Smile test
The doctor asks you to smile, squint and relax to see how far the lines spread.
Crow's feet are the fan of lines that appears at the outer corners of your eyes when you smile. They are a sign of a friendly face, and the aim is to soften them, not to erase your smile.

Gangnam Celliting Clinic · 121 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Gangnam Station Exit 12 (4-min walk)
Crow's feet are usually treated with wrinkle Botox placed in the muscle that circles the eye, softening smile lines for roughly 3 to 6 months according to the clinic, though this varies. The procedure takes about 5 minutes with same-day recovery. Lines that stay visible when you are not smiling may also need skin-quality support.
Crow's feet deepen because the same muscle squeezes the outer eye thousands of times a day while the skin above it gradually becomes thinner. The orbicularis oculi, a ring-shaped muscle around the eye, contracts every time you smile, laugh or squint. Several factors speed this up:

Crow's feet that show only when you smile usually need muscle relaxation alone, while lines that remain at rest often pair Botox with a skin-quality step.
| Only when smiling | Still visible at rest | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Muscle-driven lines | Lines etched into thinner skin |
| Main treatment | Wrinkle Botox at the outer eye | Wrinkle Botox to reduce folding |
| Paired with | Usually nothing else | Skin-quality injectables or regenerative care |
| What to expect | Smoother corners when smiling | Softer resting lines over time |
For thinning skin around the eyes, the regenerative aesthetic treatments page explains skin-quality options. If lines also run across the lids and under the eye, see our broader eye wrinkle treatments guide.
Muscle-relaxing results for crow's feet typically last about 3 to 6 months, based on the clinic's information, before movement gradually returns. The effect usually begins to show within several days and settles over about two weeks. Duration differs between people and is affected by:

Suitability is a medical decision made by your doctor after an in-person consultation and review of your health history.
The doctor asks you to smile, squint and relax to see how far the lines spread.
Injection points are planned to soften lines while keeping your smile reaching your eyes.
The procedure takes about 5 minutes, with numbing if you wish.
You can usually go sightseeing straight after, following simple aftercare.
Send a photo after about two weeks if you would like the doctor to review the result.
A Gangnam-gu Official Partner Clinic with English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese support.
Written aftercare in your language, a 24-hour line and a free 3-month follow-up.
Dr. Ho-chan Kim and Dr. Young-mi Rhee personally consult and treat. Nothing is handed off.
Crow's feet treatment is one of the easiest procedures to fit into a short stay in Gangnam, Seoul, since the clinic lists about 5 minutes of treatment and same-day recovery. Because the effect builds over days, treating on your first or second day lets you see early change before departure. Bring sunglasses for outdoor sightseeing. If you return for maintenance every few months, the clinic's Saturday hours from 10:00 to 16:00 can help weekend visitors.
Reviewed by Dr. Ho-chan Kim, MD, PhD · Updated October 2026
It should not change the shape of your smile when done conservatively. The aim is to reduce the fan of lines at the outer eye, not stop the eyes from crinkling entirely. Too much product can make a smile look less warm, so doctors use careful amounts.
Most people notice softening within several days, with the full effect settling over about two weeks. If you plan an event, treat at least two weeks beforehand to allow the result to settle and for any small adjustment.
No. When the effect wears off, the muscle returns to its previous activity, not stronger. Lines return gradually to how they were, and regular treatment may help slow further etching for suitable patients.
Because years of folding and collagen loss have etched them into the skin. Botox can reduce further folding, but resting lines often need skin-quality support as well. Your doctor will suggest whether a pairing makes sense.
Yes. Many patients treat the outer eyes together with the forehead or frown lines in the same short visit, so the upper face looks balanced. Your doctor will check that the combined plan keeps your brows and eyes looking natural.
Message us on WhatsApp with a smiling photo, and our doctors in Gangnam, Seoul will suggest a crow's feet plan.
Medical information on this page is provided by Gangnam Celliting Clinic and reviewed by our medical directors. It is not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation. Individual results vary, and all procedures carry potential risks and side effects that your doctor will explain before treatment.

From skin lifting and stem cell treatments to regenerative skin care, our two MD-PhD directors plan every treatment personally. Send us your questions and travel dates.
Everything you need to plan a treatment trip to Seoul




How to find us


WhatsApp :
+82-10-4567-3237
Address : 11F & 13F, WON Building, 121
Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06133, Republic of Korea
Gangnam Station, Exit 12
All Rights Reserved | Gangnam Celliting Clinic