The signs of aging, such as wrinkles and saggy skin, catch up with everyone at some point in time. One of the most noticeable of these signs are the wrinkles around your eyes, often referred to as crow's feet. To support a culture obsessed with looking young for as long as possible, the market has options for temporarily reducing the look of, or completely eliminating, crow's feet.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion, and the less invasive microdermabrasion, are both ways in which you can reduce the look of crow's feet around the eyes. Dermabrasion treatments involve the use of a diamond or wire brush on a rotary wheel to sand down imperfection in the outer layer of skin. Microdermabrasion uses a specialized tool to propel crystals of zinc or aluminum oxide at the skin, followed by a vacuum device which sucks the loosened skin from the face. Both treatment methods provide similar results on eye wrinkles by removing the outer layer of older skin cells, and revealing smoother skin beneath. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the skin healing process after treatment also activate the production of collagen, which stretches and fills in wrinkles, making them less noticeable.
Chemical Peel
Your dermatologist can perform a chemical peel to reduce the look of crow's feet. Chemical peels use chemicals, such as phenol and hydroxy acids, to loosen the outer layer of skin from the face. When a new layer is revealed and the area heals, the resulting skin is younger and smoother looking, reducing the look of the wrinkles.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments can also treat crow's feet. Both non-ablative and ablative lasers have qualities that can reduce wrinkles. Non-ablative lasers work by penetrating deep into the skin tissue and activating the production of collagen. Additional collagen production stretches out the skin and reduces wrinkles. Ablative lasers work by vaporizing the outer layer of skin. This provides similar results to a chemical peel.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are another option for treating crow's feet. Dermal fillers, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, are injected into the wrinkle, filling the space beneath the wrinkle. This plumps and stretches out the skin, forcing the wrinkled skin even with the surrounding tissue. Bovine-based dermal fillers (such as Zyplast and Zyderm) carry risks for allergic reaction. As such, a skin allergy test will be performed before the treatment.
Botox
Botox injections are another treatment option for crow's feet. Botox is made from a neurotoxin known as botulinum toxin type A. When injected into the muscles beneath the crow's feet, Botox goes to work by blocking an important neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine contributes to the contraction of muscles. By blocking this neurotransmitter the affected muscle is paralyzed, forcing the skin above the muscle to lie flat, reducing the look of crow's feet.
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