Crow’s feet may be tiny, but they can take a big toll on how you look and how you feel about your appearance. These pesky lines that extend out from the corners of the eye are one of the most universal signs of aging, and something that most of us wish we could get rid of.
Below, Charles S. Lee, MD of Enhance® Medical Center explains why we get crow’s feet and what can be done to treat them.
Why Do We Get Crow’s Feet?
Crow’s feet develop due to repeated muscle movement when making facial expressions like squinting or smiling. As the underlying muscles contract, the skin develops fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, the lines and wrinkles get deeper and more prominent.
Other factors can accelerate the formation of crow’s feet — particularly genetics, overexposure to the sun and smoking.
What to Do about Crow’s Feet
The appropriate treatment for crow’s feet depends on how pronounced the lines or wrinkles are.
Mild crow’s feet can be minimized with injections of Botox or another botulinum toxin product. When injected into targeted muscles around the corners of the eye, the Botox temporarily relaxes the muscle and the overlying lines or wrinkles smooth out. The results of Botox last three to six months.
Selecting a qualified Botox injector is important, as an experienced provider understands how to improve the look of crow’s feet without creating an artificial or “surprised” look.
Laser skin resurfacing is another treatment option for mild to moderate crow’s feet. During a resurfacing treatment, the upper layer of wrinkled skin is removed to reveal newer, more youthful tissue. Laser skin resurfacing also stimulates the body’s production of collagen for smoother, more even-looking skin.
Finally, chemical peels can improve the appearance of crow’s feet in certain cases. Like a laser skin resurfacing treatment, chemical peels are designed to remove the outer layer of skin to reveal smoother and less wrinkled skin. Instead of using a laser, a special chemical solution is applied to the skin to cause the outer layer to slough off.
Find the Solution That Is Right for You
To find the crow’s feet solution that is most suitable for your needs, Dr. Lee invites you to schedule a consultation with the team at Enhance® Medical Center. Call 310-271-5954 or email us today to book your visit.
