Crow's feet: softening lines around the eyes

Crow's feet are the fine lines that spread out from the outer corners of the eyes when you smile. Lots of people quite like them as a sign of a happy face. Others feel they have become more noticeable than they would like, especially when the lines start to show even without smiling.

Why crow's feet appear

A ring-shaped muscle called the orbicularis oculi surrounds each eye. It closes the eyes, helps us blink and tightens when we smile or squint.

The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest on the body. It has fewer oil glands and loses collagen fairly early. Put that together with a muscle that is busy all day and it is easy to see why lines form here.

A few things can make crow's feet more pronounced:

• Sun exposure and squinting in bright light
• Smoking
• Dry skin around the eyes
• Natural ageing of the skin
• A very expressive smile

How anti-wrinkle treatment can help

Anti-wrinkle injections can relax the outer part of the muscle around the eye. This reduces how much the skin crinkles when you smile. The lines look softer and the eye area can look fresher and brighter.

The aim is never to stop you smiling. A good result keeps a natural, warm expression. Your eyes should still crease a little when you laugh. Removing all movement can look odd, so the dose and placement are chosen carefully.

What the treatment involves

A few small injections are placed at the outer corner of each eye, kept a safe distance from the eye itself. Because the skin is thin here, small bruises are a little more common than in other areas. Most people find the treatment quick and comfortable.

Results usually begin to show after two to five days and are fully settled by about two weeks. For most people they last around three to four months. A free review appointment around two weeks after treatment is included.

Possible side effects

Bruising, mild swelling and small bumps at the injection points are the most common side effects. They usually settle quickly. Less commonly, people may notice a slightly altered smile or a little dryness of the eyes for a short while. These effects are temporary.

Following aftercare advice, such as not rubbing the area and staying upright for a few hours, helps the treatment stay where it is meant to be.

When crow's feet need a different approach

Not all lines around the eyes are caused by muscle movement. Lines that come from thin, dry or crepey skin may respond better to skin quality treatments. The same goes for lines lower down near the cheek. Skin boosters can help improve hydration and texture in some cases.

A consultation will look at what is actually causing your lines so any advice is honest and suited to you.

Is it right for you

Suitability for anti-wrinkle treatment is always decided at a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. Results vary from person to person and no particular outcome can be promised.

If the lines around your eyes have been bothering you, Lucy would be glad to see you for a free 15-minute consultation at her clinic in Addlestone.