Is the Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Ever Frozen with Botox Injections?

Botox is FDA approved for cosmetic purposes only in the glabella. However, it is commonly used "off label" in other locations. I commonly inject it on the side of the eyes, partially weakening the lateral extent of the orbicularis oculi muscle. This helps to soften crow's feet when smiling. When used here, I have never seen it create an un-natural or fake appearance with facial animation.

To minimize and soften the crows feet lines, the Botox is purposefully injected into the outer corner of the eyelid to affect this muscle.  This is the muscle that allows us to squint and most people can squint voluntarily so I disagree with the statement to which you referred in the article.

Botox would weaken the outer portions of the orbicularis occuli to reduce / improve crows feet. It is true that crows feet treatment may not result in complete resolution. This is because when we smile, our cheeks would elevate independent of the activity of the orbicularis. Thus you might have some residual crows feet formation upon smiling even if botox has done its part of weakening the outer posrtions of the orbicularis oculi.

Yes, the orbicularis oculi muscles are often "frozen" with Botox to treat crows feet lines. That muscles is the one that closes the eyes, so the whole muscle isn't frozen, just the part infer the crows feet. I do believe that the smile of true delight shows much differently than a fake smile. Artfully done Botox shouldn't change that.

When we smile we do activate the orbicularis oculi muscle on the top of the cheek. Over treatment with Botox will affect the activity of the orbicularis oculi muscle. In fact over treat with Botox will create a frozen or locked in effect which is aesthetically undesirable. The goal of Botox should be the subtle and favorable adjustment of the balance in facial muscles. This the reason why I introduced Microdroplet Botox. This patented method creates a forehead lift without the paralysis associated with many treatment patterns.