Treating Crow’s Feet With Botox

Here’s everything you need to know:

Treating crow’s feet with Botox is a popular and effective method for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 

What Are Crow’s Feet?
Crow’s feet are the fine lines and wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes, often due to aging, sun exposure, and repeated facial expressions like smiling or squinting.

How Botox Works
Botox (Botulinum toxin) works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for the wrinkles. When injected into the muscles around the eyes, it prevents them from contracting, which softens the appearance of crow’s feet.

Treatment Process

1. Consultation:
   – At Best You we include enough time in all or our treatments for you to have a consultation with your provider prior to the actual treatment. If you are unsure if Botox is right for you, we offer free consultations however we may not have enough time to actully treat you as consultations are shorter. 

2. Procedure:
   – The actual injection process is quick, usually taking about 10-15 minutes.
   – A fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox into the muscles around the outer corners of the eyes.
   – Most patients experience minimal discomfort.

3. Aftercare:
   – Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended areas.
   – Stay upright for at least 4 hours post-treatment to reduce the risk of the toxin migrating.
   – Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and exposure to heat (like saunas) for 24-48 hours.

Results

– Onset: Full effects visible in about 7-14 days. It is normal for your results to take 14 days to activate.
– Duration: The effects of Botox usually last about 3 months. As the muscles gradually regain movement, the crow’s feet will reappear, though they may be less severe with repeated treatments.

Who Should Avoid Botox?

– Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Botox.
– Individuals with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis) should consult their doctor before considering Botox.
– Those with an allergy to any of the ingredients in Botox or who have had an adverse reaction to botulinum toxin in the past should not undergo treatment.

Cost

– The cost varies depending on the amount of Botox used. On average, treating crow’s feet can cost between $220 to $340 per session (16-24 units). Botox is $14 per unit at Best You MedSpa and this price is subject to change based on price increases by pharmacutical supplier.

Maintenance

– Regular treatments every 3-4 months are typically needed to maintain results.
– Some patients may need less frequent treatments over time as the muscles weaken with consistent use of Botox.

Botox is a highly effective and widely used treatment for crow’s feet, offering temporary but noticeable reduction in wrinkles with minimal downtime.

Side Effects

– Common Side Effects: These include minor swelling, redness, bruising, or discomfort at the injection sites.
– Less Common Side Effects: Some patients may experience headaches, eyelid drooping (ptosis), or asymmetry in facial expressions. These effects are generally temporary.
– Rare Complications: If Botox spreads to unintended areas, it can cause issues like dry eyes or blurred vision. These are uncommon and usually resolve on their own.