Can You Get Botox Under Your Eyes? Everything You Need to Know

The area under your eyes can be one of the most telling signs of aging, stress, and fatigue. It’s no wonder that many people considering cosmetic treatments ask: “Can you get Botox under your eyes?” The short answer is yes, but it’s not quite as straightforward as treating frown lines or crow’s feet.

Under-eye Botox, while increasingly popular, requires a nuanced understanding of what it can and cannot do. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this delicate treatment, from how it works to whether it’s the right choice for your specific concerns.

Can You Get Botox Under Your Eyes?

Yes, Botox can be injected in the under-eye area, though this is considered an advanced, off-label treatment. The FDA has approved Botox for several facial areas, but under-eye applications fall outside these official indications.

That said, experienced practitioners commonly use Botox to address specific under-eye concerns. The key lies in precise placement and conservative dosing. The under-eye area contains delicate skin and muscles that require a skilled injector who understands the complex anatomy of this region.

The most common under-eye Botox treatment targets the orbicularis oculi muscle, the same muscle treated for crow’s feet, but focusing on the lower portion. When done correctly, it can create subtle improvements that help you look more refreshed and rested.

What It Treats

Under-eye Botox specifically addresses dynamic concerns, those related to muscle movement. Understanding what this treatment can actually improve helps set realistic expectations.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The primary target of under-eye Botox is the fine lines that appear when you smile or squint. These dynamic wrinkles form from repeated muscle contractions over time. By relaxing the lower portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle, Botox softens these expression lines.

Eye Bag Appearance

When you smile, the lower eyelid muscle can push upward, sometimes accentuating the appearance of under-eye bags or creating a bunching effect. Strategic Botox placement can minimize this bulging, creating a smoother contour when you smile.

Jelly Roll Effect

This term describes the small roll of skin and muscle that appears just below the lower lash line during certain expressions. Botox can relax this area, reducing the bunching effect and creating a more refined appearance.

Condition	Botox Effectiveness	Expected Results
💫 Dynamic wrinkles	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Visible smoothing in 3-7 days
👜 Muscle-related eye bags	⭐⭐⭐	Subtle reduction when smiling
🌊 Jelly roll	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Smoother lower lid contour
😊 Expression lines	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Softened lines during animation

What It Does NOT Treat

This is perhaps the most important section to understand. Many people seek under-eye Botox hoping to fix concerns that are actually beyond its scope.

Static Wrinkles and Creases

If your under-eye wrinkles are visible at rest, meaning they’re there even when your face is completely relaxed, Botox alone won’t eliminate them. These static lines require different treatments like laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or dermal fillers.

Dark Circles

Under-eye darkness typically stems from pigmentation, thin skin showing blood vessels, or shadowing from volume loss. Since Botox only affects muscles, it cannot address discoloration. You’ll need treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or topical brightening agents instead.

True Under-Eye Bags

Permanent puffiness or bags caused by fat protrusion or fluid retention won’t respond to Botox. These structural concerns may require lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or other interventions.

Hollowing or Volume Loss

The sunken, hollow appearance that creates under-eye shadows is a volume issue, not a muscle issue. Botox relaxes muscles but doesn’t add volume. This concern is better addressed with hyaluronic acid fillers or fat grafting.

Skin Texture and Laxity

Crepey, loose, or rough skin texture under the eyes is a skin quality issue. Botox won’t tighten or resurface the skin. Consider treatments like radiofrequency, microneedling, or topical retinoids instead.

Benefits

When used appropriately for the right concerns, under-eye Botox offers several compelling advantages.

Preventative Anti-Aging

By limiting muscle contractions that create dynamic wrinkles, Botox can slow the formation of permanent creases. Starting treatment before static wrinkles develop can help maintain a more youthful appearance long-term.

Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive

Unlike surgical options like blepharoplasty, Botox requires no incisions, anesthesia, or significant downtime. Most people return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

Quick Procedure

The injection process typically takes just 10-15 minutes. It’s genuinely a “lunchtime procedure” that fits easily into a busy schedule.

Natural-Looking Results

When performed by a skilled injector using conservative amounts, under-eye Botox creates subtle refinement rather than obvious changes. People often notice you look more rested without being able to pinpoint exactly why.

Temporary and Reversible

Botox effects last 3-4 months on average, then gradually wear off. If you’re not satisfied with the results, you can simply wait for them to fade rather than dealing with permanent changes.

Risks

Every cosmetic treatment carries potential risks, and the delicate under-eye area demands special consideration.

Drooping or Asymmetry

If too much Botox is used or it’s placed incorrectly, it can weaken muscles responsible for supporting the lower lid. This can cause the eyelid to droop or create an asymmetrical appearance.

Dry Eyes

Botox in the lower eyelid area can sometimes affect tear production or distribution, leading to dry, irritated eyes. This is typically temporary but can be uncomfortable.

Under-Eye Bulging

Paradoxically, if the wrong muscle fibers are relaxed, it can worsen the appearance of under-eye bags rather than improving them. This is why injector expertise is crucial.

Bruising and Swelling

The under-eye area has many small blood vessels, making bruising more likely. While usually minor and temporary, bruising can take 7-10 days to fully resolve.

Temporary Appearance Changes

During the first few days after treatment, mild swelling or an uneven appearance is common as the Botox settles. This usually resolves within a week.

Risk	Likelihood	Duration	Prevention
🔵 Bruising	Moderate	5-10 days	Choose experienced injector, avoid blood thinners
😴 Eyelid drooping	Low	2-4 weeks	Conservative dosing, precise placement
👁️ Dry eyes	Low	2-6 weeks	Discuss with injector, use lubricating drops
📊 Asymmetry	Low	3-4 months	Skilled practitioner, touch-up if needed

Key Considerations for Under-Eye Botox

Before scheduling your appointment, there are several important factors to weigh carefully.

Choose an Expert Injector

The under-eye area is not the place for beginners. Treatment should always be performed by a highly trained, experienced injector. 

This may include board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons, as well as advanced medical injectors working in reputable medical spas like Get Refreshed, where injectors are extensively trained in facial anatomy and advanced periorbital Botox techniques. 

Always ask to see before-and-after photos of under-eye work they have performed.

Understand the Off-Label Nature

Since this is an off-label use, your injector is relying on clinical experience and published studies rather than FDA-approved protocols. Make sure you’re comfortable with this and that your provider clearly explains the approach they’ll take.

Manage Your Expectations

Under-eye Botox produces subtle improvements, not dramatic transformations. It works best for dynamic wrinkles and muscle-related concerns. If you’re hoping for significant changes to bags, dark circles, or volume loss, you’ll need different treatments.

Consider Your Anatomy

Not everyone is a good candidate for under-eye Botox. Factors like existing lower lid laxity, previous eye surgeries, or certain medical conditions may make this treatment inappropriate for you. A thorough consultation is essential.

Plan for the Investment

Under-eye Botox typically requires more precision and expertise than other areas, which may be reflected in pricing. Additionally, since results last 3-4 months, consider the ongoing cost of maintenance treatments.

Timing Matters

Avoid scheduling under-eye Botox right before important events, as bruising and initial swelling are possible. Give yourself at least 2-3 weeks before any major occasions.

Alternatives

If under-eye Botox isn’t right for your specific concerns, several other treatments might better address your goals.

Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane or Juvéderm can address volume loss, hollowing, and shadowing under the eyes. They fill in the tear trough area, creating a smoother transition between the lower lid and cheek. Results last 9-12 months or longer.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Surgical eyelid surgery removes excess fat and skin, addressing true under-eye bags and significant sagging. This is a more invasive option with longer recovery but provides permanent structural changes.

Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments

For skin texture, fine static lines, and pigmentation concerns, resurfacing treatments can improve skin quality. Options range from mild peels to more aggressive CO2 laser resurfacing.

RF Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling stimulates collagen production and can tighten loose skin while improving texture. It’s effective for crepey under-eye skin that Botox cannot address.

Topical Treatments

For mild concerns, prescription retinoids, vitamin C serums, and peptide creams can improve skin texture and reduce fine lines over time. These work gradually but carry minimal risk.

Combination Approaches

Many patients achieve the best results by combining treatments. For example, Botox for dynamic wrinkles, filler for volume loss, and a chemical peel for skin texture creates comprehensive improvement.

Conclusion

So, can you get Botox under your eyes? Absolutely, but success depends on choosing the right candidate, the right injector, and having the right expectations. Under-eye Botox excels at softening dynamic wrinkles and reducing muscle-related concerns like the jelly roll effect. However, it won’t fix static wrinkles, dark circles, true eye bags, or volume loss.

The key to satisfaction lies in understanding what this treatment can and cannot do. When performed by an experienced injector on appropriate candidates, under-eye Botox offers a non-surgical way to achieve subtle, natural-looking refinement. However, if your concerns extend beyond muscle-related issues, exploring alternatives or combination treatments will likely yield better results.

As with any cosmetic procedure, thorough research and consultation with a qualified professional are essential. Take time to discuss your specific concerns, ask questions about risks and realistic outcomes, and ensure you’re comfortable with your provider’s experience and approach. 

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