Can Wrinkle Relaxers Help with Crow's Feet and Smile Lines?
1/25/2026
If you're like millions of other people in their 40s, 30s, or even 20s, one of the first — and most frustrating — signs of aging you may be noticing is the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles on your face. These lines, caused by repetitive muscle movements and facial expressions over the years, can begin to linger even with the face at rest, adding unwanted years to your appearance and compromising your confidence.
At Oak Hills Med Spa, board-certified physician and aesthetic specialist Dr. Hope Short understands how pesky these expression lines can be and is proud to offer cosmetic injectables like BOTOX® and Dysport® in Tyler, TX to help patients regain a smoother, younger look they can feel proud of. Keep reading to learn more about which kinds of wrinkles BOTOX works for — including smile lines, Crow's feet, and other common signs of early facial aging.
How do wrinkle relaxers like BOTOX and Dysport work?
Wrinkle relaxers work by temporarily reducing muscle activity in targeted areas of the face. BOTOX and Dysport are injectable neurotoxins that block nerve signals to specific facial muscles, preventing them from contracting as strongly. When the muscle relaxes, the skin above it smoothes out, helping soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
Which types of wrinkles does BOTOX work for?
BOTOX is designed to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are lines that form as a result of repeated facial expressions. These wrinkles often appear during movement at first, but may become visible even when the face is relaxed. Wrinkles treated with BOTOX commonly include:
- Crow's feet
- Smile lines
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Brow creases
Our team uses precise placement and BOTOX dosing to soften these wrinkles while preserving natural facial expression.
What's the difference between smile lines vs. frown lines?
Smile lines and frown lines are both caused by facial movement, but they involve different muscle groups and create different visual effects. Smile lines typically form around the outer corners of the eyes and along the upper cheeks due to repeated smiling and squinting. These lines often contribute to a tired or aged appearance as they deepen.
Frown lines, on the other hand, develop between the eyebrows from repeated furrowing or concentrating. These lines can give the face a stern or stressed look, even when you are feeling relaxed. Understanding which muscles are involved helps determine whether wrinkle relaxers vs. fillers, or a combination approach, is most appropriate.
How do I know if I need fillers vs. wrinkle relaxers, or can I get both?
Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers (like JUVÉDERM®) address different aging concerns. Wrinkle relaxers like BOTOX treat muscle-related wrinkles, while fillers restore lost volume and structure. In many cases, patients benefit from both treatments working together. Our team evaluates facial movement, skin quality, and volume loss during consultation to determine the most effective approach possible. Some patients may only need wrinkle relaxers, while others achieve optimal results with a customized cosmetic injectable plan that includes fillers and BOTOX at the same time.
How long do wrinkle relaxers for Crow's feet last?
Results from wrinkle relaxers typically last about 3 – 4 months. Over time, muscle activity gradually returns, and wrinkles may begin to reappear. With consistent treatment, many patients find that lines soften over time and may not return as deeply as before. Dr. Short will help establish an appropriate treatment schedule and frequency for injectables based on your goals, facial anatomy, and how your body responds to treatments.
Smooth out your most stubborn wrinkles with cosmetic injectables in Tyler, TX
Crow's feet, smile lines, and other expression wrinkles do not have to define how you look or feel. At Oak Hills Med Spa, Dr. Hope Short and our team offer wrinkle relaxers in Tyler, TX to help patients achieve smoother skin while maintaining natural facial movement. If you are ready to start BOTOX or Dysport, or explore a personalized injectable treatment plan, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward a refreshed, confident appearance.