Botox, a treatment for wrinkles and fine lines, is one of the most sought-after non-surgical procedures worldwide. It is FDA-approved for three areas: the forehead, between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. However, medical providers use it in off-label procedures for other areas. One such treatment is Botox under eyes – an extension of the procedure for crow’s feet.
This article explains how Botox under the eyes works for those pesky little wrinkles that develop due to muscle activity and changes in your skin.
How Does Botox Under the Eyes Work?
Botox is a neurotoxin injection that stops the signals from the nerves to the muscles which create wrinkles by contracting. Without signals for moving, the muscles relax, smoothing the skin that covers them.
The under-eye area is sensitive and partially controlled by the muscle that controls the lower eyelid. Injecting Botox in this muscle requires a careful and experienced provider to avoid a droopy lower eyelid.
Botox is not a permanent solution, as its effects wear off over time. This means that the nerve signals are restored, and the muscles begin to contract again, bringing back wrinkles. If you want to maintain results, you need to receive another treatment after several months.
The Benefits of Botox Under the Eyes
Under-eye Botox is an effective solution for fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes caused by muscle movement and repeated expressions like laughing and squinting.
The procedure provides the following benefits.
1. Elimination of Wrinkles Under the Eyes
Botox under the eyes limits the movement of muscles partially controlling the lower lid and pulling on the skin underneath. This helps smooth the area and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The treatment is usually performed in addition to Botox for crow’s feet for patients with prominent wrinkles extending from the outer eye corners.
2. Restored Elasticity in This Area
The smoothened under-eye area is softer and appears more elastic.
3. Reduced Appearance of Under-Eye Bags and Dark Circles
Under-eye Botox primarily targets fine lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction. It doesn’t eliminate dark circles and bagginess in this area. However, by tightening and rejuvenating the skin under the eyes, Botox may help improve the appearance of bags and hollows under the eyes.
4. Natural-Looking Results
The patients experience a subtle, natural-looking change that significantly contributes to a more youthful appearance without calling attention to what has been done.
5. A Quick, Minimally Invasive Procedure
Botox is known as the “lunchtime treatment” because patients can schedule it during their lunch break. It typically takes less than half an hour. The needles are small and cause little discomfort.
6. No Downtime
One of the greatest benefits of Botox is that patients can resume their activities right after the procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox Under the Eyes?
There are not many specific requirements for Botox patients.
Generally, they need to be healthy and over the age of 18. In this context, “healthy” means without serious health conditions, chronic neuromuscular issues, and allergies to Botulinum toxin.
Both men and women are good candidates for Botox treatments, and Botox for men is becoming more and more popular.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, please wait before getting Botox. Medical professionals don’t know enough about the effects of Botox on unborn and nursing babies.
How to Prepare for Botox Under the Eyes?
As a non-surgical procedure, Botox doesn’t require any special preparations or recovery time. The general guidelines include avoiding blood thinners (e.g., ibuprofen), alcohol, retinol, and harsh chemical treatments before the procedure.
Note: Find more detailed information on how to prepare for Botox.
Botox Under the Eyes: The Procedure
All Botox procedures are swift and simple.
First, you visit your chosen medical provider, have a conversation about your goals and expectations, and establish a treatment plan.
Your cosmetic professional may use a topical anesthetic cream or ice to numb the injection site. The needles they use are tiny. Nevertheless, they can cause some discomfort.
The provider injects Botox into the intended muscle. For this procedure, only two or four units of Botox are usually injected on each side. This is very little in comparison to other treatments, such as those for forehead lines and frown lines. Higher doses in this area may increase the risk of complications, so it’s better to stick to small, proven doses.
Once the injections for crow’s feet and the under-eye area are completed, you can go back to your normal activities.
The Results of Botox Under the Eyes
Botox has an onset time of about seven to fourteen days. This means that full results typically become apparent within two weeks.
The effects of Botox are not permanent, and they will last for about three to four months. If you like the results, you can maintain them by having Botox injected again after several months.
Botox Under the Eyes Aftercare
To maximize the results and minimize the risk of side effects, doctors recommend following these simple practices after the Botox treatment:
- Refrain from vigorous physical activity.
- Don’t bend down for four hours.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid rubbing the treated area.
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine.
- Take Tylenol for pain, if needed.
Note: Our blog post on Botox aftercare provides more tips on how to relieve Botox side effects and ensure the best results.
Botox Under the Eyes Side Effects
Botox is a medicine, and as such, it can have side effects ranging from mild and common to those requiring an urgent medical response.
The risks of under-eye Botox include:
- Eye drooping
- Eye numbness
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Difficulty closing the eyes
Other common side effects of Botox include:
- Bleeding
- Flu-like symptoms (dizziness, fainting, muscle weakness)
- Pain at the sites of injections
- Bruising and swelling
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Nausea
The majority of people treated don’t suffer any side effects. If the symptoms persist, contact your medical provider immediately.
How Much Does Under Eye Botox Cost?
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Botox costs $13.5 per unit. Treating crow’s feet usually requires 16-24 units, and Botox for the under-eye area usually requires up to 16 units. That means that the total treatment price amounts to approximately $540 per session.
The price differs in different locations and based on the area treated. The state of your wrinkles and muscles also influence the number of units required and the total price.
If you’re in Phoenix, take a look at our pricing list and keep an eye on our monthly and holiday specials. We sometimes offer discounts on Botox.
Conclusion
Botox under the eyes is sometimes performed as an extension of Botox for crow’s feet to ensure the entire area is smooth, wrinkle-free, and rejuvenated. The treatment is not yet FDA-approved and the area is sensitive, so it is paramount to seek a highly skilled medical provider for the procedure.
