How Many Units for Crow’s Feet? A Quick Guide by Gender and Muscle Strength
Walk into a room with good lighting and smile, and you’ll see it right away: the fine radiating lines at the outer corners of the eyes. Crow’s feet can look warm and expressive, or etched and tired, depending on how active your orbicularis oculi muscles are. Getting them to soften with Botox is straightforward, but landing on the right number of units takes judgment. The sweet spot depends on three main variables I see daily in clinic: your muscle strength, your skin’s elasticity, and your goals for movement. Gender often correlates with dose, but it isn’t the whole story.
What follows is a practical, experience-based guide for choosing Botox units for crow’s feet by muscle strength and gender, with notes on technique, risk control, and how cost and product choice fit into the decision. If you’re searching for “how many units for crow’s feet” or comparing “Botox price per unit” and “Botox cost for crow’s feet,” this will help you speak the same language as your injector and understand the trade-offs before you book.
The anatomy behind crow’s feet dosing
Crow’s feet form when the lateral fibers of the orbicularis oculi contract. This circular muscle frames the eye and, with repeated smiling and squinting, folds the skin in a fan-shaped pattern. The outward radiating lines are what we target. The muscle is thin but broad, extending from just outside the lateral canthus toward the temples and cheekbone. Stronger muscles create deeper lines, often extending farther out toward the hairline.
Because the orbicularis here is superficial, small doses can go a long way, especially in slender faces or those with fine skin. Overdosing risks a “flat” smile or heavy lower eyelids. Underdosing leaves lines that still bunch with expression. Where we place the units matters as much as how many, so dose ranges always live alongside placement strategy.
Typical unit ranges, by strength and goals
Regulatory guidance suggests up to 24 units of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) distributed across both sides for crow’s feet, often administered as three injection points per side. In practice, the range is wider, because not everyone needs the labeled maximum and not everyone wants a frozen look. Below are real-world starting points I use as a framework, then adjust after assessing muscle pull and skin response.
Mild muscle activity, softer lines, wants natural movement: 6 to 10 units total, split 3 to 5 per side. Moderate activity, average lines, wants reliable smoothing while smiling: 12 to 20 units total, split 6 to 10 per side. Strong activity, etched lines that fan wide, wants noticeable softening: 20 to 30 units total, split 10 to 15 per side.
These are Botox Cosmetic units. If your provider uses Dysport, Xeomin, or Daxxify, the units are not interchangeable. Dysport units are numerically higher per equivalent effect. Xeomin is generally one-to-one with Botox. Daxxify units are calibrated differently and often require a new baseline discussion because of its potential longevity. Ask your injector what product is being used and how their units translate.
How gender factors into dose, and why it’s not the final word
Many men need a little more than many women, not because of gender itself, but because of differences in muscle mass and habitual facial expressions. Male orbicularis oculi muscles tend to be stronger and bulkier. Still, I treat plenty of women who lift heavy in the gym, spend years squinting in bright sun, and come in with crow’s feet that need the same dose as my strongest male patients.
For planning purposes:
Women with mild to moderate strength often land between 6 and 16 units total. Men with moderate to strong strength often land between 12 and 24 units total. Both can exceed those ranges if the smile lines extend far laterally or if the patient prefers a very smooth finish.
I look at contraction patterns first, then consider gender as a secondary clue. If your lines spread widely or the skin bunches hard at the corner of the eye when you smile, I slide the dose upward regardless of gender.
The smile test: quick ways to gauge your own strength
You can get a rough sense of your muscle strength at home. Stand in front of a mirror, smile naturally, then squeeze your eyes tight as if into bright sun. Watch the outer corners. If the lines barely appear with a soft smile but pop with a squint, you are likely in the mild to moderate category. If they appear even at rest or extend in long rays toward the temples with any smile, that suggests higher strength or deeper static lines from cumulative folding.
A trained injector will palpate the muscle, watch how far the lines travel, and note any asymmetries. One side often contracts harder. That side may get one or two more units to even out the result.
Where we place the units for a natural eye smile
The classic approach uses three points per side arranged in a fan around the lateral canthus. I anchor the central point about one centimeter outside the canthus, then add points above and below along the line of radiating wrinkles, staying well lateral to avoid the zygomaticus muscles that lift the smile. Keeping injections at least one centimeter from the bony rim and slightly superficial helps protect against diffusion that could weigh down the lower lid.
Fine tuning placement lets us change the aesthetic:
If the tail of the brow drops when you smile, I place the superior lateral point a touch higher to help reduce downward pull on the brow tail. If lines march far into the temple, I chase them laterally with an extra micro-aliquot rather than overloading a single point. If there is crepey skin under the lateral eye, I lower the inferior lateral point slightly, using a microdose to soften crinkling without affecting lid function.
It is tempting to treat too close to the eye to chase every crinkle. That’s where beginners get into trouble. Respect the safety margin. A lighter hand with precise spacing beats a heavy hand near the lid margin.
How goals shape the dose: soft smile versus camera-smooth
Not everyone wants the same outcome. Some patients want to keep visible lines with a gentle smile but avoid the deep starburst that comes with laughing. Others want a near airbrushed look for events or filming. I frame it in simple terms:
“Soft smile”: aim for 6 to 10 units total if your lines are modest, or 12 to 16 units if they are more pronounced. You will still see tiny lines on a big grin, but makeup sits better and photos look fresh. “Camera-smooth”: push into 16 to 24 units or higher if your muscle is robust. Movement will be more limited during peak effect, which many on-camera professionals prefer.
When in doubt, especially for first timers, start lower. You can add 2 to 4 units per side at a two-week check if you want more smoothing. It is simpler to layer than to wait out an overdose.
Skin quality matters as much as muscle strength
Two patients with the same muscle pull can need different strategies because of skin type. Thin or sun-damaged skin shows lines faster and can hold etched static creases even when the muscle is relaxed. Deeper creases at rest do not always disappear with toxin alone. That does not mean higher units will fix it. Instead, I often hold a steady dose for function, then pair it with collagen-building options such as gentle fractional laser, microneedling with or without radiofrequency, or targeted resurfacing. For very etched lines, a tiny amount of soft filler placed superficially outside the danger zone can support the skin, but only in experienced hands.
Age influences elasticity but does not dictate dose. I have patients in their 50s who have protected their skin for years and need fewer units than a 30-year-old who squints heavily in the sun. Do not assume more birthdays equal more units.
Safety margins and how we avoid lid heaviness
The main risks in the crow’s feet area are over-relaxation leading to a flat smile and diffusion into muscles that stabilize the lower lid. Brow or lid heaviness is rare when technique is careful and dosing is appropriate, but I still take the same precautions every time:
Stay lateral and slightly superior to the lateral canthus, at least one centimeter away. Use small aliquots per point. Even when total units are higher, break the dose into multiple micro points spread along the radiating pattern rather than one concentrated bolus. Angle superficially and avoid deep placement near the orbital rim. Respect individual anatomy. Some faces sit narrow and small, so 2-unit aliquots go a long way. Larger faces with dense muscles tolerate 3 to 4 units per point without drift.
If you have a history of dry eyes, prior eyelid surgery, or lax lower lids, mention it. I tailor dose and placement to protect lid tone. If you already have a slight brow ptosis at rest, we avoid anything that might accentuate it and consider a micro lift elsewhere to balance the look.
What to expect: onset, peak, and duration
Botox for crow’s feet usually starts to show in 2 to 4 days, with a clear effect by day 7 and peak movement reduction at about two weeks. Duration is typically 3 to 4 months for most, though 8 to 12 weeks is not uncommon in very active patients, heavy exercisers, or first timers. Repeated cycles can lengthen duration as the muscle deconditions slightly.
If you tried Botox and felt it “didn’t work,” a few culprits are common. The dose may have been too low for your muscle strength, points may have been placed too conservatively, or your expectations were set to camera-smooth while your dose targeted a soft smile. Rarely, people develop neutralizing antibodies, but that is uncommon at cosmetic doses. A two-week review with your injector often solves it with a modest add-on.
Costs and how to think about value
Two pricing models are typical: per unit or per area. When priced per unit, you will see variability by region and provider. If you’re searching “how much is Botox per unit” or “Botox cost near me,” expect a range that often runs from about 10 to 20 dollars per unit in many markets, sometimes higher in premium practices. For crow’s feet specifically, “Botox cost for crow’s feet” will depend on your dose. Mild cases at 8 units total can be quite affordable. Strong muscles at 24 units cost more, but offer more predictable smoothing.
Area pricing bundles a standard dose per side. This can be a good value if your needs match the bundle, but less ideal if you prefer conservative dosing or require an asymmetric top-up. Ask your provider whether they customize dose within area pricing.
If budget is a concern and you are scanning for “affordable Botox near me,” “Botox specials near me,” or “Botox deals near me,” prioritize training and safety over the lowest price. Promotions through manufacturer programs or established clinics can reduce cost without cutting corners. Beware of unusually low “cosmetic Botox near me” offers that don’t specify the brand or unit count.
Product comparisons at the crow’s feet
Most patients do well with any of the FDA-cleared neuromodulators. Differences are subtle and often come down to injector preference and your prior experience.
Botox vs Dysport: Dysport can feel like it kicks in faster for some and may spread a touch more, which can be helpful in broader areas but calls for precision near the eye. Cost per unit is lower, but unit numbers are higher for equivalence, so overall cost can be similar. If you read “Dysport vs Botox cost,” think total treatment cost rather than unit math. Botox vs Xeomin: Xeomin is a purified neurotoxin without accessory proteins. Clinically, the effect is similar to Botox at roughly one-to-one dosing for most patients. Daxxify vs Botox: Daxxify can last longer in some areas, with reports of 4 to 6 months or more. That longevity is attractive for the glabella and forehead. At the crow’s feet, longevity must be balanced with your preference for flexibility. If you are trialing a new dose, commit to a conservative plan first when using longer-lasting options.
If you are already happy with a product and dose elsewhere on your face, staying consistent can simplify your crow’s feet plan. If you are starting fresh, let your injector guide the choice based on their experience and your goals.
First-time visit: how I approach dosing and follow-up
On a first visit, I do not chase full correction if I have never seen how your orbicularis responds. I prefer to start with a natural smile target, then add more at a two-week review if needed. This reduces the chance of a flat smile and builds a dose history we can rely on.
A typical plan for a new patient with moderate lines: 8 to 10 units per side split across three to four micro points, with the invitation to return at two weeks for a 2 to 4 unit per side refinement if they want smoother photos. For very mild lines, I start at 3 units per side, watch, and reassess.
I photograph before and at two weeks. Side-by-side images help you decide whether to add more or hold. For many, the initial plan becomes the template for the next cycle, with occasional tweaks for season, stress, or activity level.
How aftercare influences results and longevity
Once the injections are done, small habits help reduce side effects and preserve placement. Avoid pressing or massaging the area, vigorous exercise, or heat exposure for the rest of the day. Makeup is fine later the same day if there is no bleeding or open puncture, though I suggest waiting a few hours. Sleep however you normally do, but try not to sleep face down the first night if that is easy to avoid. Bruising can happen, more so if you take fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, or other blood thinners. Planning around big events and following pre-procedure guidance minimizes surprises.
Longevity varies. You can tilt the odds by spacing treatments at consistent intervals, protecting your skin from sun, and managing squint triggers with sunglasses. Heavy cardio does not negate your Botox, but high-metabolism patients sometimes notice a shorter window before movement returns. In those cases, adding a few units or adjusting points can stretch results.
What if one side pulls harder?
Asymmetry is normal. Many people have a dominant smile side. If your right side crinkles more, we often add 1 to 2 extra units to that side. I also adjust point placement slightly to equalize the arc of your smile. The goal is balanced eye expression, not identical stillness. Do not be surprised if your injector recommends uneven dosing; that is a sign they are watching your individual movement rather than following a template.
When crow’s feet overlap with other concerns
Sometimes the lateral eye area is not the only focus. Here’s how crow’s feet dosing interacts with nearby treatments:
Forehead and frown lines: If you are treating glabella (11 lines) and forehead together, plan the crow’s feet dose with the whole upper face in mind. Over-relaxing the glabella while under-treating crow’s feet can shift expression oddly. I aim for harmony across areas. Brow lift goals: A subtle lateral brow lift is possible by reducing the downward pull of the orbicularis near the brow tail. That often pairs with a conservative forehead dose to avoid flattening the lift. Under-eye crepiness: Toxin alone helps minimally if the issue is skin quality rather than muscle pull. Combine with skin treatments rather than cranking up units near the lid, which risks heaviness. Events and photography: If you are scheduling for a wedding or shoot, do the full dose at least two weeks before the event, ideally three to four if you want time to fine tune. Real clinic examples
A 29-year-old woman, marathon runner, minimal sun damage, notices lines only with a big grin. On exam, mild to moderate pull, lines confined within 1.5 centimeters of the canthus. We started at 8 units total, 4 per side. At two weeks, she liked the softening and kept the same for future visits.
A 42-year-old man who works outdoors, thick skin, lines that radiate toward the temple. Strong orbicularis. He wanted less crinkling in photos but a natural smiling eye. We used 20 units total, 10 per side, across four points. At two weeks, we added 2 units to the stronger left side. He now repeats 22 units every 3 to 4 months.
A 53-year-old woman with etched static lines plus moderate movement. Toxin plan: 16 units total for function. We paired it with light fractional laser around the lateral eye and sunscreen discipline. Over two cycles, the static lines softened notably without increasing toxin dose.
How to talk with your injector and get a tailored plan
Bring specific preferences: do you want to keep small smile lines or minimize them for photos? Mention prior experiences like “my eyes felt too flat last time” or “it wore off in eight weeks.” Ask how many units they recommend per side and why. Clarify the product used, expected onset, and when to check in for refinement. If you are searching “botox consultation near me” or lining up a “same day Botox appointment,” still allow enough time for a proper assessment rather than rushing injections in a short slot.
If you like to research pricing, it is fair to ask “Botox price per unit,” “Botox cost for crow’s feet,” and whether follow-up tweaks are included. A transparent clinic will give you a range and explain how they adjust dose based on muscle strength, not just gender.
A quick reference for dose planning Mild crow’s feet, subtle smoothing desired: 6 to 10 units total. Moderate crow’s feet, clear softening while smiling: 12 to 20 units total. Strong crow’s feet, wider fan of lines, camera-smooth goal: 20 to 30 units total.
Use these numbers as a starting map, then let your injector refine based on your anatomy and expression.
Finding the right provider near you
If you are typing “botox near me,” “botox injections near me,” or “top rated botox near me,” prioritize experience with eye-area dosing. Look for clear before-and-after photos of crow’s feet specifically, a willingness to customize per side, and a standard two-week follow-up. “Best botox near me” is less about a single clinic and more about a practitioner who listens, explains, and records your personal dose-response so each visit gets smarter.
People often ask about “walk in botox near me.” Convenience is nice, but quality trumps speed in this area. If you need a “botox appointment near me” on short notice, choose a clinic that can still give you time for a measured plan. Deals help, but avoid choosing solely on “botox specials near me” or “botox deals near me” if the provider cannot answer dosing and placement questions confidently.
Final thoughts from the chair
Crow’s feet respond beautifully to the right dose, placed in the right plane, aligned with your goals. Gender offers a useful hint, yet muscle strength, skin behavior, and your preferred level of movement should drive the plan. Start with a conservative, well-placed dose, review at two weeks, and keep notes. Over a couple of cycles, you will have a personalized recipe that produces the same soft, bright smile every time with no guessing.
If you are still weighing product options or stacking treatments for a bigger refresh, Cornelius botox services https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi60gNLWbMzJaeY9sOqewhQ your injector can fold crow’s feet into a broader plan that might include the glabella, forehead, or a gentle lateral brow lift. If you are tuned into cost, ask about unit pricing and touch-up policies so your “botox cost near me” search ends with clarity instead of surprises.
Most important, treat crow’s feet as a functional art problem, not a numbers game. The right number of units is the one that respects how your eyes smile. The numbers in this guide will put you in the right neighborhood. A skilled hand will take you to the right address.