Can injectable fillers be used on crow's feet?

We do not use nor recommend filler products for the treatment of fine lines around the eyes (aka: Crow's feet). We are able to obtain consistent and good outcomes by softening the lines with Botox. When Botox relaxes this strong muscle that encircles the eye, the lines will usually soften, if not resolve. We also like to utilize the lateral brow technique that involves Botox to the outside edge of the eyebrows (generally speaking) which may result in a slight lifting effect of the eyes which will minimize the lines.

Oftentimes, patients will have an Erbium MicroLaserPeel to this area alone or in combination with Botox.

In our experience, tailoring a treatment plan to each individual's goals through a combination of modalities is beneficial. Whether you see a registered nurse, physician assistant, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon - ask good questions, ask for before and after photos, and make certain your practitioner is well-trained.

Injectable fillers should not be used to correct crow's feet. Botox injections in that area are the treatment of choice.

Injectable fillers can be used to reduce the appearance of lines at the corners of the eyes, commonly known as crow's feet.

But, there's a catch... It is best to first use Botox in that area to minimize the muscle contractions which are causing the skin to bunch up when you smile, thereby forming "crow's feet". Then, after a week or two, if any pesky lines are still visible after Botox has relaxed those muscles, then an injectable filler such as Restylane can be used to further conceal the crow's feet if they still bother you.

If you just use a filler without Botox, the filler will dissipate quickly because the muscle contractions will cause it to break down and you'll be disappointed that the results did not last longer.

Laser resurfacing or a chemical peel will also help retexture the skin to smooth away lines that are visbile even when you are not smiling.

Injectable fillers can be used on “crow’s feet”, but the results are not always good.

“Crow’s feet” are lines that radiate out from the corner of the eye like spokes on a wheel. At first, they’re only present in motion. Over time, they get “etched in” and are visible at rest. Use skin fillers is one way of reducing “crow’s feet” at rest.

Skin fillers come in different thicknesses. “Crow’s feet” are fine lines, and the only fillers in the United States that are “thin” in consistency and most useful for “crow’s feet” are collagen fillers. Collagen fillers have been available for over 20 years, first as Zyderm, then more recently as Cosmoderm, which does not require skin testing like Zyderm does. Cosmoderm 1 is the simplest filler to use in this area, and the thinnest of all currently FDA approved fillers.

Now, does this make using Cosmoderm 1 the “treatment of choice” for etched in “crow’s feet?” In general, I’d say no. results with Cosmoderm last for 3-4 months. Oftentimes, there can be “lumpiness” when fillers are injected into these superficial lines by inexperienced practitioners.

So, what can we do? First off, “crow’s feet” always look worse in motion, such as when we squint. Botox stops the “squinting muscles” from moving, and softens “crow’s feet”. This is the best first step.

What about “etched in crow’s feet”? The best treatments usually involve laser skin resurfacing, which can help build collagen over time. My preference is for Fraxel, but some of my colleagues prefer the ActiveX or Pixel lasers. With appropriate settings, a skilled Doctor can soften lines at rest with laser skin resurfacing. Chemical peels are another option, although lasers are more precise. Microdermabrasion and skin care products are good supportive measures, but well not get as noticeable of results when used alone.

Prevention makes a difference for “crow’s feet”, especially where I practice in Southwest Florida. Use SPF 30+ sunblock and reapply it every 2 hours. Wear a wide brimmed hat. Wear sunglasses that block the sun not just from the front, but also the sides. Choose shade over direct prolonged sun exposure.

Remember- It’s Your Face! Make sure you consult with, and are treated by, an experienced Medical Doctor for best results!

Filling is very difficult in this area. I really don’t recommend it.

When we primarily used the softer filler, collagen, you could fill these lines a little bit. But often it just looks lumpy here and I don’t recommend it, not with the fillers now that can last six months. I just think it looks awful so I don’t fill this area.

I say start doing Botox and using a good moisturizer, some antioxidants, using your sun block and wearing sunglasses so that you are not squinting as much.