What causes crow's feet?

Crow's feet are the fine lines that fan out from the outer corners of your eyes. They come from the orbicularis oculi, the ring-shaped muscle that closes your eyes and lifts your cheeks when you smile or squint. Skin around the eyes is among the thinnest on the body and has few oil glands, so it creases easily. Over time, sun exposure, dryness, smoking and natural collagen loss mean the creases stay after the smile fades. Squinting in bright light without sunglasses speeds this up. Genetics and skin type matter too: lighter, drier skin tends to show lines earlier.

How crow's feet are assessed

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor looks at the eye area at rest and during a full smile. Crow's feet usually fall into one of these patterns:

Dynamic lines: visible only when you smile, from muscle movement
Static lines: visible at rest because the skin has creased
Crepey texture: fine, papery wrinkling from thin skin, often extending under the eye

Many people have a mix. Muscle-driven lines respond to Botox, while thin, crepey skin needs a treatment that improves the skin itself. Your doctor also checks for under-eye hollows and dark circles, which are often treated at the same time.

Treatment options for crow's feet

Wrinkle Botox

Wrinkle Botox relaxes the outer part of the eye muscle so the skin creases less when you smile. It is the first choice for dynamic crow's feet. A few small injection points on each side are usually enough, and your doctor keeps the dose conservative so your smile still reaches your eyes. Results appear within days, peak at about two weeks and last about 3–4 months. Korean toxins such as Botulax and Nabota, and imported brands such as Botox, Xeomin and Dysport, are all used here; see Korean Botox brands explained.

Rejuran Eye

Rejuran Eye(Rejuran I) is a finer polynucleotide (PN) formula made for the delicate skin around the eyes. It supports repair and helps thin skin look thicker and smoother. Your doctor chooses it for static lines and crepey texture that Botox cannot reach, usually as 2–3 sessions a few weeks apart. Because PN does not add volume, it will not make the area look puffy, which suits people who want a subtle, skin-first approach.

Comparing your options

Treatment	Best when	Downtime	From price
Wrinkle Botox	Lines appear when you smile	None	₩39,000 (1 area, Korean toxin)
Rejuran Eye (Rejuran I)	Skin is thin, crepey or etched	Mild swelling for 1–2 days	₩189,000 (1cc)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. You can compare every treatment on our price list.

Combination plans

The most complete result usually comes from treating both the muscle and the skin. A typical plan is Botox for movement plus a course of Rejuran Eye for texture. Our Eye Rejuvenation package combines Rejuran Eye, Botox and Oligio X RF tightening around the eyes. If loose or hooded eyelid skin is also a concern, see crepey, thinning skin.

At-home care and prevention

Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce squinting and protect thin skin from UV.
Apply sunscreen right up to the outer eye, avoiding the lash line.
Use a rich eye cream; a gentle retinoid eye product can help if tolerated.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if you have allergies.

Planning treatment during a trip to Seoul

Botox takes about 10 minutes and has no downtime, so it fits any day of your trip. Book it early if you want your doctor to review the result at two weeks, and avoid rubbing your eyes or lying face down for a few hours afterward. Rejuran Eye can cause small bumps or mild swelling for a day or two, so avoid scheduling it right before photos. If you cannot finish a series in Seoul, read what happens if you cannot finish a series. When you are ready, book a consultation.

Safety and when to see a doctor

Botox and other injectables are not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or near an active eye or skin infection. Tell your doctor about neuromuscular conditions, blood thinners and recent eye surgery. A slightly uneven smile or temporary eyelid heaviness is uncommon and wears off as the toxin fades. Eye pain, a change in vision or swelling that keeps worsening after treatment needs prompt medical review.

Does Botox for crow’s feet hurt?

Most people feel a quick sting at each point. The needle is very fine and the treatment takes only a few minutes. Ice or numbing cream can be used if you are sensitive.

Will Botox change my smile?

When the dose is conservative, your smile stays natural and still reaches your eyes. Too much toxin placed too low can affect the cheek, which is why careful placement matters.

How many Rejuran Eye sessions do I need?

Most people need 2–3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, then occasional maintenance. Improvement in texture builds gradually after each session.

Can I wear makeup after treatment?

After Botox you can usually apply makeup gently after a few hours. After Rejuran Eye, it is best to wait until the next day so the injection points can settle.

At what age should I start treating crow’s feet?

There is no fixed age. Many people start when lines stay visible at rest, often in their 30s. Low doses started earlier can help prevent lines from becoming etched.

Related treatments

Wrinkle Botox — relaxes smile lines
Rejuran Eye — strengthens thin eye skin
Oligio X — RF tightening around the eyes

Prices and results

Botox price in Seoul — Korean and imported toxins
Rejuran Eye price — cost per session
Rejuran Eye results — how texture improves

Related concerns and areas

Forehead wrinkles — often treated in the same visit
Fine lines — early lines across the face
Eye area treatments — all options around the eyes

Packages and comparisons

Eye Rejuvenation package — Rejuran Eye, Botox and Oligio X
Under-eye filler vs Rejuran Eye — volume or skin quality

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Crow's Feet Treatment in Seoul