Treatment for Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet are the wrinkles that extend from the outer corner of the eye. They are called crow’s feet because they go out in distinct lines like a bird’s foot. These wrinkles occur as people age and are the result of squinting, smiling, sleeping on the face, and a lifetime of making facial expressions. Sun exposure, genetics, and an unhealthy lifestyle (marked by smoking, use of other tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption, dehydration, and malnutrition) also play a role in the formation of crow’s feet. Fortunately, there are some things patients can do to prevent and treat the appearance of crow’s feet.

Treatment Options

BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin® injections have been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines on the face, including crow’s feet around the eyes. Also used to treat migraines and tension headaches, these serums use the botulinum neurotoxin, by injection of the protein into the effected area, to paralyze certain muscles. In doing so, the range of motion a person has in certain expressions is limited, and the skin is kept from creasing. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections last for up to four months, while Dysport® injections normally last four to six months.

If a patient is especially nervous about needles or is sensitive to the pain of injection, a topical numbing cream can be applied about 30 minutes prior to treatment.  

Prevention

There are also preventative measures patients can take to stave off the development of crow’s feet. These include:

• Sunscreens: Wearing an SPF of 30 daily is highly recommended, regardless of ethnicity or skin type. Sunscreen protects your skin against sun damage and skin cancer. Select a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF that will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid being outside during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., particularly if you are fair skinned. Hats and sunglasses will also keep you from squinting.
• Moisturize: Moisturizing daily and nightly can also be very helpful in the fight against dry, wrinkled skin. Look for creams or serums that contain alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and retinol (Vitamin A). These ingredients contribute to cell turnover and can reduce wrinkling. The production of collagen is vital to youthful skin, so anything that contains vitamin C is worth a try. Salicylic acid and other beta hydroxyl acids can work too.
• Exfoliation: Exfoliating can reduce the appearance of fine lines. When dry, dead skin can worsen the appearance of the skin. Gently using a salt scrub or a washcloth on the face (around the eyes) several times a week reduces the amount of dead skin on the surface of the face. Chemical exfoliants that contain AHAs are also available.
• Powder foundation: Do not wear powder foundation, as it can make the fine lines more noticeable. Women who choose to wear makeup on their face should go for a liquid or a cream based foundation or a tinted moisturizer with an SPF.
• Stay Hydrated: The more dehydrated you are, the more sallow and saggy your skin looks.
• Tobacco and alcohol use: Do not smoke, and limit the amount of alcohol you consume. These products contribute to the early formation of skin wrinkles.

Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation about the available treatment options for crow’s feet.