CROW’S FEET ALBUQUERQUE NM

CROW’S FEET

WHAT ARE CROW’S FEET?

Crow’s Feet are wrinkles at the corner of the eyes that branch out into the shape ofCrow’s Feet. These wrinkles develop as we age due to years of facial muscle contractions. The skin around our eyes is up to 40% thinner than the rest of our bodies. Therefore,Crow’s Feet often develop far sooner than other facial wrinkles and are among the first signs of aging.

There are two basic types ofCrow’s Feet: static and dynamic. StaticCrow’s Feet are always visible, even when the facial muscles are relaxed. Some facial expressions make your staticCrow’s Feet appear even deeper and more severe.

In contrast, dynamicCrow’s Feet appear only when the muscles around the eyes, cheeks, or temples contract. This form ofCrow’s Feet is not visible when the face is at rest.

WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF CROW’S FEET?

Crow’s Feet are a natural result of a person aging. During the aging process, our skin becomes thinner and the skin’s level of collagen and elastin production decreases.

Collagen is a protein that contributes to the rounded, youthful look of our skin. Without the Collagen protein scaffolding, our skin will sag, appear thinner, and wrinkles become deeper.

Elastin contributes to the skin’s ability to recover from being stretched and compressed. As elastin production declines with aging, wrinkles develop.

Decreased levels of these proteins make the skin more susceptible to sagging and the development of lines and wrinkles. Lifestyle and environmental factors such as sun exposure, pollutants, lack of hydration, or inadequate nutrition can also contribute to a loss of collagen and elastin.

Crow’s Feet are typically one of the first signs of facial aging that can occur, as eye wrinkles can begin to become visible at an early age (often mid-20’s). The reason for such early development of eye wrinkles is due to the thin and delicate nature of the skin around the eyes, which experiences the loss of elasticity much faster than surrounding skin.

HOW CAN I PREVENT CROW’S FEET?

Sadly, there is no way to preventCrow’s Feet. Nearly everyone will getCrow’s Feet at some time in their lifetime. However, we can take measures to reduce both the severity and depth ofCrow’s Feet. Some effective measures to preventCrow’s Feet include:

• Avoid Smoking: Smoke and other air pollutants can speed up the aging process by damaging collagen and elastin. Smoking causes premature skin sagging and wrinkles.
• Limit Sun Exposure: UV light is damaging to both collagen and elastin in our caces. Limit your time in the sun, and avoid tanning beds completely. If you must be outdoors for long periods of time, wear UV skin protection.
• Eat Healthy: Collagen requires amino acids, vitamin C, and other minerals including zinc and sulfur. One eating healthy meals with a variety of fruits and vegetables provides these nutrients.
• Moisturize: Eye creams and moisturizers with retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can help plump skin by stimulating collagen production, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in our face.
• Exercise: Body movement increases the heart rate, circulates blood and nutrients, and keeps skin oxygenated. This movement increases collagen production for a glowing, youthful look.

WHAT ARE MY CROW’S FEET TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Crow’s Feet are not physically harmful but can be mentally unpleasing. There are multiple cosmetic treatment options that may reduce or eliminate their appearance, including the following:

1. Botox

Botox smoothsCrow’s Feet wrinkles that result from repetitive muscle constriction by paralyzing the muscles that form the wrinkles. Botox is a safe and effective treatment that is temporary but very effective in those between the ages of 30-50 whose wrinkles are just beginning to appear. Botox treatments last anywhere from 3-6 months and additional period maintenance sessions can maintain results over a longer period.

2. Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers are effective for staticCrow’s Feet (those that appear even when the face is relaxed). Dermal fillers plump the skin making wrinkles much less visible. Some dermal fillers work by provoking an increase in the body’s own collagen production processes. Dermal fillers can last 3-12 months or longer, depending upon the type used.

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels work by removing the outer layer of skin, which triggers a healing process. The skin that grows back is newer, younger, and smoother to the look and touch. Wrinkles diminish with a deep chemical peel, although the procedure can also be done at medium and light depths. Chemical peels last from one month to several years, depending upon the depth of the peel.

4. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser Skin Resurfacing works similarly to a chemical peel but is more exacting. The upper layers of skin are removed, revealing younger-looking skin. This new skin has more collagen and elastin, making it less susceptible to wrinkles. The effects of laser resurfacing last for several years.

5. Microneedling 

Microneedling uses a hand-held device to create tiny punctures into your skin. These punctures trigger the release of growth hormones that increase collagen production. As the skin heals, it will become more youthful and elastic. Microneedling results last for approximately 4-6 weeks after treatment.

Each of these treatment options will reduce the appearance ofCrow’s Feet. The optimum treatment for each patient depends on several factors including the severity of theirCrow’s Feet, patient age, and skin type.

DO CROW’S FEET TREATMENTS WORK?

Increased collagen production can help the skin around the eyes heal in a smoother, more even way. 

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR CROW’S FEET TREATMENT?

Everyone’s different, but most patients come in because their eye wrinkles are making them unhappy.

HOW LONG DOES A CROW’S FEET TREATMENT LAST?

This depends on the treatment method. Most results typically last three to four months. In order to maintain smoothness around your eyes, you’ll need to see your healthcare provider for follow-up injections every few months.

HOW MUCH DOES CROW’S FEET TREATMENT COST?

It depends mostly on where you are in the country and the type of treatment you get. Talk with us about your options.