Crows Feet Treatment

A small injection using a very fine needle is performed to the outside of the eye muscle where the lines are located on smiling. Somewhere between 2-7 injections on each side will be performed.

Consultation

A £50 no-refundable deposit is required and can be used toward either the face to face consultation OR the treatment on the day.

For this treatment, we must take into consideration the following:

• Has the client had treatment before?
• Were they happy every time?
• Did the anti-wrinkle injections last well?
• Which area came back first?
• How is the patient’s metabolism? Do they exercise? Are they very muscular? Do they have trouble putting on or losing weight?
• Is it the crow’s feet to the side of the eye, or those underneath the eye which are bothering the patient
• Have they ever had any complications, eg eyelid droop or eyebrow droop or strange smile etc?
• Does the patient want a more natural appearance, with some lines left, or do they want the maximum effect possible?
• Once the client fully understands what’s involved with the treatment, a consent form is then signed, pre-treatment photos are taken and if the client is happy to proceed, then the treatment will go ahead.

Choosing the dose of injection for eye wrinkles

Dr Natasha will assess the face and decide on the best dose after taking a history and examining the patient. If the patient has a history of poor longevity, or needing high doses or wanting maximum effect, then a higher dose may be suggested.

If a patient has a history of complications with muscle relaxing injections, or if their budget is small or if they want a more subtle result, then a smaller dose might be chosen.

Pain relief during crows feet injections

A numbing cream may be applied to the area prior to the treatment (45 minutes prior is ideal) Glad wrap may be used over the numbing cream to increase its effect. Most patients do not bother with numbing cream because it takes so long to work and because the treatment in the crows feet isn’t very painful anyway. Ice is always used to decrease pain and to reduce the risk of bruising.

What happens during the treatment itself?

The face will be cleaned with alcohol and chlorhexidine. Ice will be applied to the area briefly before treatment. The doctor may inject approx 2-7 sites around the outer part of each eye. Then pressure with gauze will be applied. The procedure itself takes less than 5 minutes.

Possible side effects

In general, treatment of the crow’s feet is very low-risk. Most of the anti-wrinkle injection problems occur from treating other areas of the face. However, headaches can occur in around 10% of new users and bruising occurs in a significant number of cases.

What to expect after the treatment

Due to the nature of this treatment, sometimes the effect is not immediate. Sometimes there can be bruising, redness or small lumps, which can look like mild acne and usually resolves quickly.

Most people could come during their lunch break during work and go back to work without their coworkers noticing anything. The effect will not start to occur for 2-8 days. The onset of action of treatment of one of the brands of anti-wrinkle injections is quicker than the others.

The maximum effect of the treatment will be at 4 weeks, so a review should be booked in at 4 weeks (only after the first treatment, for subsequent injections, a review appointment shouldn’t be required).

How long will the anti-wrinkle treatment last?

The answer to this is very individual and depends on the patient’s metabolism, the dose, the placement etc.

For the majority of patients, typically at 3-4 weeks, there is a maximum effect, at 8 weeks, movement starts to return, at 12 weeks, 50% of movement should be back, at 16 weeks 80% of movement should be back.

When should I have my next treatment for crow’s feet?

Patients should require another treatment when the movement is between 50%-80% back, so, around 3-4 months.

Post-procedure Advice

• Do not smoke for at least 24-36 hours (Smoking is not recommended post-procedure).
• Avoid any alcohol consumption for 24 hours before treatment and 24 hours post-procedure.
• Avoid any exercise for 24 hours post-procedure.
• Avoid using any make-up or skincare products/spray tan/direct sunlight, sun exposure and do not use tanning beds.
• Use a facial cleansing wipe to clean face, avoiding the treated area.
• Avoid touching or massaging the injected area, unless absolutely necessary.
• Use Arnica Cream (TM) after your treatment to help with any bruising or discomfort (if required).
• Apply cool compresses to injected sites for five minutes up to four times a day if required.
• Restrict facial movements where possible for up to 1-3 weeks post-procedure.
• Try to keep the head elevated while sleeping for the first 48 hours post-procedure to help prevent swelling.
• Sleep in an upright position, face-up, to help reduce any swelling (3-7 nights post-procedure).
• Avoid any dental appointments, facial appointments and chemical treatments 4 weeks post-procedure.
• Avoid excessive heat – swimming pools, sauna, steam rooms, hot showers for at least 48 hours post-procedure.
• Paracetamol is advised to patients for post-procedure discomfort (Ibuprofen should be avoided).