Getting Botox under the eyes is sometimes referred to as getting “jelly roll” Botox. The “jelly roll” refers to a slight bulge of muscle that appears under the eyes in some people when they squint or smile. Botox works by relaxing this muscle, thus producing a smoother skin surface and no bulge.
Of course, Botox around the eyes can achieve other goals as well. For example, it can help conceal dark undereye circles and reduce puffy undereye areas. One of the most common uses for the injectable Botox is in helping get rid of wrinkles — such as those on the forehead between the eyebrows (also known as 11 lines or glabellar lines) and crow’s feet: wrinkles on the outer corners of the eyes.
If you are considering getting Botox under your eyes to fix any of these issues, here are 5 things you should know before scheduling your appointment.
1. Botox works by relaxing the muscles.
If you are interested in getting Botox, it can help to understand exactly how this product works.
Basically, Botox directs itself to the nerves underneath the skin on your face. It targets these nerves and actually blocks certain chemical signals from them. This, in turn, cuts off their ability to contract, and that relaxation (instead of tense contraction) is what helps your skin appear smoother and less wrinkly.
If you have “jelly rolls” beneath your eyes, these muscles can appear smoother and less contracted with the help of Botox. The Botox targets the muscles, blocking their ability to contract, and helps the undereye area appear smoother.
2. Botox is actually a toxin (but it’s safe when administered by a professional).
Many patients don’t realize this, but Botox is actually a toxin called Botulinum toxin. It is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Fascinatingly, this is the same toxin that can cause botulism — the thing your mother always warned you about when a can of food was misshapen. Botulism is potentially life-threatening.
The good news is, Botox injections are safe when administered properly by professionals. In fact, not only can Botox fix fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also help with chronic migraines, severe sweating issues, uncontrolled blinking (a condition called blepharospasm), overactive bladder, and misaligned eyes (strabismus).
3. Botox may not be the best for undereye bags and dark circles.
While some patients may be interested in getting Botox injections to fix that dark, bluish color that can appear beneath the eyes, this type of injectable may not actually be the best solution. Likewise, Botox may not be the best solution for undereye bags either.
In fact, dermal fillers may actually work better than Botox in both of these cases. Dermal fillers help to plump up the skin. They can increase the volume beneath the eyes so that you can’t see those bags, and that dark bluish shadow won’t be so apparent either.
4. Not all doctors will use Botox under eyes.
Many doctors, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists have had great results using Botox under eyes. However, not everyone will perform this procedure.
The reason is that it’s technically an “off label procedure”. In other words, Botox is not officially approved for this use and may be linked to some possible risks including lower lid sagging and blinking issues. Talk with your surgeon to see whether this use for Botox is right for you.
5. You’ll need to keep getting Botox if you want consistent results.
Some types of cosmetic surgery and other aesthetic procedures are basically permanent. Rhinoplasty, for example, is going to last forever in nearly all cases.
When it comes to injectables like Botox, however, your results will not be permanent. Rather, you will need to go back to Dr. Lahar for another Botox session after about three to four months.
In some cases, certain patients may be able to go a bit longer — say around four to six months — before they need more injections. And rarely, there will be a patient who needs more injections after only about two months. As a rule, we recommend getting Botox around three to four times a year if you want consistent results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox Around Eyes?
In general, Botox candidates must be 18 years old or older and in good physical health. It’s important not to have a history of neuromuscular conditions, and patients should not be pregnant or nursing either.
Finally, it’s crucial that those getting Botox under eyes have good support in their eyelids and healthy eyelid muscles. Drooping, sagging eyelids with loose skin may react badly to Botox. However, other solutions may be available, so do not hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Lahar to see what can work for you.
FAQ: Botox Around Eyes
How long does Botox take to work under eyes?
Most patients will see results from Botox under eyes after around ten to fourteen days. However, you may begin to see positive changes in your undereye area in as few as three to four days.
When can I wear makeup after Botox around eyes?
Your doctor will tell you to avoid the use of makeup directly after Botox. You should also avoid touching your face at all. This will give the Botox time to work. After about three days, you can usually begin wearing makeup and touching your face as usual again.
Is filler or Botox better for circles under the eyes?
It depends on the exact issue you’re facing. If depressed areas like bags are an issue you’d like to correct, fillers might be better because they have a knack for plumping areas up. On the other hand, Botox is better at relaxing the facial muscles and smoothing out wrinkles.
Find Out if You’re a Good Candidate for Botox
Think Botox could help you with “jelly rolls” under the eyes or other skin issues like dark circles, bags, 11 lines, or crow’s feet?
Contact Dr. Nicholas Lahar of Beverly Hills today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Lahar will give you a short physical exam and discuss your goals with you before making a recommendation. Call today to book your appointment!
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/botox-around-the-eyes-and-its-results
https://medlineplus.gov/botox.html
