Getting Botox under the eyes is sometimes called “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 puffiness under the eyes. One of the most common uses for the injectable Botox is to help 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 at the outer corners of the eyes.
Contents
- 1 Five things to know
- 1.1 Botox works by relaxing the muscles.
- 1.2 Botox is actually a toxin (but it’s safe when administered by a professional).
- 1.3 Botox may not be the best for undereye bags and dark circles.
- 1.4 Not all doctors will use Botox under the eyes.
- 1.5 You’ll need to keep getting Botox if you want consistent results.
- 2 Who is a good candidate for Botox around the eyes?
- 3 Find out if you’re a good candidate for Botox
- 4 FAQ
- 5 References
Five things to know
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.
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 targets the nerves underneath the skin on your face. It targets these nerves and blocks certain chemical signals. 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.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Botox injections around the eyes work by temporarily reducing muscle activity to smooth the skin and soften the appearance of fine lines.
If you have “jelly rolls” beneath your eyes, these muscles can appear smoother and less contracted with the help of Botox. Botox targets the muscles, blocking their ability to contract, helping the undereye area appear smoother.
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 that Botox injections are safe when administered properly by professionals. The Mayo Clinic notes that, in addition to cosmetic applications, Botox has established medical uses. This includes the treatment of chronic migraines, severe sweating, uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm), an overactive bladder, and misaligned eyes (strabismus).
“The safety profile of Botox, when administered by a board-certified plastic surgeon, is well established. In our practice, we take the time during every consultation to walk patients through exactly what Botox does and doesn’t do, so there are no surprises.”
– Dr. Lahar
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 work better than Botox in both 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.
A clinical overview published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) highlights that hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are particularly well-suited for restoring volume to hollow or shadowed undereye areas.
This is one of the most common points of confusion we see in consultations. Patients come in asking for Botox when a filler would give them the result they’re picturing. Getting the right treatment starts with an honest conversation about your anatomy and your goals.
– Dr. Lahar
Not all doctors will use Botox under the eyes.
Many doctors, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists have had great results using Botox under the 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.
The Mayo Clinic advises that Botox should only be administered by a licensed, experienced medical professional to minimize the risk of complications, particularly in sensitive areas such as the undereye region. Talk with your surgeon to see whether this use of Botox is right for you.
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.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the effects of Botox typically last three to four months, after which muscle activity gradually returns, and repeat treatment is needed to maintain results.
In some cases, certain patients may be able to go a bit longer — say, around 4 to 6 months — before they need more injections. And rarely, a patient may need 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.
Most of our patients settle into a comfortable rhythm of three to four sessions per year. Over time, some find they can stretch their appointments a little further as the muscles gradually respond to consistent treatment.
– Dr. Lahar
Who is a good candidate for Botox around the eyes?
In general, Botox candidates must be 18 years old or older and in good physical health. It’s important to avoid a history of neuromuscular conditions, and patients should also not be pregnant or nursing.
Finally, it’s crucial that those getting Botox under their eyes have good support in their eyelids and healthy eyelid muscles. Drooping, sagging eyelids with loose skin may be poorly responsive to Botox. However, other solutions may be available; do not hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Lahar to see what works best for you.
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 brief physical exam and discuss your goals before making a recommendation. Call today to book your appointment!
FAQ
How long does Botox take to work under the eyes?
Most patients will see results from Botox under the 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 the eyes?
Your doctor will tell you to avoid using makeup directly after Botox. You should also avoid touching your face at all. This will give the Botox time to work. After about 3 days, you can usually resume wearing makeup and touching your face as usual.
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 up areas. On the other hand, Botox is better at relaxing the facial muscles and smoothing out wrinkles.