Everyone is different when it comes to aging. Some people start to notice sagging in their brows first, while others begin to look tired and thin due to volume loss. Wrinkles, however, are usually among the first signs of facial aging to appear as we age.
There are several types of wrinkles that might pop up when you get older and wiser. Crow’s feet, for example, are very common. They appear at the corners of the eyes, resembling birds’ feet, and eventually may become deeply etched into the skin.
If you’ve got crow’s feet, you’re probably not thrilled with them, even if they do have a cute name. Here’s why you have crow’s feet—and what you can do to fix them.
Why Do We Get Crow’s Feet?
Crow’s feet belong to the family of wrinkles known as “dynamic wrinkles.” Dynamic wrinkles are actually caused by muscle movement, rather than skin aging (although a reduction in collagen and elastin in the skin does play a certain role).
Muscle contractions that occur when you smile, laugh, and otherwise express yourself are repeated over and over again. Over time, wrinkles that would normally only appear when you make facial expressions become etched into the skin.
The good news about crow’s feet is that getting them means that you probably smile and laugh a lot! That might not be much comfort, but know that people who tend to be more expressive are more likely to develop dynamic wrinkles. Still, it’s very normal to feel self-conscious about the branching wrinkles at the corners of your eyes.
Can Crow’s Feet Be Prevented?
Not exactly. It’s definitely not worth trying to express yourself less to prevent dynamic wrinkles. They’re a normal part of aging and almost everyone gets them eventually. Still, collagen and elastin loss, in addition to exposure to the sun’s UV rays, can make crow’s feet worse or allow them to form more quickly.
The best way to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet naturally is to simply take care of yourself and your skin. Using SPF eye cream and wearing accessories like sunglasses and hats can help protect the eye area from the sun. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
Beyond these lifestyle modifications, the best way to address crow’s feet is with Botox injections.
Botox: The Gold Standard for Dynamic Wrinkles
Just about everyone has heard of Botox. It’s one of the most well-known cosmetic injectables, and for good reason: it’s been around for decades and has proven to be safe and effective. Botox is derived from botulinum toxin and has a wide variety of medical applications, in addition to its cosmetic popularity.
Botox has been tested more extensively than almost any other cosmetic drug on the market. It is extremely safe and serious side effects are exceptionally rare. It is highly effective and FDA-approved for treating crow’s feet and frown lines between the brows.
During a short injection procedure, Botox is carefully administered to specific facial muscles that are causing unwanted wrinkles. Over the next several days, Botox begins to act on the nerves controlling the facial muscles. The muscles respond to the drug by relaxing and smoothing out dynamic wrinkles.
People love Botox because it’s convenient and it works incredibly well. There is no downtime and side effects are minimal. Some people even visit their plastic surgeon on their lunch break and get right back to their day afterward.
Botox is not permanent. Most people need injections every 3-4 months to maintain their results. For most patients, this is a small price to pay for smoother, more youthful skin and a refreshed appearance.
Are You Struggling With More Than Just Crow’s Feet?
Usually, people with crow’s feet are also worried about other signs of aging, like frown lines, which can also be treated with Botox. Or, you might have “static” wrinkles that are caused by collagen and volume loss in the skin.
There are many different signs of aging that can occur almost at once. You might want to consider combining Botox treatments with other non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers for volume loss or Ultherapy for sagging skin. Everyone ages a little differently, which is why you need to speak with an expert to find the treatment plan that’s right for you.
Get a Custom Treatment Plan
Whether you want to start with Botox for your crow’s feet or you’re interested in a comprehensive, custom anti-aging treatment plan, our experienced aestheticians can help. They can evaluate your face and make recommendations based on your goals and on what they observe. Their goal is to make you as happy and confident in your appearance as possible.
To learn more about your options for fighting wrinkles and other signs of aging, contact us at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, TX. We offer a wide range of non-invasive treatments that can transform and refresh your face without surgery. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 810-9083 today!