Eye-Area Botoxin Gangnam, Seoul
Eye-area Botox softens the fan-shaped lines beside the eyes — crow’s feet — that appear when you smile, by relaxing the outer part of the orbicularis oculi muscle. The skin here is thin and mobile, so at QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul we assess your smile pattern first, then place small doses precisely. A session usually takes about 10–15 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- Fan-shaped lines beside the eyes when you smile
- Early, dynamic lines rather than deep resting creases
- Anyone who prefers a non-surgical option with minimal downtime
- People who want a softer, refreshed eye area while keeping a natural smile
The eye area is delicate, so dose and depth are placed conservatively. Fine crepey lines may be paired with skin-focused options, decided at consultation.
How it works
Botulinum toxin type A temporarily relaxes the lateral orbicularis oculi, the ring-shaped muscle that gathers the skin at the corner of the eye when you smile. With less contraction, crow’s feet soften. Placement stays superficial and to the side of the eye to keep the smile natural. The effect is temporary and gradually wears off.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01Blocks the nerve-to-muscle signal
Botulinum toxin type A binds at the neuromuscular junction and blocks the release of acetylcholine — the chemical a nerve uses to tell a muscle to contract. The treated muscle then relaxes and pulls on the skin less.
02Relaxes only the outer muscle
Placement stays superficial and to the side of the eye, so the smile is preserved while the fan-shaped lines soften.
03Builds up over a few days
The block takes effect gradually on the treated nerve endings, which is why lines soften over several days rather than immediately.
04Wears off as nerves recover
The body forms new nerve-terminal connections over time, so signalling returns, movement comes back and the effect fades — which is why the treatment is repeated.
Treatment areas
- Crow’s feet
- The fan-shaped lines at the outer corner of the eyes.
- Lower-eyelid smile line
- A subtle area sometimes treated with a very small dose, decided at consultation.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and assessment of your smile pattern
- 2Cleansing and marking beside the eyes
- 3Superficial fine-needle injections into the lateral orbicularis oculi
- 4Brief cooling and aftercare guidance
Time: A session usually takes about 10–15 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
- Little to no downtime; most people return to daily activities the same day.
- Because the skin here is thin, temporary redness or mild bruising is a little more common and usually settles quickly.
- Avoid rubbing the area for a few hours and follow the aftercare guidance we provide.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Injection day
Small, superficial injections beside the eyes take about 10–15 minutes. Because the skin here is thin, temporary redness or mild bruising can be a little more common and usually settles quickly. Most people return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 2-4 Onset begins
Many people notice the lines beside the eyes starting to soften as movement eases. Timing varies from person to person.
~2 WEEKS Full effect settles
The effect reaches its full extent and is best assessed around this point. Any minor adjustment is reviewed now. (Results vary by individual.)
3-4 MONTHS Gradual return
Muscle activity returns gradually and the lines slowly reappear. Duration varies from person to person. (Results vary by individual.)
REPEAT Maintenance
A repeat session is timed at consultation once movement returns, rather than on a fixed date.
Sessions & results
Effects usually begin within a few days and settle by about two weeks, then last roughly 3–4 months. Repeat sessions are timed at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
Crow’s feet can come from movement, surface texture or skin laxity, so these approaches suit different aspects of the eye area.
| Comparison | Eye-Area Botox | Skin boosters | Energy-based tightening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Botulinum toxin type A relaxes the lateral orbicularis oculi | Injectable hydration for skin quality | Ultrasound or radiofrequency heats deeper layers |
| Targets | Dynamic lines when you smile | Fine, crepey surface lines | Mild skin laxity rather than movement |
| Onset | Over a few days | Gradual over weeks | Gradual over 2–3 months |
| Duration | About 3–4 months | Varies; a series is common | Varies by skin and device |
| Downtime | Little to none | Little to none | Little to none |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary redness or mild bruising, which can be a little more common because the skin here is thin
- Small injection bumps that settle quickly
- Slight asymmetry of the smile that eases as the effect settles or wears off
- Rarely, a temporary change around the lower eyelid if placement is close to it
When to take extra care
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
- Neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert–Eaton syndrome
- Certain medications, including aminoglycoside antibiotics or muscle relaxants — tell your doctor
- A known allergy to botulinum toxin or any ingredient in the product
- A tendency to under-eye puffiness or previous eyelid surgery — tell your doctor
The eye area is delicate, so suitability and dose are confirmed at consultation. Effects and duration vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Performed by a board-certified doctor
Your injections are performed and medically reviewed by a board-certified doctor, not delegated unsupervised.
Conservative around a delicate area
The eye area is thin and mobile, so doses are kept small and to the side to preserve a natural smile.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the dose and the areas treated. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
Placement stays to the side of the eye and doses are kept small, so the smile is usually preserved while lines soften. (Results vary by individual.)
The skin here is thin with fine vessels, so mild bruising can be a little more common. It is usually temporary and can be covered with makeup.
Changes usually begin within a few days, settle by about two weeks and last roughly 3–4 months. (Results vary by individual.)
Very fine surface lines may respond better to skin-focused options; these can be combined. Your plan is decided at consultation.
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Forehead Botox
The forehead is often planned with the eye area for an even, balanced upper face.
+Glabella Botox
The frown area is commonly treated alongside crow’s feet as part of an upper-face plan.
+Skin boosters
Fine, crepey surface lines under the eyes may respond better to skin-focused options, which can be combined.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.