FDA Allows Botox Cosmetic For Crow’s Feet

Crow's feet or canthal lines can now be treated with Botox Cosmetic, according to an official announcement by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), Thursday.

 Crow's feet or canthal lines refer to the wrinkles appearing at the corner of your eyes. This approval by FDA will allow people to use Botox treatment for mild to severe canthal lines.

"This additional indication will provide people with a new FDA approved treatment option for those seeking a smoother appearance by temporarily minimizing the appearance of crow's feet at the sides of the eyes," said Susan Walker, Director of the Division of Dermatology and Dental Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 

Botox Cosmetic was permitted by the FDA in 2002 for rectifying wrinkles and age lines by making their appearance less prominent.

A research was conducted on the safety and efficacy of Botox in treating crow's feet before FDA allowed its usage. The research was conducted on 833 adults who had severe to moderate lateral canthal lines. They were randomly allocated to receive the Botox treatment or a placebo. It was found that the participants treated with Botox showed an improvement in appearance and a noticeable reduction in lines was seen in comparison to the people who were treated with the placebo.

Botox has been in news for its side-effects. The FDA has allowed Botox treatment for severe underarm sweating, chronic migraine, strabismus (misalignment of the eyes when one or both eyes turn inward or outward) and blepharospasm(eyelid spasm). Botox Cosmetic and Botox both carry a warning about the possible side effect of usage. Botulinum toxin may spread from the area of injection to other regions of the body, causing symptoms similar to those of botulism. These symptoms could be fatal as they include trouble in breathing and swallowing.     

The most common adverse reaction associated with the use of Botox Cosmetic for treatment of lateral canthal lines is eyelid edema, a condition in which the eyelids swell up with excessive fluid. No adverse reactions to the cosmetic have been reported so far when used in the prescribed dosage.