Dr Edmond Lau .COM Blog

Wrinkles are a natural and inevitable part of the aging process. However, crows feet wrinkle around the eyes can make you look older than your actual age. These wrinkles that appear near the corners of the eyes are also known as laugh lines or character lines. Crow’s feet wrinkles can be caused by various factors, including genetics, sun damage, smoking, and repetitive facial expressions. Luckily, there are several treatment options available to help reduce or eliminate crow’s feet wrinkles.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about crow’s feet wrinkles, including what causes them, how to prevent them, and the various treatment options available.

What Causes Crows Feet Wrinkle?

Crow’s feet wrinkles are skin creases at the outer aspect of the eyes that usually radiate outwards from the corner of the eye towards the side of the face. Repeated skin folding from facial expression and loss of skin collagen and elastin fibres are the main result of these wrinkles developing. Collagen and elastin are vital proteins that keep the skin firm, smooth, and elastic. As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, leading to a loss of elasticity and the formation of wrinkles.

However, other factors can contribute to the development of crow’s feet wrinkles. These include:

1. Sun damage: Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process and collagen loss, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

2. Smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the skin, which can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres, resulting in the premature development of wrinkles.

3. Repetitive facial expressions: The repeated movement of facial muscles when smiling, laughing, or frowning can cause wrinkles to form around the eyes. Long-standing untreated dynamic wrinkles (Wrinkles that only occur with facial expression) can result in the formation of permanent fixed wrinkles.

4. Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing crow’s feet wrinkles earlier than others. You can always look at your parents or grandparents for these clues.

How to Prevent Crow’s Feet Wrinkles?

Preventing crows feet wrinkle can be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to reduce their appearance or slow down their development. Here are some ways to prevent crow’s feet wrinkles:

1. Wear sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen every day. Physical UV barriers such as sunglasses or sun visors are also helpful.

2. Stop smoking: Quitting smoking is beneficial not just for general health but also to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Many studies have shown that smokers have more wrinkles and age faster than non-smokers.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly helps to keep your skin hydrated, which can prevent the formation of wrinkles. Hydrated skin is healthier skin.

4. Use eye cream: Eye cream can help to moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Look for ingredients such as vitamin A, retinol, hyaluronic acid and peptides. These ingredients are very beneficial for the skin around the eyes.

5. Avoid squinting: Avoid excessive squinting, which can cause wrinkles around the eyes.

Treatment Options for Crow’s Feet Wrinkles:

There are various aesthetic treatment options one can try to tackle crow’s feet wrinkles, ranging from non-invasive to minimally-invasive procedures. Here are some of the most common treatments available:

1. Botulinum Toxin (BTA) Injections for crows feet wrinkle: (Xeomin, Botox)

BTA injections are a popular non-surgical treatment option for crow’s feet wrinkles. Botox / Xeomin is a neurotoxin that works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles around the eyes. Botox / Xeomin injections are quick and easy, and the results can last up to four months. This option is generally helpful for those having dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles worsen during facial movement)

2. Fillers for crow’s feet wrinkle:

Dermal fillers are another minimally invasive treatment option for correcting crow’s feet wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into the skin around the eyes to add volume and fill in wrinkles. The results of fillers are immediate and can last up to a year. Belotero Soft is my choice of filler to treat superficial fine wrinkles. 

3. Laser Resurfacing:

Laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser technology to resurface the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Laser resurfacing can be an effective treatment for crow’s feet wrinkles, but it may require downtime to allow the skin to heal.

4. Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels are another minimally invasive treatment option for crow’s feet wrinkles. They involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer and stimulates new cell growth. Chemical peels can improve the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles, but multiple treatments may be necessary.

5. Microneedling / Microneedling RF:

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a small device with tiny needles to stimulate collagen production in the skin. More advanced devices employ radiofrequency energy while performing the micro-needling treatment. These devices may give added benefit and better result than conventional microneedling and it usually cost more too. Multiple treatments may be necessary to fade off crow’s feet wrinkles.

6. Ultherapy (Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualisation, MFUV)

Ultherapy is a unique treatment that employs ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and elastin formation within the skin layers. With Ultherapy, your doctor can visualise the layer of your skin using ultrasound and deliver focused ultrasound energy to the targetted skin layer. Ultherapy is a great adjuvant treatment to firm up the skin and treat crow’s feet wrinkles. Learn more about Ultherapy in Penang. 

Conclusion:

Crow’s feet wrinkles may be inevitable, but they don’t have to dictate your appearance. If you’re bothered by the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles, there are several treatment options to help you look and feel your best. From Botox / Xeomin injections, and laser resurfacing, to Ultherapy treatment there is a treatment option that will work for you. However, don’t forget the simple preventative measures you can take to reduce the chances of crow’s feet wrinkles developing in the first place. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and avoid squinting to keep the skin around your eyes looking smooth, firm, and youthful.