crow’s feet wrinkles
What are crow’s feet wrinkles ?
Crow’s feet wrinkles are wrinkles that start at the outer corner of the eye and move towards the temples. Their fan-like shape is reminiscent of a crow’s foot, hence the name.
They first appear when the eye is being expressed and then persist when the eye is at rest.
These wrinkles and those of the lower eyelid age the eyes and give a tired look to the eye contour area.
Why do crow’s feet wrinkles appear ?
The appearance of these wrinkles is inevitable. The age at which they appear depends on several factors:
♦ Muscular: crow’s feet wrinkles are caused by the contraction of the orbicularis muscle of the eyelids, a round muscle that surrounds the eye and contracts every time we smile. Over time, this muscle becomes increasingly powerful. Initially the skin wrinkles only when the muscle contracts and finally fractures, the resting wrinkles appear.
♦ Cutaneous: the skin of the eyelid and the corner of the eye is the thinnest on the body. Over the years the skin becomes thinner and less resistant to aggression.
♦ Changes to the temples: at the temporal level the fat melts, causing the tail of the eyebrow to droop and additional creases to form.
♦ Aggravating extrinsic factors: these are all factors that accelerate skin ageing. Smoking, the sun, poor hydration, lack of sleep, poor lifestyle…
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Stages of severity of crow’s feet wrinkles
Crow’s feet wrinkles become more pronounced over time.
While some people find them charming in the initial stage, when these wrinkles become too pronounced they narrow the eyes and close the gaze, particularly when smiling.
The Metz laboratory has created a scale of severity, with five stages described:
♦ Stage 0: no wrinkles.
♦ Stage 1: superficial wrinkles.
♦ Stage 2: slight wrinkles.
♦ Stage 3: moderate wrinkles.
♦ Stage 4: deep wrinkles.
It is important to treat them as soon as they appear to avoid skin breakage (resting wrinkles), which can be improved but not erased.
The best results are obtained by intervening early.
Preventing crow’s feet wrinkles : facial gymnastics
Facial gymnastics is one of the natural anti-wrinkle techniques used to prevent the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles.
Ten times a day, for one minute, place three fingers on the tail of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye. When you smile, unfold the area with your fingers. Daily application of moisturising creams is recommended.
Treatment of crow’s feet wrinkles
The first-line treatment is botox injection. The aim is not simply to treat wrinkles, but to rejuvenate the eyes.
Botox injections for crow’s feet
Botox injections block the action of the external part of the orbicularis muscle. Three points are injected on each side. A slight warming sensation is felt during the injection.
The treatment should be preceded by a static and dynamic muscle analysis and a study of the lower orbital region.
An unsuccessful injection at this level can cause blocking of the cheekbone when smiling, persistent oedema (swelling) of the lower eyelid and drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis). The injection must be tailor-made.
It is often combined with the injection of the frown lines to open up the eyes more.
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Hyaluronic acid injections to fill crow’s feet wrinkles
Hyaluronic acid injections can complement botox injections in cases of fat loss or skin thinning in the outer corner of the eye.
This technique must be performed by an experienced practitioner. The risks are: visibility of the product in the form of bumps or balls when resting or smiling, and the appearance of permanent oedema (swelling).
The injection is often carried out using a cannula, and the acid can be placed under the skin or under the muscle. The latter is technically more complicated to carry out, but is the preferred method, and is the one I use.
The acid used must have very low hydrophilicity.
If there is a reduction in fat around the temples and the tail of the eyebrow, injecting these areas opens up the eyes and reduces the formation of creases.
Results and aftercare
The treatment of crow’s feet wrinkles is part of an overall approach to eye care and facial rejuvenation.
Botox injections remove wrinkles, open up the eyes and give a more rested, relaxed face. Wrinkles around the lower eyelid will be slightly improved.
The result is visible two days after the injection and is optimal on the seventh day, lasting five to six months. We always make an appointment for a free touch-up seven to fifteen days later. The result must be natural.
The after-effects are virtually non-existent: haematomas are rare, slight swelling at the injection points lasts for ten minutes, and normal activities (with the exception of sport, hairdressing and eyebrow care) can be resumed immediately afterwards. The result of the hyaluronic acid injection is immediate. The hollow at the outer corner of the eye is filled in, wrinkles are smoothed out, and the eye contour is relaxed and rejuvenated. The eyes are not opened up. The results last approximately one year. Resumption of normal activities is immediate, and bruising is rare.
Prices
Type of consultation
Prices
Botox
For women 1 zone: 300 CHF, two zones: 450 CHF, three zones: 600 CHF
For men 1 zone: 350 CHF, two zones: 500 CHF, three zones: 650 CHF
Hyaluronic acid
600 CHF per syringe