April 30th, 2025 — by Dina Eliopoulos
A little bird told me you’ve been struggling with crow’s feet — those pesky fine lines that appear around the outer corners of your eyes and fan out toward your temples. Technically, they’re called “lateral canthal lines,” but most people know them as laugh lines or, really, the first telltale sign that skin isn’t quite as firm as it used to be. Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not stuck with them.
At my Chelmsford practice, I see men and women from their 30’s and up from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire who are ready to smooth out the look of crow’s feet and take a proactive step toward refreshed, youthful-looking skin. Fortunately, there are safe, effective, and minimally invasive medspa treatments that can soften those lines and even help prevent them from deepening. First things first: let’s break down what crow’s feet are, why they form, and how to know which treatment is right for you.
There’s a reason crow’s feet are often called laugh lines instead of lateral canthal lines. Repetitive facial movements like smiling, squinting, and, of course, laughing cause the tiny muscles around your eyes to contract. It’s subtle at first, but over time, that movement leads to fine lines as the skin in this delicate area begins to crease. It’s all completely normal, but it’s also why those lines tend to deepen with age.
It all starts with what we call dynamic wrinkles — lines that only show up while you’re actively making an expression. Eventually, they linger even when your face is at rest. These are known as static wrinkles, and crow’s feet often fall into both categories. As collagen, elastin, and hydration decline with age, skin becomes thinner and less resilient, making crow’s feet more prominent. Add sun damage and environmental stress to the mix, and those fine lines can appear sooner and become more pronounced.
Birds of a feather flock together — and so do the most effective treatments for crow’s feet! From smoothing existing lines to preventing new ones, these trusted med spa options work beautifully on their own or in tandem for long-lasting, natural-looking results.
It’s no surprise that Botox®, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, remains one of the most popular treatments for crow’s feet. By targeting the tiny muscles responsible for facial expressions, Botox temporarily relaxes the contractions that cause dynamic wrinkles around the eyes. Using precise, tiny doses, we smooth out those etched-in lines while preserving your natural expressions.
The treatment itself takes less than 15 minutes, and there’s no downtime needed. You’ll start to notice results in just a few days to a week, with smoother skin that lasts anywhere from three to four months, sometimes even longer, with regular maintenance. Here’s why patients love Botox for crow’s feet:
If crow’s feet are paired with lax skin, Morpheus8 is a powerful, minimally invasive option to consider. This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen at deeper layers of the skin. By gently heating the tissue beneath the surface, Morpheus8 promotes skin tightening and cellular renewal, especially effective in delicate areas like the outer eye.
Though it stands strong on its own, Morpheus8 also pairs perfectly with Botox. When used together, Morpheus8 targets skin texture and tightness, while Botox helps combat deeper wrinkles and prevent current crow’s feet from worsening. Other perks of Morpheus8 include:
For early-stage crow’s feet or subtle texture concerns, resurfacing treatments offer a gentle yet effective refresh. Some of the treatments work by removing the damaged top layer of skin to reveal the healthier, smoother skin beneath, while also boosting collagen production. Other treatments penetrate deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen building. Whether you’re focused on fine lines, pigmentation, or overall tone, Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery & Med Spa offers a range of resurfacing options to fit your skin type and goals.
At our Chelmsford office, a member of our expert team will help you choose the right resurfacing option based on your skin’s needs, desired results, and preferences for downtime.
The delicate skin around the eyes requires specialized care to complement and maintain the effects of med spa treatments like Botox, Morpheus8, and skin resurfacing. Incorporating a high-quality eye cream into your skincare routine can help reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, and improve overall skin texture.
Two of our top recommendations at Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery & Med Spa are:
Incorporating these medical-grade eye creams into your daily regimen can significantly enhance and prolong the results of your aesthetic treatments, ensuring the delicate eye area remains firm, hydrated, and youthful-looking.
Every face tells a different story, and your treatment plan should reflect that. Whether you’re starting to notice early crow’s feet or dealing with deeper-set lines, the team at Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery & Med Spa will help you choose the right approach to meet your goals. In many cases, combining treatments yields the best results. For instance, pairing Botox with Morpheus8 or a resurfacing treatment can address both surface-level texture and deeper muscle movement, resulting in a more comprehensive outcome.
At our Chelmsford medspa, you’ll work closely with our team to find a plan that fits your timeline, comfort level, and budget. As an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon serving Boston, Chelmsford, and communities across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, I’ll make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Not quite ready for treatment? That’s okay! There’s plenty you can do at home to help keep crow’s feet from settling in too soon. Take it from me, a woman who’s been helping other ladies on their aesthetic journeys for nearly 25 years, these proactive habits can go a long way in preserving the skin around your eyes:
Fighting crow’s feet doesn’t need to feel like a wild goose chase. At Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, we offer proven, personalized aesthetic solutions — whether you’re looking for a subtle smoothing or a more noticeable refresh. Together, we’ll choose a treatment path that feels right for your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle. Ready to take the next step? Let’s create a custom plan just for you!
Schedule a consultation today to get started.
Plastic surgery isn’t just about people changing their look—it's about making you feel good about being you. Whether you need breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction or Botox, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is here for you. For over 20 years, patients have sought out the care and results that Dr. Eliopoulos can create in her beautiful Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. The peace of mind that comes from a board-certified, residency- and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon is hard to parallel. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today to experience the difference for yourself.