What Are Crow’s Feet?

Crow’s feet, often referred to as “laugh lines” or “character lines,” are the fine wrinkles that appear at the outer corners of the eyes. While they are a natural part of the aging process, many people seek ways to minimize their appearance and maintain a more youthful, refreshed look. In this blog post, we’ll explore what crow’s feet are, why they form, and how treatments like BOTOX® and Dysport® can effectively reduce their appearance.

What Are Crow’s Feet?

Crow’s feet are the small lines that radiate from the corners of the eyes, resembling the shape of a bird’s footprint—hence the name. These lines typically become more pronounced when you smile, squint, or laugh, but over time, they can become etched into the skin and remain visible even when your face is at rest.

Why Do Crow’s Feet Form?

Crow’s feet form for a variety of reasons, most of which are related to the natural aging process and the repetitive movements of the facial muscles around the eyes. Here are some of the main factors that contribute to the development of crow’s feet:

1. Aging

As we age, our skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and elastic. This loss of elasticity means that the skin is less able to bounce back after facial movements, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet.

2. Repetitive Facial Movements

Every time you smile, squint, or laugh, the muscles around your eyes contract, causing the skin to fold and crease. Over time, these repetitive movements can lead to the development of permanent lines in the skin, particularly in the delicate area around the eyes.

3. Sun Exposure

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. The skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to sun damage, making crow’s feet more likely to develop in individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate sun protection.

4. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as pollution, smoking, and poor skin care can contribute to the premature aging of the skin and the development of crow’s feet. These factors can cause oxidative stress and damage the skin’s structural integrity, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

How Can BOTOX® and Dysport® Help Reduce Crow’s Feet?

BOTOX® and Dysport® are two of the most popular non-surgical treatments for reducing the appearance of crow’s feet. Both treatments are neuromodulators, which means they work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles to form. Let’s take a closer look at how each treatment works and what you can expect.

1. BOTOX® for Crow’s Feet

BOTOX® is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a protein that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles. When BOTOX® is injected into the muscles around the eyes, it relaxes these muscles, preventing them from contracting and creating wrinkles.

How BOTOX® Works for Crow’s Feet:

• BOTOX® is injected into the muscles that surround the outer corners of the eyes, specifically targeting the muscles responsible for crow’s feet.
• By relaxing these muscles, BOTOX® smooths out the lines and prevents them from deepening when you smile or squint.
• The results of BOTOX® typically become visible within a few days, with full effects seen after about one to two weeks.
• The treatment is temporary, with results lasting approximately three to four months. Regular maintenance treatments are required to maintain the desired effect.

Benefits of BOTOX®:

• Minimally invasive with no downtime
• Quick treatment sessions, usually taking 10-15 minutes
• Natural-looking results that soften the appearance of crow’s feet without altering facial expressions

2. Dysport® for Crow’s Feet

Dysport® is another type of neuromodulator that also contains botulinum toxin type A. While it works similarly to BOTOX®, there are some differences in its formulation and diffusion, which may make it more suitable for certain individuals or treatment areas.

How Dysport® Works for Crow’s Feet:

• Dysport® is injected into the muscles around the eyes, where it relaxes the muscles that cause crow’s feet to form.
• Dysport® is known for its ability to spread more easily over a larger area, which can be beneficial for treating larger or more diffuse areas of crow’s feet.
• Like BOTOX®, the effects of Dysport® typically begin to appear within a few days, with full results visible after one to two weeks.
• The results of Dysport® can last for about three to four months, similar to BOTOX®.

Benefits of Dysport®:

• Effective for treating larger areas or more diffuse crow’s feet
• Quick and minimally invasive treatment
• Provides natural-looking results that reduce the appearance of wrinkles without a “frozen” look

Choosing Between BOTOX® and Dysport® for Crow’s Feet

Both BOTOX® and Dysport® are highly effective at reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, but the choice between the two may depend on individual preferences and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding between BOTOX® and Dysport®:

• Treatment Area: If you have a larger area of crow’s feet or if the lines are more diffuse, Dysport® may be a better option due to its ability to spread more evenly.
• Provider’s Expertise: Some providers may have a preference for one product over the other based on their experience and expertise. It’s important to choose a provider who is skilled in administering both BOTOX® and Dysport®.
• Individual Response: Everyone’s body reacts differently to neuromodulators, so you may find that you respond better to one product than the other. Some individuals may prefer the results of BOTOX®, while others may find that Dysport® works better for them.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Both BOTOX® and Dysport® treatments for crow’s feet are quick and relatively painless. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation: Your provider will assess your crow’s feet and discuss your goals to determine the best treatment plan for you.
2. Treatment: The provider will use a fine needle to inject small amounts of BOTOX® or Dysport® into the muscles around your eyes. The treatment typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. Post-Treatment Care: There’s no downtime required, so you can return to your normal activities immediately. However, your provider may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, or lying down for a few hours after the treatment.
4. Results: You’ll begin to see the effects of the treatment within a few days, with full results visible after one to two weeks. The results will last for about three to four months, after which you can schedule follow-up treatments to maintain your results.

Conclusion

Crow’s feet are a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them if they’re affecting your confidence. BOTOX® and Dysport® offer effective, non-surgical solutions for reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, helping you maintain a smooth, youthful, and refreshed look. Whether you choose BOTOX® or Dysport®, the key to successful treatment is working with an experienced provider like DermaCrush who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. With the right approach, you can say goodbye to crow’s feet and hello to a more vibrant, youthful appearance.