Cosmetic Treatment for Crow’s Feet

One of the most noticeable signs of aging is the appearance of fine lines around the outer corner of the eyes. These are commonly referred to as crow’s feet. These fine lines can contribute to an older, more tired appearance to the face. However, there are some cosmetic options to lessen the appearance of crow’s feet and make the face appear more youthful, fresh, and rejuvenated.

Sunscreen

A high quality sunscreen is really the first and best defense against crow’s feet. Proper use of sunscreen may even prevent or delay the appearance of crow’s feet. Look for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. It should be applied each time before going outside into direct sunlight. Dark sunglasses that cover the side of the face should also be worn outside while in direct sunlight.

Skin Care Products

Use of proper skin care products is the other part to preventing or delaying the appearance of crow’s feet. A high quality skin care product will hydrate the skin around the eyes. Look for skin care products that are specifically designed to moisturize the area around the eyes. Use this product daily as part of a facial moisturizing routine.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

Similar to its use on the forehead to prevent wrinkle formation, BOTOX® injections can also reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. It works by freezing the fine muscles around the outer corner of the eyes. BOTOX® Cosmetic is applied in a series of small injections around the outer corner of the eyes. The procedure will take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients can resume normal activities by the day after the procedure. Effects generally last anywhere from 12 to 18 months, at which time patients can undergo a second procedure.

The most common side effects from BOTOX® treatments are swelling and bruising at the injection sites. Cold compresses and the herb Arnica montana will reduce the amount of bruising and swelling.

Dysport®

Similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport® is a dermal filler that is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. It is most commonly used on the upper third of the face. Similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport® also freezes the fine muscles around the eyes in order to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. It can also be done on an outpatient basis, with patients able to resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure.

A study in the November 2011 issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery found that Dysport® was superior to BOTOX® Cosmetic, specifically for the treatment of crow’s feet. At total of 90 patients were treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic on one eye and Dysport® on the other. After 30 days, not only was Dysport® more effective at treating crow’s feet, as seen in photographs, but patients preferred the effects of Dysport® over BOTOX® injections 67 percent of the time.

The effects of age and sun exposure can take their toll on the delicate skin around the eyes, resulting in crow’s feet. Now, there are treatments that can help reduce their appearance.

Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery for more information.