DefinitionIntroductory
What is the primary muscle targeted in the treatment of crow’s feet with botulinum toxin?
The primary muscle targeted in the treatment of crow's feet with botulinum toxin is the lateral portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Crow's feet, also known as lateral canthal rhytids, are primarily caused by the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. The treatment focuses on the lateral portion of this muscle, which is a thin, sphincteric muscle encircling the eye. By inhibiting the contraction of this muscle with botulinum toxin, the appearance of crow's feet is reduced and the lateral eyebrow may be elevated.
Key points
- Crow's feet result from the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
- Botulinum toxin targets the lateral portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
- Inhibiting this muscle reduces crow's feet and can elevate the lateral eyebrow.
- The orbicularis oculi is a thin, sphincteric muscle around the eye.
Related questions
A practical guide to botulinum toxin injections
Small, Rebecca; Hoang, Dalano;
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, a WOLTERS KLUWER business