Can anything be done to permanently treat crow's feet?

Question

hi, is there anything that can be done for crow's feet on a "permanant" basis that isn't laser or another procedure that causes hyperpigmentation? I'm getting an upper bleph and want to eliminate the crow's feet too, but I stay red for months after laser or chem treatments because I'm so fair. botox doesnt really do much for me, and whatever it does lasts a couple months at best. I'm 55. thank you

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Given your history I would suggest looking into microneedling.  Not RF microneedling but regular microneedling with perhaps the addition of PRP.  This procedure has a very low risk of pigmentation issues.  You will require several sessions and yearly maintenance along with Botox but you will get very nice results.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Great question - it would be wonderful to eliminate the lines permanently if it could be done, however it can't be done.
The reason is that the lines are mostly from contraction of the underlying muscles.  The muscles can be weakened with Botox or other neuromodulators to reduce the lines.  Using the right dose in the correct area regularly can really help.  These medications usually need to be repeated 3-4 times per year.     
If you have permanent lines as well as lines from muscle movement, they can be helped with laser treatments, and this can be done at or around the time of upper eyelid surgery, however as you mentioned, you will have to be careful about this due to your skin type and the redness that occurs.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Nothing in plastic surgery in permanent and crow's feet are difficult as you can pull the wrinkles as it distorts the appearance.  The combination of a blepharoplasty, laser resurfacing, and botox would be most effective.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Partial excision of crows feet may be a part of upper and lower blepharoplasty. It will not eradicate but may improve the issue to a certain degree. This should be discussed with your surgeon.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Crow's feet are caused by muscle movement primarily.  The only way to safely weaken those muscles is with botulinum neurotoxin.  Botulinum will work for you if you do (a) enough, and (b) routinely.  There may be more permanent lines from years of muscle movement, weather, genetics, etc that can be softened with surgery and laser. But, the botulinum is still necessary for prevention of problems moving forward.

Olatomide (Tomi) Familusi, MD · Answer

Crow's feet are the result of the contraction of the obicularis oculi muscle around your eyes. contraction of that muscle helps your close your eyes and blink etc. Unfortunately getting rid of them completely would only come from permanently paralyzing that muscle which I wouldn't recommend. There are a few options for you to soften them. You may want to consider Daxxify as an alternative to Botox. It is a longer acting neuro-modulator that was FDA approved a few years ago. It has been shows to last up to 6 months and more is some patients.If the lines are present at rest you may benefit from filler treatment to those areas. A consultation with a plastic surgeon who specialized in rejuvenation of the eyes would also help you determine if you have excess skin in that are that would be better addressed surgically or with some skin tightening treatment.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox is the quickest way to soften the appearance of crow's feet.  If you are finding that it doesn't produce the results you want you may be a better candidate for either laser resurfacing or a lift.  Nothing is permanent as you will continue to age, but there are treatments for improvement.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your concerns and learn more about options.

Can anything be done to permanently treat crow's feet?

Answers (7)