Two areas come up more than any other in our Bakersfield consultations: crow’s feet and forehead lines. They’re often what first makes someone think “I look tired when I’m not” or “I look angry when I’m not.” And they’re also two of the areas where Botox delivers some of its most predictable, satisfying results — when done right.
Getting them right, though, requires understanding how the muscles in each area actually work. Because the forehead and the eye area are anatomically connected in ways that make strategic placement critical. Here’s what you should know.
Crow’s Feet: What They Are and Why They Form
Crow’s feet are the fan-shaped lines that radiate from the outer corners of the eyes when you smile, squint, or laugh. They’re caused by the orbicularis oculi — the circular muscle that rings the eye and is responsible for closing the eyelid and squinting.
This muscle contracts every time you blink, smile, or narrow your eyes against bright light. Over time — and especially as skin loses collagen and elasticity — those repeated contractions etch permanent creases into the outer corners. You start seeing them at rest, not just in motion.
Crow’s feet are one of the most common cosmetic concerns we see at Modern Aesthetic Institute, and one of the most satisfying to treat. Unlike some areas where the result can look “worked on,” a well-placed crow’s feet treatment looks like you simply stopped squinting — natural, rested, refreshed.
Forehead Lines: The Anatomy Behind the Problem
Forehead lines are horizontal creases created by the frontalis muscle — the broad, flat muscle that covers the forehead and is responsible for raising the eyebrows. Every time you raise your brows in surprise, concern, or attention, the frontalis contracts and the skin above it folds into those familiar horizontal lines.
Here’s what makes the forehead uniquely challenging: the frontalis is also the primary muscle responsible for holding the brows and upper eyelids up. If you relax it too aggressively, the brows drop — giving the face a heavy, hooded appearance that looks worse than the original lines. This is the most common Botox mistake we see from inexperienced injectors.
The solution is a careful, anatomically informed approach that relaxes the lines without over-relaxing the lift. This requires assessing the individual patient’s brow position, skin laxity, and the natural interplay between their frontalis and the muscles below the brow before deciding on dose and placement.
The Critical Connection Between the Two Areas
Most patients want both treated in the same session — and rightly so. But the forehead and the eye area don’t work in isolation. When you relax the glabellar muscles between the brows (the “11s”), it can shift how the frontalis compensates. When you treat the crow’s feet, it can affect how the lower portion of the orbicularis oculi functions.
An experienced injector treats the face as a system, not a collection of isolated problem spots. That’s the difference between results that look natural and balanced, and results that look off in ways the patient can’t quite articulate.
At Modern Aesthetic Institute, we map out the treatment plan before we administer a single unit. We look at how your face moves, where your natural compensatory patterns are, and how much relaxation is appropriate in each zone given your anatomy.
What to Expect: Crow’s Feet Treatment
Crow’s feet are typically treated with 10–15 units per side (20–30 units total), injected at 3–4 points along the outer orbital rim. The injections are quick — most patients describe them as a small pinch. The area is sensitive, but the treatment is fast.
We avoid injecting too close to the lower eyelid, which can cause the muscle below the eye to weaken and give a puffy or heavy appearance. Precise placement matters enormously in this area.
What to Expect: Forehead Treatment
Forehead lines are treated with 10–20 units across 4–6 injection points spread horizontally across the muscle. Less is almost always better here, especially on a first treatment. We assess how much elevation your brows have at baseline and adjust the dose accordingly — patients with lower brow position or heavier upper eyelids may need a more conservative approach to avoid brow heaviness.
Full results appear in 10–14 days. We always recommend a 2-week follow-up to assess the result and make any minor adjustments if needed.
How Long Do Results Last?
Both areas typically last 3–4 months. Crow’s feet sometimes fade slightly faster because the orbicularis oculi is a highly active muscle (you blink thousands of times a day). With consistent treatment, many patients find their results lasting longer over time as the muscles gradually soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Botox make my crow’s feet completely disappear?
For fine crow’s feet that are primarily dynamic (appearing with movement), Botox can make a dramatic difference. For deeper etched lines that are visible even at rest, Botox will significantly improve but may not completely eliminate them. In those cases, we may also recommend a light resurfacing treatment or skin care to address the static component.
I’ve heard Botox in the forehead can make your brows drop. Is that true?
It can happen — and it’s one of the most common complaints about badly placed Botox. It’s caused by over-relaxing the frontalis, which is the muscle that holds the brows up. An experienced injector knows to be conservative in the lower forehead, especially in patients who already have brow heaviness. This is exactly the kind of anatomic judgment that separates skilled injectors from inexperienced ones.
Can I treat crow’s feet without doing the forehead at the same time?
Absolutely. The areas can be treated independently. Many patients come in for crow’s feet only, especially if they don’t have significant forehead lines or if they’re concerned about the brow-drop risk. We’ll help you determine the right approach for your specific anatomy and goals.
How soon after treatment can I work out or fly?
We recommend avoiding intense exercise, lying flat, and significant heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga, steam room) for 24 hours after treatment. After that, you’re clear for normal activity. Flying is fine the same day as your appointment.
I’m in my late 20s and don’t have visible lines yet. Is it too soon to start?
No — this is actually ideal timing. Preventive Botox, started before deep lines form, keeps the muscle from repeating the creasing motion that causes permanent lines. Many patients in their late 20s and early 30s who start preventive treatment maintain noticeably smoother skin into their 40s compared to peers who waited.
Your Next Step
If crow’s feet or forehead lines are on your mind, the best thing you can do is come in for a consultation. We’ll look at your face in motion and at rest, talk through your goals, and build a treatment plan that makes sense for your anatomy — not a cookie-cutter approach.
Modern Aesthetic Institute is located in Bakersfield, serving patients from Kern County, Bakersfield, and surrounding communities. Book your consultation today.