Botox For Crow’s Feet: Effectiveness, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

Botox for Crow’s Feet

Botox is an FDA-approved injection that doctors usually give to treat crow’s feet. Crow’s feet are the fine lines from the corners of the eye. Crow’s feet can occur as static or dynamic wrinkles. Static wrinkles are visible facial lines without facial expression and become more prominent with any facial movement. Dynamic wrinkles are visible only during talking and facial expressions. With time, dynamic wrinkles can convert into static wrinkles. The Botox injection gives an anti-wrinkle effect by relaxing the muscles in the crow’s feet.

Pharmaceutical companies prepare the Botox injection from the same Botulinum toxin (created by Clostridium botulinum bacteria) that causes botulism (food poisoning) in humans. However, the Botox injection contains the toxin in minute amounts safe for human use. Individuals concerned about crow’s feet and cannot improve with home treatments can go for Botox injections. Regardless of the Botox treatment effectiveness, an individual must know certain things before choosing the Botox injection treatment plan ¹ Overview | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health.

The article will cover everything you need to know regarding Botox injections, including their effectiveness, safety, and adverse effects. It will also answer some popular queries that most people are curious about regarding Botox injection for crow’s feet.

Mechanism

How does Botox Work?

• Botox is the medicine prepared from Clostridium botulinum produced nerve toxin called botulinum toxin type A.
• The medicine works by obstructing the nerve impulse that stimulates the muscles near the eye’s corners so that it does not shrink frequently. Thus, it relaxes the eye’s corner muscles and gives an unwrinkled look ² Mechanism | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Effectiveness

Effectiveness of Botox for Crow’s Feet

• The Botox injections are effective but last only a few months (three to four), so to maintain the same effectiveness of the treatment the health provider frequently advices Botox shots every three to four months.
• Yet, some studies have shown that people who used Botox injections for crow’s feet got the effects for up to 160 days ⁴ Effectiveness | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health.

Procedure

How is Botox Given for Crow’s Feet?

• The doctor will apply a numbing agent (local anesthetic) to the crow’s feet area to make the procedure more convenient for the patient.
• Then, he will inject the Botox drug with a thin needle at specific areas of the crow’s feet.
• The method takes only 15 to 20 minutes. However, it might take longer if the individual chooses to merge other treatments, viz; laser for crow’s feet and the Botox shots.
• The physician only needs few units viz; 24 units, to treat crow’s feet.

When to start Botox for crow’s feet?

• Botox injections for crow’s feet are FDA-approved for people above 18 years and older.
• Most doctors believe that the perfect age for Botox treatment is between 25 and 30 years when the lines become visible in wrinkle-prone individuals.

Result

What to Expect After Botox for Crow’s Feet?

• The Botox treatment usually produces visible results in around three days, and it takes approximately 14 days to get the complete results.
• When an individual smiles after the treatment, he will notice that the fine lines around the eye’s corner have become less prominent, with an excellent wrinkle-free appearance.
• However, the results are temporary and last only for 90 to 160 days. So, to maintain an excellent appearance, an individual has to take Botox injections at regular intervals ³ Post Treatment | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health.
• The revival time after the crow’s feet treatment is relatively short. If an individual does not experience any adverse effects after the treatment, the doctors allow the patient to go home immediately after the shots.
• At the residence also, there is no post treatment waiting time. The individual can carry on the usual activities like putting on creams, washing face, and joining the office on the same day. Yet, ensure not to wipe the treated crow’s feet area as it might cause the drug to displace from the treated area ⁵ Treatment Result| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Safety

How Safe is Botox?

• Botulinum toxin is poisonous in massive amounts, but the ones used for cosmetic purposes are only in meager amounts and pose no health hazards ⁹ Safety | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .
• Research studies have indicated that severe adverse effects from Botox are more probable in people treated for the health condition. The reason might be the large dose of Botox used to manage the disease ¹⁰ Safety | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health.
• For Botox treatment for aesthetic reasons, studies have noticed that only mild adverse effects occur in people. Thus, people for Botox for cosmetic purposes are higher than those for therapeutic reasons ¹¹ Safety | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health.
• A research study indicated the following mild, momentary adverse effects for people on Botox for aesthetic reasons-
• Pain in the injected site
• Skin mark
• Skin swelling
• Skin redness
• Hanging brow or eyelid
• The above-listed side effects subside with time. Botox is safe for cosmetic purposes. However, one should always approach plastic surgeons or certified professionals for Botox treatment.
• Yet one can encounter side effects if the Botox injection preparation is not per FDA principles or taken from an unskilled health provider. Moreover, avoid taking Botox if one is pregnant or a nursing mother ⁹ Safety | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Side Effects

Side Effects of Botox for Crow’s Feet

Botox is convenient for most people due to its effective results and minimal recovery time. However, adverse effects are still likely in some sections of people.

Common side effects

• Headaches
• Skin redness
• Swelling around the injected area
• Dryness in the injected area
• Skin injury
• Tearing from the eyes
• Twisted eyebrows
• Hanging eyelids

Severe side effects

• Loss of bladder control
• Muscle pain that radiates from the facial muscles to the entire body
• Difficulty in speaking
• Vision problem
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Shortness of breath ⁶ Side Effects | Researched based study from ScienceDirect .

However, immediately contact the physician if you experience severe side effects.

Contraindications

Who should Not Take Botox Injections?

Botox injections are usually safe for most people. However, it might not be appropriate for people with the following health conditions-

• People allergic to botulinum toxin
• Pregnant women
• Nursing mothers
• Nerve disorder
• Muscle disorder
• Blood clotting disorder
• People with a history of keloid scaring (thick scar)
• Infections ⁷ Contraindications | Researched based study from ScienceDirect .

However, people with health issues must speak to a physician before taking the Botox treatment to ward off complexities.

Options

What is the Best Treatment for Crow’s Feet?

Doctors advise treatment for crow’s feet based on the rigorousness of the crow’s feet condition and the patient’s expected result. Some of the treatments for crow’s feet are listed below-

Botulinum (Botox)

• Botox is the most efficient treatment for managing crow’s feet. It gives an excellent anti-wrinkle appearance for the treated areas.
• Botox is appropriate for individuals between the age group of thirty to fifty years. However, Botox is ineffective in treating massive wrinkles in aged individuals.
• Doctors administer Botox as injections into the target area viz; crow’s feet with a fine needle. It causes muscle relaxation in the treated region and provides an anti-wrinkle appearance. The results last only for a few months.

Topical creams

• Doctors prescribe topical ointments to treat wrinkles. However, health stores offer several over-the-counter creams to treat the condition.
• Retin-A is extensively used to combat anti-aging signs. It works by activating new skin formation.
• Several anti-aging moisturizers also reduce the wrinkles near the eyes, but they might not effectively manage intense crow’s feet.
• However, the effectiveness of the topical creams is typically visible within 170 days.

Dermal fillers

• Doctors administer dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers) as an injection to eliminate facial fine lines and to manage crow’s feet.
• Dermal fillers work best for static crow’s feet, i.e., visible fine lines that appear even when an individual is expressionless. The effects of dermal fillers stay for around four months to one year.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are solutions applied on the face to get a youthful appearance. The chemical eliminates the outer skin layer and exhibits the below-the-new skin layer. Chemical peels can improve facial wrinkles. Some of the types of chemical peels are listed below-

• Deep peels
• Superficial peels
• Medium-depth peels

A skilled cosmetician can well conduct the superficial peel. For deeper peels an individual must always approach a health professional. The results and the revival time of the chemical peel depend on the chemical peel an individual applies.

• Experts use Deep peels to correct deep wrinkles and scars. The method is agonizing, so the physicians give anesthesia while conducting the procedure. It also requires healing time. The individuals can repeat Deep peels once every two years.
• Physicians use superficial peels for fine lines, uneven skin, and acne lesions. The procedure is ache less with minimal revival time. The superficial peels procedure requires repetition every 14 to 28 days for optimum effect.
• Medium-depth peel is the procedure done for deeper wrinkles and skin scars. The approach needs repetition after seven months to one year ⁸ Treatment Options | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Laser resurfacing

• Laser resurfacing uses a laser to eliminate the outer skin layer. It tightens the skin, reduces scars and wrinkles and gives a perfect look.
• Laser resurfacing is the best treatment for crow’s feet as the method warms up numerous skin layers and enhances collagen formation. More collagen production restores the crow’s feet evenly.
• Before the procedure, the physician gradually gives pain medications and a laser beam on the targeted area.
• Post-treatment the physician covers the face in a dressing for few days. The healing might require a couple of weeks—the effects of the treatment last for around ten years.
• However, doctors might sometimes combine laser resurfacing with other treatments viz; Botox shots to remove the crow’s feet ⁸ Treatment Options | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Botox for Crow’s Feet

Q. Do crow’s feet Botox change eye shape?

• Botox can never change the eye shape. Yet, it can make the eyes look wide, so some people might need an eye brow or eyelid lift based on the physician’s recommendation.
• Moreover, crow’s feet Botox can also better the eye evenness for a more perfect look. Some experts can slightly alter the eye’s surrounding areas for the preferred appearance.

Q. How long does Botox last for crow’s feet?

• Botox is a momentary treatment option to manage the fine lines originating from the eye’s corner.
• The treatment effects are visible within a couple of days (two to three), while the final result of the treatment usually stays for around 120 to 160 days.
• People must take repeated shots after regular intervals to maintain the same effect.

Q. What age should you get Botox for crow’s feet?

• There is no age recommendation for the Botox treatment for crow’s feet. However, experts usually perform the procedure on people between the age group of 25 to 50 years.

Q. Can crow’s feet Botox go wrong?

• No, crow’s feet Botox always goes right if performed by a skilled healthcare professional, so always approach professionals well versed in the procedure.
• However, when executed by an unskilled professional, excessive treatment of the fine lines around the eyes might hinder one’s usual smile.

Takeaway

Botox for Crow’s Feet: An Efficent Therapy

Botox injections might be an efficient therapy for managing crow’s feet when taken at regular intervals. Yet the Botox shots might not suit specific people with health issues. Always consult the physician if you have any medical ailment or allergies before starting the Botox treatment plan to get the proper benefit from the procedure and avoid side effects.