Botox Under Eyes: Smooth Under Eye Wrinkles with Botox

Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. It involves injections of botulinum toxin to temporarily relax muscles and smooth wrinkles.

Botox was first approved by the FDA in 1989 for medical uses like treating muscle spasms. In 2002, it was approved for cosmetic use to improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Since then, its cosmetic applications have expanded.

One growing use of Botox is for treating under eye wrinkles like crow’s feet. Though not yet FDA approved for this area, Botox injections under the eyes are commonly performed off-label to smooth fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

When performed by an experienced provider, Botox can reduce the appearance of aging and leave patients looking more refreshed and youthful. However, there are risks involved with injecting any substance near the eyes. Understanding how Botox works for under eye wrinkles, as well as its potential benefits and side effects, allows patients to make an informed decision about treatment.

What Causes Under Eye Wrinkles?

Under eye wrinkles occur due to a combination of factors that cause the skin around the eyes to lose elasticity over time. Some of the main causes of under eye wrinkles include:

• Natural Aging Process – As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, which are proteins that help keep skin firm and supple. This causes skin around the eyes to become thinner, drier and more prone to wrinkling.
• Sun Exposure – UV radiation from the sun speeds up the natural aging process and causes damage to skin cells. Chronic sun exposure leads to wrinkles, age spots and loss of elasticity around the eyes.
• Facial Expressions – Repeated facial movements and expressions, like squinting, laughing and frowning, can cause dynamic wrinkles around the eyes to form over time. The constant muscle contractions create creases in the skin.
• Loss of Collagen – Collagen gives skin its strength and structure. As we get older, collagen production slows and skin loses its firmness. This collagen loss allows lines and wrinkles to form around the eyes. Factors like smoking and sugar consumption also degrade collagen.

How Does Botox Work for Under Eye Wrinkles?

Botox is an injectable treatment made from a purified protein called botulinum toxin. When injected into the muscles underneath and around the eyes that cause wrinkles, Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. This temporarily paralyzes the muscles so they stop contracting.

The paralysis allows the overlying skin to smooth out. Dynamic wrinkles and fine lines are softened when you temporarily limit the muscle movements that cause them. Botox also slightly lifts the eyelid skin, making under eye bags and dark circles less prominent. However, it doesn’t get rid of them completely.

Botox takes 2-14 days to take full effect. Results are visible within a week in most patients. The effects last for 3-4 months, after which muscle action returns gradually, and wrinkles reappear. To maintain the results, you need to get Botox injections repeated every 3-4 months.

Who is a Good Candidate for Botox Under Eyes?

Generally, good candidates for Botox under the eyes are healthy adults who have dynamic wrinkles in the under eye area that they want to smooth out.

To be considered healthy, you should be free of any neuromuscular disease or chronic conditions that could impact the safety or results of Botox injections. You should also not have any allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients in Botox.

The best candidates have moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles in the under eye area, caused by repeated facial expressions and muscle movements over time. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing these muscles to smooth out wrinkles, so you need to have wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction rather than skin laxity.

It’s important to have realistic expectations for the results of Botox under eyes. Botox will smooth wrinkles and creases, but it will not eliminate dark circles, puffiness, or hollowness under the eyes. It also does not address skin laxity or sagging. The results are temporary, lasting 3-4 months, so you will need to repeat treatments to maintain the smoothing effects over time.

Overall, the ideal Botox under eye candidate is a healthy adult with moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles who understands that Botox provides temporary wrinkle smoothing, not a permanent solution to all signs of under eye aging. Realistic expectations about the results will help you decide if Botox injections are right for your under eye concerns.

Risks and Side Effects

Botox injections under the eyes do carry some risks and potential side effects to be aware of. While serious complications are rare when performed by an experienced provider, it’s important to know the possibilities before undergoing treatment.

Bruising and Swelling

Some minor bruising and swelling is common after Botox injections. It may last for a few days as the body recovers from the injections. Using a cold compress can help minimize bruising and swelling.

Drooping Eyelid

One potential risk of Botox under eyes is a drooping eyelid, also called ptosis. This happens if the Botox spreads and affects muscles that raise the eyelid. It’s usually temporary, lasting a few weeks until the Botox wears off. But in rare cases it may persist and require medical treatment.

Dry Eyes

Some patients report dry eye or irritation after under eye Botox. This can occur if the Botox partially paralyzes the tiny muscles that lubricate the eyes. Using over-the-counter eye drops can provide relief in most cases.

Headache

Headaches are a common side effect of Botox treatments, including under the eyes. They are usually mild and resolve within a few days. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can help manage headaches.

Let your provider know if you experience any concerning side effects after Botox injections. Most complications are temporary and not serious. But it’s important to monitor your response and contact your provider with any persistent or worsening issues.

Preparing for Botox Under Eye Treatment

Before getting Botox injections under the eyes, it’s important to follow your provider’s preparation guidelines to ensure the best results. Here are some tips on how to get ready for the procedure:

• Avoid blood thinners. A week before your appointment, stop taking any medications or supplements that thin the blood and increase bleeding and bruising. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and red wine.
• No alcohol. Alcohol also thins the blood. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your Botox injections.
• No caffeine. Caffeine can increase bleeding. Avoid coffee, tea, soda, and other caffeinated drinks the day of your treatment.
• No strenuous exercise. Vigorous exercise before Botox may increase bruising at the injection sites. Take it easy the day before and day of your appointment.
• Be well-rested. Get a good night’s sleep so you feel relaxed and comfortable during your treatment. Being well-rested can also help minimize bruising.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water the day before and day of your Botox injections. Proper hydration helps prevent side effects.

Following your provider’s recommendations will help ensure you heal quickly without excessive swelling, redness, or bruising after your Botox under eye treatment. Let them know if you have any questions or concerns before your appointment.

The Botox Procedure

The procedure for Botox under the eyes is quick and straightforward. Your doctor will first clean the area under your eyes to sterilize it. They may apply a topical numbing cream or ice pack to minimize discomfort from the injections.

The Botox is injected directly into the muscles underlying the wrinkles using an extremely fine needle. Most patients report very little pain from the injections. Only a few tiny injections are needed in strategic locations to relax the muscles.

The whole appointment usually takes 15-20 minutes. There is virtually no downtime afterward. You may experience some minimal swelling, redness or bruising at the injection sites. However, you can resume normal activities immediately. The full effects of the Botox will emerge gradually over the next week as the muscles relax.

Results and Longevity

Botox takes approximately 1-2 weeks to take full effect after treatment. During this time, you’ll start to notice a visible reduction in under eye wrinkles and fine lines as the Botox works to relax the muscles and smooth the skin. Within 2 weeks, you can expect to see optimal results.

Results from Botox injections typically last around 3-4 months. Everyone’s body metabolizes Botox at a slightly different rate, so some patients may start to notice their wrinkles slowly returning after 10-12 weeks, while others maintain results for a full 4 months.

To continue enjoying smooth, wrinkle-free under eyes, you’ll need to schedule repeat Botox treatments every 3-4 months. This will involve receiving new injections to top up the Botox and paralyze the under eye muscles again. Regular maintenance appointments are necessary to keep your results looking fresh.

Many patients choose to add Botox under the eyes to their regular skin care routine after seeing the dramatic anti-aging effects. The treatment is safe to receive indefinitely, as long as proper aftercare guidelines are followed between appointments. Discuss your options for ongoing Botox maintenance with your provider to keep your under eye area line-free.

Aftercare

After receiving Botox injections under the eyes, it’s important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to ensure the best results. Here are some key tips:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after the procedure. Activities like weightlifting or high-intensity cardio can increase circulation and blood pressure, which can worsen swelling and bruising. Take it easy after your treatment.
• Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours post-treatment. Alcohol is a blood thinner, which can increase the risk of bruising. It’s best to lay off the drinks for the first day.
• Do not rub or massage the treated areas. This may displace the Botox and impact your results. Be very gentle when cleansing your face or applying makeup.
• Use cool compresses if you experience swelling, bruising or discomfort. A cold compress constricts blood vessels to reduce inflammation. But don’t overdo it—10 minutes on, 10 minutes off works well.
• Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness or swelling has subsided. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when going outside.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning side effects like drooping eyelids, vision issues, breathing problems or signs of infection. Most side effects are temporary, but it’s important your doctor monitors your response.

Following proper aftercare allows the Botox to settle in smoothly so you can enjoy natural-looking, wrinkle-free under eye results. Take it easy, avoid irritating the area and contact your provider with any lingering concerns. With a few simple precautions, you’ll be on your way to a more youthful eye appearance.

Botox Under Eyes Conclusion

Overall, Botox injections can be an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of under eye wrinkles and fine lines. When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, Botox offers several benefits:

• It’s a minimally invasive procedure with little downtime. Patients can return to normal activities right after treatment.
• Results are visible within days and last 3-6 months.
• Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles, smoothing out lines with natural-looking results.
• The procedure takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

However, Botox does come with some risks and potential side effects to consider:

• Pain, swelling, bruising at the injection site.
• Headache and flu-like symptoms.
• Drooping eyelid if the wrong muscles are injected.
• Temporary vision changes or blurriness.
• Need for repeated treatments every 3-6 months.

The ideal candidate for Botox under the eyes is someone in overall good health looking for a non-surgical way to soften moderate wrinkles in the under eye area. Patients should carefully review risks and benefits with a board certified plastic surgeon before proceeding. Choosing an experienced injector is key to ensuring proper technique and avoiding complications.

When performed correctly, Botox can be a safe and effective wrinkle treatment for the delicate under eye area. But it’s important to have realistic expectations and weigh the risks. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine if Botox is right for your particular under eye concerns.