unlike frown lines, which benefit from a near-complete stop, Crow’s Feet require a delicate touch because this muscle is integral to a natural smile.

  • Low Unit Strategy: The injector uses a lower total number of units compared to the Glabella or Forehead. Injecting too much neurotoxin too close to the eye can stop the muscle from contracting completely, resulting in an unnatural, widened, or “frozen” smile where the eye area doesn’t crinkle at all when the cheeks lift.
  • Targeted Placement: The neurotoxin is placed in 3 to 4 points fanning out laterally from the corner of the eye, kept safely outside the bony orbital rim and away from the cheek muscle (Zygomaticus). This relaxes the outer perimeter of the muscle that creates the deep fan lines.

2. Preserving the “Laughter Lines”

Natural Neurotoxin Artistry recognizes that some lines when smiling are a positive feature (often called “laughter lines”).

  • The Sweet Spot: The ideal result leaves the patient able to smile fully, but the lines that form are finer and less etched than before treatment. This maintains the warmth and authenticity of their expression.
  • Chemical Brow Lift: A well-executed lateral treatment can offer a slight, subtle chemical brow lift on the tail of the brow by relaxing the muscles that pull the brow down, resulting in a more open and awake eye appearance.

3. Combination Therapy (Addressing Static Lines)

Because Crow’s Feet are thin and can become static (visible at rest) quickly due to thin skin and sun damage, an artistic approach may involve:

  • Skin Quality Enhancement: Combining the neurotoxin treatment with topical retinoids, light chemical peels, or microneedling around the eye area. This helps rebuild collagen in the skin itself, making the lines less visible when the muscle is at rest.
  • Hydration and Protection: Counseling on diligent use of sunscreen and antioxidant-rich eye creams is essential for maintaining the delicate skin quality and prolonging the natural-looking results.

Ease the etchings of joy without muting your smile. Micro-precise neurotoxin softens fine lines around the eyes while preserving warmth, spark, and natural expression.