A person’s eyes are often the first thing that other people notice. Eyes are expressive—they help people connect with one another and can say a lot about personality, mood, and even age. As both men and women age, the skin around the eyes becomes creased with expression lines that don’t go away, even when facial expressions are relaxed. These lines, called crow’s feet, as well as forehead lines formed by years of facial expressions, are bothersome to some people, as they can make a person look older than he or she feels. But there are many options for treating fine lines and wrinkles, and a cosmetic dermatologist can help. Here are several options for the cosmetic treatment of noticeable crow’s feet and forehead lines.
BOTOX® Cosmetic in Sterling Heights
Botox is primarily used to treat crow’s feet, wrinkles and lines between the eyes, and lines across the forehead. Botox is a muscle-relaxing injectable that’s very effective in treating the signs of facial aging. Botox and other muscle-relaxing injectables provide fast relief from facial wrinkles and lines with results lasting anywhere from three to six months.
Botox uses neurotoxins to block muscle contractions in the face that create expression lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists in Sterling Heights also recommend Botox for the prevention of the formation of new lines and wrinkles by keeping muscles in the treated areas relaxed so that skin stays smooth.
In just a few minutes, a dermatologist in Sterling Heights can administer Botox injections to target the muscles in the face that cause crow’s feet around the eyes, as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. Botox injections require no anesthetics, and recovery is immediate, allowing patients to return to work or other normal activities the same day.
Board-certified dermatologists in Sterling Heights are uniquely qualified to administer Botox injections because they are well-versed in facial anatomy and can handle any complications that might arise. Side effects and complications from Botox are rare, but dermatologists have the medical training and expertise to manage any issues that could come up during the injection process or afterward.
Microdermabrasion
Another option for treating crow’s feet is microdermabrasion. This procedure removes dead cells from the surface skin layer and refines skin texture. Microdermabrasion is performed by a dermatologist who uses a diamond-tip applicator to remove dead skin, creating a polished, smooth look that forms the perfect “canvas” for other anti-aging treatments such as chemical peels. By itself, microdermabrasion results last approximately two to three weeks; paired with other anti-aging treatments, results can last much longer.
Microdermabrasion is a great way to soften lines such as crow’s feet, minimize spots from sun damage, and refine overall skin texture. And since microdermabrasion involves minimal pain, many patients find the procedure relaxing.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a process that uses a chemical solution to smooth and improve the look of facial skin. As people age, the skin slowly loses its ability to complete the desquamation process (shedding the outer layer of skin cells). To counter this slowdown, a dermatologist uses a chemical agent to exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing a new layer underneath. The dermatologist may use acids such as lactic, glycolic, and alpha and beta hydroxy during a chemical peel. Depending on the strength of the peel, these chemicals can be left on for a few minutes or up to half an hour or more.
Chemical peels remove hyperpigmentation and visible brown spots, boost hydration levels, soften skin lines, stimulate collagen production, even out the skin tone, and add an overall glow to the face. Results of peels are generally visible after about one week.
Although chemical peels can cause mild stinging, patients report that any pain generally subsides about 15 minutes after application. Skin may be sensitive after the procedure, and a light layer of skin may peel off over the course of the week following the procedure. Some patients prefer pairing a chemical peel with microdermabrasion to maximize the effect of both procedures.
Injectable Fillers
Cosmetic fillers, also called wrinkle fillers or dermal fillers, restore lost volume in the face by filling in crow’s feet, wrinkles, and deeper lines. Younger people naturally produce collagen, which keeps facial skin firm. As people age, the production of natural collagen tapers off, resulting in lost volume and wrinkles. Dermal fillers work a lot like collagen and can be used not only to fill in lines but also to help lift certain areas of the face. There is minimal pain involved with injectable fillers, and with some fillers, results can last from two to five years.
Creating a refreshed face and minimizing lines and wrinkles are the treatment goals of dermal fillers. As with Botox, a board-certified dermatologist is the most uniquely qualified to administer volumizing dermal filler injections. A dermatologist can determine the best dermal filler for each patient’s needs, depending on the areas to be treated, the amount of volume lost, and the patient’s budget.
Medical-Grade Skin Care Products
Medical-grade skin care products are available from most dermatologists and generally are far more effective than over-the-counter products in terms of strength and observable results. Medical-grade skin care products are scientifically formulated and then clinically tested; they rejuvenate skin and help to restore a youthful appearance. Medical-grade products reinforce the benefits obtained from other anti-aging procedures provided by dermatologists and form the foundation of an at-home anti-aging skin regimen that follows in-office treatment. They provide skin texture and tone improvement and promote healthy skin functioning.
Most medical-grade skin care products contain growth factors and other proven ingredients such as antioxidants and retinoids. These compounds enhance the appearance of skin by helping to prevent damage from free radicals. A wide variety of non-invasive anti-aging skin products are available, and a dermatologist can explain all the options.
Window to the Soul
As the most important and expressive facial feature, eyes instantly convey emotion, helping people connect with one another. Treating distracting crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles can help make sure that eyes remain the focus of the face, and a dermatologist can help choose the right anti-aging procedure for each person’s treatment goals and budget.