Crow’s feet. The frustrating fine lines that form in the corners of your eyes by your temples. For many, they are the first signs of aging and can develop as soon as your early thirties. Although tiny, these wrinkles affect your face in a big way- and give you an appearance of being older than you are. Many patients visit Dr. Davis for skin rejuvenating treatments to erase crow’s feet, fine lines and other signs of aging.

Crow’s feet develop from normal everyday actions- like smiling or squinting. Squinting is a major contributor to the condition because repeated movements of the muscles involved in squinting eventually cause the skin to crease permanently. Other things that contribute to their development include prolonged exposure to the sun, smoking, and the hormonal changes brought on by menopause. All of these factors cause collagen and elastin depletion from the skin, and as a result, the skin sags away from the facial muscles. This sagging eventually leads to wrinkles and creases.

The best treatment for crow’s feet is prevention, like wearing sunglasses and hats to shade your eyes in the sun, avoiding cigarettes and cigarette smoke, and talking to your doctor about the impact of menopause on your skin. If you’re past preventing crow’s feet and they’re staring you in the face every time you look in the mirror- don’t worry. There are treatments available.

One treatment for crow’s feet is Botox. Botox is an injectable that temporarily paralyzed treated facial muscles. This temporary paralysis prevents them from making those repeated actions that caused the creases to develop in the first place. Botox lasts approximately three to four months.

Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restalyne are also options to smooth out crow’s feet and erase other fine lines. These fillers replace the collagen that is lost due to aging and menopause, or from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Dermal fillers vary in how long they last, but typically it is between three months to one year. When combined, these two treatments are an excellent way to treat crow’s feet, fine lines, and other signs of aging.

Concerned about crow’s feet? Call Dr. Davis today at 817.718.4444.