Posted May 01, 2019 in Botox
Crow’s feet are the inevitable small lines that stretch out from the corners of our eyes. These wrinkles not only tend to appear before other facial lines but also develop deeper in our skin. The thin skin and lack of fatty tissue cause the eye area to be much more delicate than other areas of the face, making it especially susceptible to the effects of aging, gravity, and habitual facial movements.
Although crow’s feet tend to deepen later in life, they can begin to develop as early as your twenties. This is because crow’s feet are not only caused by the loss of collagen and elastin or by sun damage, but by everyday habits like squinting and smiling. Since movement is a significant factor in their development, crow’s feet are impossible to prevent, and instead, many individuals look for ways to treat them. Two of the most popular treatment options for crow’s feet are BOTOX® Cosmetic and blepharoplasty.
What Are These Treatments?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable treatment that smooths the skin around the eye to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator that, when injected, blocks chemical signals to the muscles that cause them to contract. As the muscles relax, the skin is smoothed and fine lines become less apparent.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical treatment that reduces the signs of aging on the upper and lower eyelids and lessens the appearance of crow’s feet. This procedure uses incisions made in the creases of the eyelids to trim excess skin, remove fat, and reposition the underlying tissues that contribute to lines and wrinkles on and around the eyelids.
Why Choose BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Unlike blepharoplasty, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a non-invasive option that reduces the appearance of crow’s feet. With this injection, there is no need for anesthesia, incisions, lengthy recovery periods, or post-treatment scarring. Most patients return to work and their daily schedules immediately following the treatment, and the results show within days of the injection. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most common non-surgical treatment on the market today, with millions of men and women choosing it every year.
Why Choose Blepharoplasty?
While the idea of non-surgical treatments is appealing, they are not the ideal choice for every individual. BOTOX® Cosmetic will significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and upper parts of the face; however, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a temporary solution. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections last for four to seven months before the effects disappear. While some individuals choose to repeat their BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments every few months, others may prefer a one-time surgical procedure. The results of blepharoplasty last for years and blepharoplasty treats more than just crow’s feet. Upper blepharoplasty improves the appearance of droopy eyelids that impair your vision and hinder your ability to express emotion, and lower blepharoplasty reduces the puffy bags and dark circles beneath your eyes.
Which Treatment Is Best?
Both BOTOX® Cosmetic and blepharoplasty will reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. The ideal treatment for you will ultimately depend on the specific effects that you are looking for. Do you need a non-surgical treatment? Would you prefer a more permanent option? Are you only concerned about crow’s feet or are there other age-related eye concerns? Once you have answered these questions, you are on your way to determining which procedure is best for you.
For more information about these procedures or to see if you may be a candidate, contact Dr. Boll by calling (480) 833-5200 or by filling out our online contact form.