
Crow’s feet are the fine lines that fan out from the outer corners of your eyes when you smile, laugh or squint. They are a sign of a life full of expression, and softening them does not mean giving up your smile.
Dysport and Botox are two of the most familiar names in wrinkle treatment. Both are botulinum toxin type A, but they differ in formulation, dosing units and FDA approved uses. Knowing those differences helps you make a confident choice with your injector. Learn more about Dysport at PURE and Botox at PURE.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Botox Cosmetic is FDA approved for crow’s feet; Dysport’s cosmetic approval is for frown lines.
- ✓Using Dysport around the eyes is off label, which your injector should explain.
- ✓Units are not interchangeable between the two products.
- ✓The right choice depends on your anatomy, goals and history.
What Causes Crow’s Feet Around the Eyes?
Crow’s feet, also called lateral canthal lines, are linked to the orbicularis oculi, the ring shaped muscle that closes your eyes and lifts your cheeks when you smile.
Several factors add up:
- ✓Repeated expressions: smiling and squinting fold the skin again and again.
- ✓Natural aging: skin loses collagen and bounce over time.
- ✓Sun exposure: UV light speeds up skin aging around the eyes.
- ✓Lifestyle: smoking, short sleep and skipped sunscreen affect skin quality.
Dynamic vs Static Lines
Lines that show only when you smile respond most to wrinkle relaxers. Lines visible at rest may also need skin quality treatments. Read why crow’s feet look different when you smile.
How Does Dysport for Crow’s Feet Work?
Dysport contains abobotulinumtoxinA. Injected into selected points of the muscle, it temporarily reduces how strongly the muscle contracts, so the skin folds less when you smile. The goal is softer lines with a natural, warm expression.
Understanding the Off Label Point
Dysport’s FDA approved cosmetic use is for moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in adults under 65. Treating crow’s feet with Dysport is off label. Off label use is common and legal when a clinician judges it appropriate, but you should hear it explained clearly before treatment.
Dysport vs Botox: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Dysport | Botox Cosmetic |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | abobotulinumtoxinA | onabotulinumtoxinA |
| FDA approved cosmetic uses | Frown lines (adults under 65) | Frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, platysma bands |
| Crow’s feet | Off label | FDA approved |
| Units | Its own unit system | Its own unit system |
| Results | Temporary; varies by person | Temporary; varies by person |
Because the two products use separate dosing systems, units cannot be converted or compared directly. Your clinician sets a product specific dose and placement. There is no universal winner; see Botox vs Dysport: which lasts longer and Botox vs Dysport vs Jeuveau.
PURE MEDICAL SPA CHICAGO
Brighter Eyes, Same Happy Smile
Meet our injectors to plan natural looking crow’s feet care.
Benefits of Crow’s Feet Treatment
When planned well, wrinkle relaxers can:
- ✓Soften lines caused by repeated smiling and squinting
- ✓Keep a natural looking smile
- ✓Avoid incisions and surgical downtime
- ✓Be tailored to your muscle strength and anatomy
- ✓Let you review results and adjust future plans
They do not erase every fine line. Lines from sun damage, thin skin or volume loss may need another approach, such as laser resurfacing for mature skin.
What Happens During a Dysport Consultation?
At PURE, your consultation covers:
- ✓Facial assessment: your injector studies the eye area at rest and while smiling.
- ✓Medical history: past injectables, medicines, allergies, neuromuscular conditions and eye concerns such as dry eyes.
- ✓Treatment planning: whether Dysport or Botox Cosmetic fits the area, including the off label point.
- ✓Cost: a personal estimate based on your plan. See current pricing on our Dysport page.
Our Botox consultation guide explains each step.
Results, Side Effects and Follow Up
Results build gradually over the days after treatment. Avoid rubbing the area unless your clinician advises otherwise. Possible side effects include redness, swelling or bruising, mild tenderness, headache, eyelid swelling or drooping, temporary asymmetry and dry or irritated eyes.
When to Call Your Clinician
Call if you notice lasting discomfort, clear asymmetry or eyelid changes. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking, widespread muscle weakness or vision changes. Curious about timing? Read how long Dysport lasts.
Skincare Habits That Support Results
Wear broad spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses, use a gentle eye area routine, stay hydrated, sleep well and avoid smoking. These habits support skin health, though they do not change how long a wrinkle relaxer lasts.
Who Should Avoid Treatment?
People with allergies to product ingredients, infection at the injection site or certain neuromuscular disorders need careful assessment first. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should wait and talk with their healthcare provider. New eye pain, sudden vision change or significant eyelid drooping needs medical evaluation.
Crow’s Feet Treatment at PURE Medical Spa
Choosing between Dysport and Botox takes more than comparing names. At PURE Medical Spa, our injectors look at your smile, muscle activity and history, then recommend the product and plan that suit you, whether that is FDA approved Botox Cosmetic or an off label Dysport approach. You may also like Xeomin for frown lines and natural looking Botox.
Visit PURE Medical Spa Across Chicagoland
PURE Medical Spa welcomes you at five convenient clinics in Chicago and the suburbs. Ask our team which location offers Dysport and Botox and pick the visit that fits your schedule.
PURE Medical Spa Gold Coast (N. Dearborn), Chicago
875 N Dearborn St, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60610
Book OnlineCall or Text 312.312.7873Naperville 331.283.0440
Ready for Dysport Near You?
PURE Medical Spa offers natural-looking Dysport at five Chicago-area clinics. Choose the one closest to you for hours, directions and your local team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dysport effective for wrinkles around the eyes?
Dysport relaxes targeted muscles and may soften expression lines, but cosmetic use for crow’s feet is off label in the US and should be discussed with your clinician.
Dysport vs Botox for crow’s feet: which is better?
Botox Cosmetic has an FDA approved indication for crow’s feet and Dysport does not. The right choice depends on your assessment and goals.
What treatment works for eye wrinkles?
It depends on the cause. Muscle driven lines respond to wrinkle relaxers, while sun damage, texture or volume loss may need skin treatments or fillers.
How long does Dysport last around the eyes?
Duration varies with dose, muscle strength and your own response. There is no guaranteed duration for off label crow’s feet treatment.
Can Dysport soften smile lines around the eyes?
It may soften lines caused by muscle movement at the outer eyes. It does not necessarily improve deeper lines at rest or lines from skin laxity.
BOOK YOUR VISIT
Smile Freely, Look Refreshed
Book a Dysport or Botox consultation at a PURE clinic near you.
Safety note: Botulinum toxin treatment is not suitable for everyone, including people with an allergy to the product, infection at the injection site or certain neuromuscular conditions. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, widespread weakness or vision changes after treatment. This article is educational and does not replace a medical assessment.
References
- National Library of Medicine, DailyMed: Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information
- National Library of Medicine, DailyMed: Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information





