Bye Bye, Birdie—3 Options for Getting Rid of Crow's Feet

Crow's feet -- those little fine lines towards the outside of your eyes -- can make your face appear less youthful. There are a number of creams and serums on the market that promise to fight crow's feet. But while these are effective for some patients with mild fine lines, they don't always work well for patients with more moderate to severe crow's feet. If you want to rid yourself of these fine lines on a more permanent basis, here are some effective treatment options to consider.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

One of the most common treatment options for crow's feet is botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin, which means that it blocks nerve signals in the area around which it is injected. This paralyzes the muscles along the outside of your eye, which causes the skin around the muscle to stretch, leading to a reduced appearance of crow's feet.

The effects of botulinum toxin injections typically last between 3 and 6 months. After you have the injections a few times, your results may begin lasting a bit longer. The results do not appear instantly. Most patients begin noticing a marked reduction in wrinkles and lines after about 72 hours, though it may take up to 7 days for maximum results to appear.

The downside of this treatment option is that some patients experience side effects like drooping eyelids, headaches, and flu-like symptoms following injections. Also, patients with nervous system disorders and those who are allergic to eggs cannot safely receive the injections.

Dermatological Fillers

Fillers are substances that are injected directly into the skin in the affected area. They directly add volume to the skin, which smooths out lines like your crow's feet. There are many kinds of fillers, including collagen fillers which mimic the natural collagen that keeps your skin plump, and silicone-based fillers, which work well for deeper lines and wrinkles. Your dermatologist can help you decide which filler treatment is right for you based on the severity of your crow's feet.

One advantage of fillers is their long-lasting effectiveness. Some synthetic fillers can last up to five years or longer. Natural fillers don't last quite as long; patients need repeat treatments every year or so, on average.

Having filler injected into your crow's feet is quick and only causes mild discomfort. There is a small risk of having the filler migrate and cause plumping in an area where you don't want it -- but working with an experienced dermatologist will decrease this risk.

Chemical Peels

If you do not wish to have your skin injected, another option is to have a chemical peel performed on your face. This procedure involves having a chemical solution applied to your skin. The solution causes the outer layers of your skin to peel away, revealing more youthful, less-wrinkled skin underneath.

Chemical peels do cause redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity in the treated area for about a week afterwards. You may have to keep a bandage over your eye area for a few days after treatment. However, the results may last up to 12 months. Avoiding medications like Retin-A, aspirin, and ibuprofen for a few days before your peel will help decrease the risk of side effects.

If you are unhappy with your appearance due to the presence of crow's feet, don't hesitate to talk to a dermatologist about your treatment options. They will help you decide which of the treatment options above is best for you, based on your health history and the state of your skin. In some cases, they may recommend combining two of these treatments for enhanced results.

To learn more, contact companies like Center Of Dermatology PC/Herschel E Stoller MD.