Botox Under Eyes: An In-Depth Guide
Have you ever considered procedures to treat under-eye wrinkles, bags, and dark circles? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about cosmetic procedures for this area and their effectiveness in rejuvenating the delicate under-eye area. As Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, it is natural to consider its use in this area. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Botox under eyes, from what it can treat and what it can’t, to potential side effects, and more.
What Can Botox Treat?
Botox is a versatile cosmetic treatment that can address a variety of concerns. It is primarily used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, particularly those caused by repetitive muscle contractions, such as frown lines and crow’s feet. Botox can also be used to lift the brow area, treat excessive sweating, and minimize the appearance of neck bands. In some cases, it can even be used to alleviate chronic migraines.
What to Expect from a Botox Treatment
When considering Botox for any cosmetic purpose, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Botox is effective at softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it’s not a permanent solution. The effects typically last between three to four months, and you’ll need to repeat the treatment to maintain your desired results.
It’s also crucial to choose a skilled and experienced physician, ideally a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who specializes in Botox treatments. This ensures that you receive the appropriate dosage and injection technique for your individual needs and minimizes the risk of complications.
What to expect during a Botox Cosmetic treatment:
A Botox treatment is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that can usually be completed in less than 15 minutes. Before the treatment, your provider will clean the injection site and may apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. They will then use a thin needle to inject a small amount of Botox into the targeted muscles. Most patients report minimal pain, often describing the sensation as a slight pinch or sting.
During the treatment, your provider will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy and muscle movements to ensure the injections are placed accurately for optimal results. This helps to avoid complications and ensures a natural-looking outcome.
What to expect after a Botox Cosmetic Treatment:
After a Botox treatment, you can expect some mild redness and swelling at the injection sites, which should subside within a few hours. There may also be some bruising, which can last a few days. Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment, but it’s essential to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours. This can help prevent Botox from migrating to unintended areas.
Results from a Botox treatment typically begin to appear within a few days, with full effects visible within two weeks. As mentioned earlier, the effects usually last three to four months, and you’ll need to schedule follow-up treatments to maintain your results.
What is the mechanism of action of Botox?
Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. When injected into targeted facial muscles, Botox prevents these muscles from contracting, which in turn softens the appearance of wrinkles and lines caused by repetitive facial expressions.
How Botox Works and How It Can Be Used Under Eyes?
As previously mentioned, Botox works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. When it comes to the under-eye area, Botox can be used to relax the muscles that contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, such as those found in the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet). By doing so, the skin appears smoother and more youthful.
However, it’s essential to note that Botox is not always the best solution for every under-eye concern. For example, it may not be as effective in treating under-eye bags or dark circles, which are often caused by factors such as fat pads, skin laxity, or blood vessels rather than muscle contractions.
Can you use Botox under your eyes?
Yes, Botox can be used under the eyes in certain cases. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced provider to determine if using Botox under the eyes is the most appropriate treatment for your specific concerns. They will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy and consider factors such as skin laxity, muscle tone, and the cause of your wrinkles to determine the best course of action.
Does Botox work for crow’s feet?
Botox is an effective treatment for crow’s feet, which are the fine lines that radiate from the outer corners of the eyes. By relaxing the muscles responsible for these lines, Botox can significantly reduce their appearance and create a smoother, more youthful look.
Treating under-eye wrinkles with Botox
Botox can be an effective solution for treating under-eye wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as those related to facial expressions like smiling or squinting. By injecting Botox into the targeted muscles, the provider can temporarily relax these muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines in the under-eye area.
Botox Under Eyes, Under Eye Bags & Dark Circles
While Botox is effective in treating under-eye wrinkles related to muscle contractions, it’s not always the best solution for under-eye bags or dark circles. These concerns often stem from factors such as fat pads, skin laxity, or blood vessels, which Botox cannot address. In these cases, alternative treatments such as dermal fillers, or laser resurfacing treatments, or surgical options may be more appropriate.
Can you get Botox for under-eye bags?
Botox is not typically used to treat under-eye bags, as they are usually caused by factors unrelated to muscle contractions, such as fat pads or skin laxity. In these cases, other treatments such as dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or blepharoplasty surgery may be more effective in addressing under-eye bags.
Potential Side Effects of Botox
While Botox is generally considered safe when administered by a qualified and experienced provider, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These can include:
- Redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Temporary drooping of the lower eyelid or eyebrow
- Double vision or blurry vision
Most side effects are mild and temporary, but if you experience any severe or lasting symptoms, it’s essential to contact us immediately.
Can Botox cause bags under eyes?
In rare cases, Botox injections around the eye area can cause under-eye bags or under-eye puffiness. This can occur if the Botox migrates to unintended areas of the eye area or if too much is injected, causing the surrounding muscles to become too relaxed. To minimize the risk of this side effect, it’s crucial to choose a skilled, experienced, and board-certified provider who specializes in Botox treatments and understands facial anatomy
Who Can Get Botox Injected Under the Eye Area?
Individuals who are good candidates for Botox injections under the eye area include those with under-eye wrinkles caused by muscle contractions or crow’s feet. However, not everyone with under-eye concerns is a suitable candidate for a Botox injection. It’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced provider who can evaluate your facial anatomy and determine if Botox is the best treatment option for your specific concerns.
How much does Botox under eyes cost?
In the NYC office of The Dermatology and Laser Group Botox in one area can cost as low as $600.
How many units of Botox for under eyes?
The number of Botox units needed for under-eye treatment will depend on your individual needs and desired outcome. Typically, providers use fewer units for the delicate under-eye area compared to other facial areas, such as the forehead or frown lines. On average, 5 to 15 units of Botox per eye may be used to treat crow’s feet, while the amount needed for the under-eye area itself will depend on the severity of the wrinkles and your provider’s recommendations.
Botox Injections VS. Dermal Fillers for the Under Eye Treatment
Both Botox injections and dermal fillers can be used to address various under-eye concerns, but they work in different ways and are best suited for different issues:
Botox: As previously discussed, Botox is effective in treating wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as crow’s feet or under-eye lines related to facial expressions. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to relax the targeted muscles, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance smoother and younger skin.
Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products like Restylane or Juvederm, are used to add volume and smooth out wrinkles or hollow areas under the eyes. They can be particularly helpful in addressing under-eye bags or dark circles caused by volume loss or skin laxity.
Facial fillers work by plumping up the skin and providing younger skin and a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Ultimately, the choice between Botox and dermal fillers for under-eye treatment will depend on the specific concerns you want to address and the recommendation of your provider.
Botox for Under Eyes at The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City
At The Dermatology and Laser Group our expert Botox injector Dr. Arash Akhavan will be able to assess your under-eye area and help decide what the best course of action would be to address your concerns. With expertise in both injectables such as Botox injections and the use of fillers to address under-eye issues, as well as the use of aesthetic devices such as Tempsure or Ultherapy to treat the delicate skin of the under eye area we are confident that we can help find the best solution for most patients.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
