Crow's Feet Wrinkles:
Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Dr Y.B. Choong | Medical Aesthetics Doctor | Cienna Aesthetics Medical Clinic

Dr Y.B. Choong

Medical Aesthetics Doctor

Disclaimer:

It’s important to understand that there are several treatment options available in the market which may achieve similar results from the ones listed here. This article is also not meant to suggest that the treatments we offer are the only sole or best options.

Our skin goes through various changes as we age. One of the most common signs of ageing is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes. These fine lines around the eyes are known as crow’s feet or periorbital wrinkles. They appear at the outer corners of our eyes, resembling the feet of a crow in flight

While these lines are a natural part of ageing, they can impact our overall appearance and self-esteem. In this article, we will explore the causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies for crow’s feet wrinkles.

What Causes Crow's Feet Wrinkles?

Several treatments can help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles and improve skin health and appearance:

1. Ageing: Ageing is the primary factor that causes crow’s feet wrinkles. As we get older, our skin naturally loses its elasticity. The production of collagen, a protein responsible for maintaining skin firmness, decreases. This makes the skin more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Sun Exposure: Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure is another significant contributor to the formation of crow’s feet wrinkles. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, leading to premature ageing.

3. Facial Expressions: Repeated facial expressions can also contribute to the development of crow’s feet over time. Movements such as smiling, squinting, and laughing create creases in the skin that become more noticeable as we age.

4. Smoking: Smoking accelerates skin ageing. Smoking constricts blood vessels and thus reduces blood flow to the skin. This results in a deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, which can result in the premature appearance of wrinkles.

Treatment Options for Crow's Feet Wrinkles

Several treatments can help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles and improve skin health and appearance:

Some over-the-counter creams and serums contain anti-ageing properties. Look for ingredients such as peptides and retinol that can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a popular and effective treatment for crow’s feet wrinkles. It works by relaxing the muscles responsible for causing these wrinkles, giving the skin above time to regenerate. This results in less fine lines and wrinkles and smoother skin. Botox can also help prevent the formation of new wrinkles by reducing the movement of these muscles.

Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or collagen injections, can add volume to the skin and fill in fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet.

Chemical peels can remove the top layer of damaged skin, revealing smoother, less wrinkled skin underneath. They also stimulate collagen production.



Laser treatments, like fractional laser and intense pulsed light (IPL), can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, reducing the appearance of crow’s feet.

HIFU is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production. The increase in collagen production can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and create tighter and firmer skin.

Hydrafacial is a multi-step facial treatment with numerous benefits. It cleanses, exfoliates, extracts impurities, and hydrates the skin, leaving it rejuvenated and potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Rejuran/Plinest is a skin treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin. It involves injecting polynucleotide (PN) into the skin to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the visibility of wrinkles.

Thermage is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that utilises radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen production, rejuvenating and tightening the skin.

The choice of treatment depends on individual preferences, skin type, and desired results. Consulting with a dermatologist or medical aesthetician can help determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.

Preventing Crow's Feet Wrinkles

Preventing crow’s feet wrinkles and maintaining healthy skin is essential for your appearance and overall health. Here are some key preventive measures:

1. Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply every few hours when spending time outdoors.

2. Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from UV rays but also reduce the need for squinting in bright sunlight. This can help reduce facial expressions which cause crow’s feet.

3. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity. Drinking enough water keeps your skin supple and healthy.

4. Avoid Smoking: Reduce smoking or avoid it altogether to prevent the harmful effects it has on your skin.

5. Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support overall skin health.

6. Facial Exercises: Incorporate facial exercises into your routine to strengthen facial muscles and reduce the formation of fine lines.

In conclusion, crow’s feet wrinkles are a common sign of ageing that can impact our appearance and self-esteem. While they are a natural part of growing older, there are various treatment options and prevention strategies available. They can help maintain healthy, youthful skin. By caring for your skin and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can age gracefully and maintain your natural beauty for years.

Disclaimer:

There are other possible options available when it comes to some of these aesthetic treatments. The information and advice published on or made available through this website is for informational purposes and not intended to replace the professional advice of a trained health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Though the Thermage system employs the use of heat, it also incorporates a vibrating tip which cools and aids in patient comfort. During the treatment, patients can expect to feel a brief heating sensation, which will quickly be followed by a cooling sensation to help protect the skin and minimise discomfort.

In the majority of cases, noticeable improvements become evident over a span of two to six months after a single treatment session. The duration of these results can range from 1 to 2 years, depending upon factors such as your skin’s condition and the natural ageing process. It’s important to note that these outcomes tend to enhance with time and have the potential to be enduring when incorporated into an annual skin rejuvenation maintenance regimen.

Unlike many other cosmetic procedures and treatments, Thermage delivers results after just a single treatment, with results continuing to improve over time.

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