Crow’s Feet and Undereye Circles
As the years add up, the subtle signs of aging begin to emerge delicate lines of crow’s feet etch themselves around your eyes, bags may stealthily settle beneath them, mysterious dark circles cast their shadows, and your eyelids may seem to bear the weight of aging. These symptoms can lend an air of weariness and age to your visage, despite your vitality and restfulness. Crow’s feet are a dreaded side effect of aging, and one frequently requested to resolve.
Other than aging, crow’s feet can occur from repeated facial expressions like squinting and even laughing a lot, sun exposure and UV rays which can accelerate skin aging and fine lines, dry skin and even genetics can leave a person predisposed to early wrinkles.
Treatments Offered
Botox is the premiere FDA approved treatment for crow’s feet and undereye circles as are other botulinum toxin injectables, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Dysport. These type of injectables (unlike hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm that add volume to plump wrinkles) work by relaxing the muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles and lines. Botox is used in treating crow’s feet by temporarily relaxing the muscles around the outer corners of the eyes, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles when you smile or squint. Botox is injected into the orbicularis oculi (muscles responsible for eye movement and crow’s feet forming). After the injection, the muscles are relaxed reducing the movement, which allows the skin around the eyes to smooth out and reducing the visibility of crow’s feet.
Daxxify is a neurotoxin treatment that offers longer lasting results than the more traditional injectables like Botox. Daxxify is administered the same way and has effects that can sometimes last a bit longer, 6 months on average.
PRF gel is a collagen biostimulator injectable treatment also used to treat crow’s feet and undereye circles. PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) gel is a natural treatment that helps improve undereye circles and crow’s feet by utilizing your body’s own growth factors. PRF stimulates collagen and elastin, allowing fine lines (such as crow’s feet) to reduce by improving the skin’s texture. PRF gel also acts as a natural filler and plumps hollow under-eyes which ultimately smooths crow’s feet over time. The all-natural growth factors in PRF promote tissue repair and improve the quality of skin for a youthful and refreshed/awake look.
Ultherapy is a laser treatment that works by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the deep layers of the skin by bypassing the top layers to penetrate the skin deeply and cause microinjuries that ultimately produce collagen. Not all lasers are safe to use around the eyes, and Ultherapy is one of them, used to treat crow’s feet and lift the brows. The energy dispersed from Ultherapy points at multiple depths, triggering the body’s natural healing response and stimulating new collagen production. This causes a renewed and awakened look to the skin and tightens the face to eliminate wrinkles like crow’s feet. Ultherapy can give the same desired results of a CO2 laser, without the risk of scarring and discoloration.
Fraxel is a laser treatment offered that can also treat crow’s feet. A fractional laser technology resurfaces the skin by causing superficial tissue injury to treat wrinkles, including crow’s feet. This works by stimulating collagen production and skin renewal, leading to smoother and more youthful-looking skin around the eyes.
UltraClear laser treatment can also reduce crow’s feet and under eye circles by rejuvenating the skin with collagen stimulation and resurfacing. The increased collagen tightens the skin around the eyes and reduces the depth of crow’s feet and thickening the skin which reduces transparency for dark eye circles. The UltraClear laser can also break down excess pigmentation contributing to dark circles and improve the skin’s brightness.
Chemical Eye peels help reduce crow’s feet and undereye circles by exfoliating the skin and stimulating collagen production. Chemical eye peels promote cell turnover and boost collagen, smoothing crow’s feet for a firmer, more youthful look. Eye peels can also lighten pigmentation and refresh tired eyes by removing dead skin cells and improving circulation.
How does Xeomin differ from other neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport for treating crow’s feet?
Xeomin, is referred to as the “naked” neurotoxin. Xeomin contains only pure botulinum toxin, reducing the risk of resistance over time. Xeomin is ideal for treating for patients who have built resistance to Botox due to repeated use. Dysport is known to spread more, while Botox is best for very precise areas of injection.
What should I expect during and after a Fraxel treatment for eye wrinkles?
Before your Fraxel treatment, your eye area will be cleaned and numbing cream will be applied. For crow’s feet, the lasers are focused on the outer corners of your eyes to target fine lines. There may be a light heat, tingling or pinching sensation during the treatment session. After the treatment, your skin may appear red or pink like that of a sunburn for several hours. For crow’s feet Fraxel treatment, there may be mild swelling around the eyes temporarily. There may also be tiny dots or light scabbing where the laser was targeted on your skin. Once the skin starts to immediately heal and renew, it will likely flake or peel for 2-3 days. Patients should moisturize regularly, avoid wearing makeup especially near the eyes to prevent irritation, apply an SPF for protection, avoid the sun as much as possible for a week.
How long do the results of Daxxify typically last, and how does it compare to other treatments for crow’s feet?
Daxxify is made with a unique peptide that allows less resistance and longer lasting results. Overall, it is designed to last about 6 months, allowing for less maintenance versus Botox and Dysport, which lasts on average about 3-4 months. Some studies have shown that for some patients, Daxxify can last up to 9 months or longer, especially with repeated treatments.
If you’re ready to awaken your eyes and eliminate your crow’s feet, Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology has a variety of options to choose from to specially treat each patient. Give us a call today to find the best plan for you: 561-635-1805.
