Laughter lines. Crow’s feet. Little lines beside your eyes. Whatever you call them, they are often the first signs of skin ageing that stand out. Charming to some, bothersome to others, especially when they affect one’s appearance. Botox is one of the most chosen treatments to soften these fine lines around the eyes. But how exactly does it work, and what can you expect from a treatment with botox for crow’s feet?
In this blog we explain everything about this popular treatment, from the origin of crow’s feet to the natural result you can achieve with a few small injections.
Why do crow’s feet arise?
Crow’s feet are the fine, fan-shaped lines that form at the side of the eyes. They arise from repeated muscle movements, such as laughing, squinting or avoiding bright light. These expressive movements are completely normal, but as we get older, the skin around the eyes loses elasticity and collagen. As a result, the wrinkles not only become more visible during expression, but also remain present at rest.
Because the skin around the eyes is thinner than elsewhere in the face, the lines stand out extra. Many people feel that this makes them look more tired, older or sterner than they feel.
How does botox work against crow’s feet?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a muscle relaxant that temporarily interrupts the signal transmission from nerve to muscle. By injecting botox at strategic spots in the muscle around the eye, the muscle relaxes. As a result, the crow’s feet become less visible, or even disappear completely when the treatment is applied at the right moment.
The nice thing about botox is that the effect is quickly visible, while the face retains its natural expression. The aim is not to switch off movement completely, but to dampen overactivity. This way you look rested, open and fresh, without a ‘frozen’ effect.
When do you see results and how long does it remain visible?
The first effects of botox against crow’s feet are usually noticeable within three to five days. The full result depends on the botulinum toxin used and is visible after about 1 to, with other products, ten to fourteen days. Your eyes then appear more open and calmer, and the fine lines are clearly less present.
The result lasts on average three to six months. As the effect of the botox diminishes, the muscle movements gradually return. Many people choose to repeat the treatment two to three times a year to maintain the effect and slow down ageing in a natural way.
Is the result natural?
A frequently asked question is whether the result looks natural. And that is understandable. No one wants to lose an expression or look unnatural. At Kliniek het Bolwerk we always strive for a result that suits your face. A subtle softening of the crow’s feet, without your appearance changing.
Through the right dosage and placement, your characteristic facial expression is preserved. You can therefore still laugh and show expression, but without the sharp lines that accompany it.
Does the treatment hurt or is recovery time needed?
A treatment with botox around the eyes is short, safe and barely painful. The injections are carried out with an extremely fine needle and usually take no longer than ten minutes. No anaesthetic is needed.
After the treatment you can simply carry on with your day. Sometimes a small red spot or slight swelling occurs, but this usually disappears within a few hours. It is advisable not to lie down for the first four hours and to avoid intensive exertion or touching the area. You therefore do not need to schedule any recovery time.
For whom is botox for crow’s feet suitable?
Botox for crow’s feet is suitable for anyone who is bothered by the lines beside the eyes, or who wants to intervene preventively before they become deeper. This is possible from around the age of 25, depending on your skin type and facial expression.
Whether you want a softer look in the eyes, want to look less tired or want to prevent fine lines, botox offers a safe and effective solution. The treatment is suitable for both women and men who opt for a fresh and natural appearance without a surgical procedure.
What can you expect from a consultation at Kliniek het Bolwerk?
At Kliniek het Bolwerk we consider it important that you feel comfortable at every step of the treatment. During the consultation we discuss your wishes, look at the muscle activity around your eyes and give honest advice about what botox can do for you.
We take the time to answer all your questions, so that you know exactly what to expect. Safety, a natural result and personal attention are central to our approach.
