Crow’s feet are wrinkles that extend from the outer corner of the eye toward the temples. Their fan-like shape resembles a crow’s foot, hence the name. They first appear during facial expressions, then persist even at rest. These wrinkles, along with those under the lower eyelid, age the gaze and give the eye contour a tired appearance.
Crow’s feet wrinkles, also known as fine lines at the corner of the eyes, are among the most visible signs of skin aging. They typically appear from the age of thirty onwards. To combat crow’s feet wrinkles, available treatments include botulinum toxin injections and hyaluronic acid fillers.
Hyaluronic acid fills the wrinkles, while Botox blocks the contraction of the muscles responsible for forming them. More intensive treatments, such as peel or resurfacing laser, may be considered for more pronounced crow’s feet wrinkles.
The appearance of these wrinkles is inevitable. The age of onset depends on several factors.
Crow’s feet worsen over time, and several stages of severity are described, each requiring specific approaches. While some may find them charming at an early stage, when they become too pronounced, they shrink the eyes and close the gaze – especially when smiling.
A thorough evaluation by an experienced doctor helps determine the most appropriate treatment for each stage of crow’s feet wrinkles.
At the early stage, these wrinkles appear as fine lines visible during facial expressions, such as smiling. These initial wrinkles can be effectively treated with botulinum toxin injections (Botox), which relax the responsible muscles and prevent the formation of deeper wrinkles.
At the moderate stage, wrinkles become static, visible even at rest, and the skin begins to show signs of lost elasticity. Treatment consists of Botox injections combined with hyaluronic acid injections, the latter being used to restore volume lost due to periorbital fat loss.
At the advanced stage, crow’s feet wrinkles are deep and permanent, often accompanied by uneven skin texture and significant thinning of the skin. More intensive treatments, such as laser resurfacing or Peels , are recommended to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Facial gymnastics is one of the natural anti-wrinkle techniques used to prevent the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles.
It is a complementary method that cannot replace Botox injections.
Ten times a day, for one minute, place three fingers at the tail of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye. During a forced smile, stretch the area with your fingers.
Daily application of moisturizing creams is recommended.
Treatments for crow’s feet wrinkles help restore a smooth and youthful eye contour.
Medical techniques such as botulinum toxin injections (Botox), hyaluronic acid, and fractional or continuous ablative laser treatments effectively reduce wrinkles around the eyes. These treatments block muscle contraction and stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and visibly reducing signs of aging.
In addition to smoothing fine and deep wrinkles, these procedures also even out skin texture and restore its natural glow. Results are long-lasting, with noticeable improvement in skin firmness and suppleness.
Treatment is personalized, but the most commonly performed technique is Botox injection.
How does Botox act on crow's feet wrinkles ? Botox injections block the activity of the outer portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Three points are injected on each side. A mild warming sensation may be felt during the injection.
A muscular analysis, both at rest and in motion, as well as an assessment of the lower orbital area, must be performed prior to treatment.
The injection must be customized.
It is often combined with treatment of the frown lines to further open the gaze.
Treating crow’s feet wrinkles is part of a comprehensive approach to eye rejuvenation and facial aging.
Botox injections smooth the wrinkles, open the gaze, and give the face a more relaxed and rested look. Wrinkles on the lower eyelid will be slightly improved.
How long does Botox last ?
Results are visible two days after the injection and optimal by the seventh day. Duration is five to six months.
Doctor Romano always schedules a free follow-up touch-up appointment between seven and fifteen days post-injection.
The result must be natural.
Aftereffects are nearly nonexistent : bruising is extremely rare, and slight swelling at the injection points usually subsides within ten minutes.
Daily activities (except for sports, hairdresser visits, and eyebrow treatments) can be resumed immediately afterward.
An improperly performed injection in this area can cause cheek muscle paralysis while smiling, persistent swelling of the lower eyelid, and upper eyelid ptosis. This is why it is crucial to consult an experienced doctor.
Hyaluronic acid injections may complement Botox in cases of fat loss or skin thinning at the outer corner of the eye.
This technique must be performed by an experienced practitioner.
Risks include visible product accumulation (bumps or lumps when at rest or smiling), and persistent swelling.
Injection is usually performed with a cannula. The acid can be placed either under the skin or beneath the muscle. The latter technique, more complex, is preferred and is the one used by Doctor Romano.
The hyaluronic acid used must be very low in hydrophilicity.
If there is volume loss in the temples or eyebrowtail, injecting these zones helps open the gaze and reduces fold formation.
The result of hyaluronic acid injection is immediate.
The hollow at the outer corner of the eye is filled, the wrinkles are stretched, and the eye contour appears less tired and more youthful.
Unlike Botox, this treatment does not open the gaze.
Results last about one year.
Normal activities can be resumed immediately. Bruising is rare.
The treatment of crow’s feet wrinkles using fractional and continuous ablative laser is a technique that effectively reduces crow’s feet and rejuvenates the skin.
The fractional ablative laser creates micro-perforations in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and promotes skin regeneration while leaving surrounding tissues intact. This method is effective for improving skin texture and firmness and visibly reducing crow’s feet wrinkles.
In addition, the continuous ablative laser uniformly removes the superficial layers of the skin, allowing overall improvement of the skin surface and reduction of deeper wrinkles.
By combining these two modalities – continuous and fractional – both fine lines and more pronounced wrinkles are treated simultaneously.
| Type of consultation | Generally practiced rates |
|---|---|
|
Hyaluronic acid for
|
600 CHF per syringe |
|
Botox
|
WOMAN one zone : 300 CHF two zones : 450 CHF three zones : 600 CHF MEN one zone : 350 CHF two zones : 500 CHF three zones : 650 CHF |
Recovery time depends on the type of laser used. For fractional ablative laser, recovery time varies from a few days to a week. For the continuous ablative laser, the recovery period is longer, one to two weeks.
Treatments may cause mild to moderate discomfort. Topical anaesthetics can be used to minimise discomfort.
Diet plays an important role in skin ageing and the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles.
A balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, helps to preserve the skin's youthful appearance and elasticity.
To prevent the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles, it is essential to maintain good skin hydration. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. We recommend limiting exposure to the sun, adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Cosmetic and medical treatments remain the most effective method.
To treat crow's feet wrinkles, we recommend using specific creams containing active ingredients known for their effectiveness.
There is no specific age at which to begin treatment. Some people start as soon as the first dynamic wrinkles appear, generally in their thirties, while others wait until the wrinkles become static.
Results can last from several months to several years, depending on the treatment carried out and the type of skin. Maintenance sessions are necessary to maintain the result.
Moisturisation is essential in preventing crow's feet wrinkles, as well-moisturised skin is more supple and less prone to fine lines. By using eye contours With the right skincare products, you can keep the skin barrier healthy and delay the appearance of the signs of ageing. We recommend opting for products containing moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerine.
Facial gymnastics can help strengthen the muscles around the eyes and reduce the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles. For example, regular practice of rapid eye blinking or forehead muscle contraction exercises can help tone the periocular area.
Side effects include redness, swelling, bruising and temporary skin sensitivity. Complications are rare if the treatment is carried out by an experienced doctor.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
