Crow's Feet Treatment

Laugh lines

The fine laugh lines around the eyes are called crow's feet. These wrinkles form, when one squints their eyes in brigt oder glaring light, when laughing and due to sun exposure and aging.

If these so called laugh lines are present at rest and become more promounced with age, crow's feet develop around the eyes. Crow's feet also become more prominent due to the loss of skin elasticity, especially when age-related hooded eyelids develop.

Through anti-wrinkle treatment, crow's feet can be reduced and controlled or even be eliminated. Facial expressions and movement (especially laughing) should not change as a result of the treatment. Remember: You laugh with your eyes and not with the wrinkles, even though we commonly refer to them as laugh lines.

How does botulinum remove crow's feet?

The active ingredient, approved for both medical and aesthetic treatment, is injected directly into the muscle. This results in a pharmacologically induced, temporary interruption of the nerve signal to the tissue. It takes a few days before the active substance is absorbed and develops its effect at the specific target site. After 2 to 3 days, the effect starts to become apparent and fully unfolds within 7 to 14 days. The maximum effect is reached after 5 to 6 weeks.

How do I know if it worked?

The intended effect is reduced severity or disappearance of the wrinkles while in the resting position. Important: the appearance of wrinkles when laughing is typical and is the counter-proof that the treatment did not restrict facial expressions.

Crow's feet: botulinum or hyaluronan?

When it comes to filling crow's feet, one should be very restrained. The skin in this region is very fragile, which is why one can only expect a good cosmetic result in selected cases. Therefore, the anti-wrinkle treatment for crow's feet is primarily done with botulinum.

How long does botulinum last in this area?

The effect of botulinum on these nerve endings will fade after a while. The exact duration of the effect depends on the injected quantity and the initial muscle mass, as well as overall facial movements. The latter is different for each individual.

The treatment interval for the usual dosage of botulinum used in aesthetic medicine is generally 3 to 4 months. In individual cases, the effect lasts for less than three months.

The pain

When treating the forehead lines with botulinum, the active substance is injected with fine needles. Most people perceive the injection to be similar to an insect bite. Costumers, who have previously undergone acupuncture treatment, find the injections to be significantly less painful. In extremly pain-sensitive individuals, the pain sensitivity can be reduced through ice pack application (cryoanaesthesia).

Risks

Local swelling and a slight redness within a couple hours after treatment appear in less than 10%. In rare cases haematomas might occur during the first few days.

Follow-up and post-treatment

After 10 to 14 days, you should come in for a follow-up appointment so that the doctor can assess the result and, if necessary, provide additional treatment. This is not associated with any additional costs.

The follow-up should take place no later than the end of the third week after the initial treatment. After that, you should only consider having your forehead lines treated again, when you notice a reduction in the effects of the botulinum. (approximately after 3 to 4 months).

Post-procedure restrictions

You can return to work and other social activities immediately after the treatment. While you don't need to abstain from moderate physical activities, it's advisable to avoid high-intensity sports, swimming goggles, saunas, spas, facial massages and power yoga within the first 24 hours after treatment. Air travel is unrestricted, but please enjoy the sun only in moderation. Makeup and care products are permitted. (Our recommendation: Use new and unopened products, freshly cleaned brushes and new sponges.)

Pre-procedure preparation

Please arrive without makeup to have your forehead wrinkles removed. Additionally, do not take any blood-thinning medication in the 10 days before the treatment of your forehead wrinkle with botulinum. If this is necessary for medical reasons, please continue taking the medicine and inform us. We are happy to answer further questions about anti-wrinkle treatment in Zurich in a personal consultation.