If the area under your eyes is one of concern, yet surgery is not in the cards for you (for whatever reason), consider under eye Botox, which may be the next best thing. Super versatile Botox, which is generally reserved more for reducing the look of wrinkles caused by repeat facial movements, can also treat the under-eye area, leaving it smoother and less wrinkly looking. Skin texture improves by injecting the under eyes with Botox, and wrinkles seemingly disappear when smiling. Although under eye Botox produces stellar results, it should only be performed by an expert injector. If you’re considering the treatment, here’s everything you need to know before getting under eye Botox.
How Botox Under Eye Injections Work
If small pockets persist under the eyes that seem to emerge every time you smile, you may benefit from Botox. This treatment, which targets these small rolls, also known as Jelly Rolls, temporarily paralyzes the muscle bulge under the eyes that can occur when smiling or squinting. Undereye Botox temporarily improves the area to make that puffy look less apparent and soften the skin.
During under eye Botox injection treatment, a small amount of the neurotoxin is injected precisely into the lower eyelid muscle just under the lash line. The result is less bunching under the eyes when smiling, so the skin appears smooth and wrinkle-free with less of a crinkly texture, too.
Treatment Details
With under eye Botox, only a small amount of the toxin needs to be injected to see the results. The ideal candidate for the treatment has healthy eyelids, good structural support, and minimal skin elasticity under the eyes.
During the treatment (topical numbing cream can be used first, if you need it, to make the treatment more comfortable), which takes only a few minutes at most, a small needle is used to make one or two injections of Botox into the orbicularis muscle which sits around the eye. You’ll feel a quick pinch but no pain or residual discomfort.
The result is a skin-smoothing effect that surfaces in about one week (or quicker, for some) and lasts anywhere from three to four months. Naturally, the results of under eye Botox may wear away sooner for some than others, as with Botox injected anywhere in the face. Muscle activity, metabolism, and sun exposure can all influence the duration of the results, so maintenance injections are recommended to keep the area wrinkle-free.
Potential Risks and Considerations
You must be deemed a candidate for under eye Botox before your treatment. While some people think that under eye Botox is right for them, if a loss of volume and control is an issue, fillers are better suited for that. It also won’t improve dark circles under the eyes since under eye Botox focuses on muscle movement to limit wrinkles and does not affect how light reflects off the area. Also, each patient’s facial anatomy and aesthetic goals differ, so a customized treatment plan that targets your specific needs and concerns will result in the best outcome.
Botox, no matter where on the face it is injected, comes with the same potential side effects and risks, and under eye Botox is no exception. With the treatment, there may be some minimal redness, swelling, and bruising, which usually subsides on its own after a few days. But if too much Botox is injected under the eyes, the eyes can appear swollen and puffier, and any under-eye bags may be more pronounced. There’s also the rare risk of blurry vision or dry eye syndrome.
Under eye Botox should only be administered by an expert injector. That’s because the skin under the eyes is extremely fragile and sensitive, and you should only trust a qualified and experienced injector who understands the anatomy of the under eyes to minimize risks and achieve optimal results.
Under Eye Botox Aftercare and Recovery
The aftercare instructions to follow post-under eye Botox are minimal and easy to follow. Make sure not to massage the area but ice it to keep bruising and swelling at bay. It’s also safe to wear makeup under the eyes about one day after getting your injections, but avoid wearing it for the first 24 hours.
Within a few days, you’ll see the undereye become smoother with fewer fine lines and wrinkles and a refreshed look. You’ll still be able to smile and squint like normal, but any skin bunching under the eyes will no longer be visible. To maintain the results, repeat injections every three to four months are necessary, so make sure to establish a pattern of repeat injections to keep your eyes looking fresh and smooth.
