Federal regulators recently approved Botox injections for crow's feet treatment for the first time. Crow's feet, or lateral canthal lines, refers to small wrinkles that appear around the eye, starting at the outer corner.
Allergan's Botox Cosmetic has been used to treat the wrinkle lines at the sides of the eyes for years, though use in this particular anatomic area has until this time always been considered an "off-label" usage. As of 2002, Botox Cosmetic has only had official FDA approval for treatment of wrinkles in the glabellar area (central lower forehead between the eyebrows).
A study by Allergan involving 833 adults randomized to Botox cosmetic vs. placebo for treatment of moderate to severe crow's feet wrinkles clearly demonstrated decreased visibility of wrinkles in the treatment group. Allergan is the first company to receive official FDA approval for injectable drug treatment of the wrinkling to the outside edges of the eyes.
Image courtesy of Allergan.
For now, treatment of additional areas other than the glabella and crow's feet is still considered investigational and "off-label" usage of the product. Despite this, neuromodulator injections to multiple areas of the face have been shown to be very safe and effective when properly administered by a qualified medical provider.
The most important factors for patients undergoing these types of treatments remain the same: make sure you do your homework and choose a provider who is board certified in an accredited ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) specialty and who is an experienced injector. A thorough discussion should be had with the treating physician regarding the benefits of treatment, potential risks of injection, and alternatives to neuromodulator therapy.
More information regarding the qualifications of your health care provider can be seen by visiting the American Board of Medical Specialties website or by visiting the American Society of Plastic Surgery website's "find a surgeon" function.
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