A holy grail cosmetic injectable, BOTOX® is one of the most popular skin rejuvenating treatments—and for good reasons. BOTOX® is a nonsurgical procedure that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with little to no downtime.
Because of its widespread popularity, we believe it’s important to educate patients on what to expect from under-eye BOTOX® and how to determine if it’s the right fit. Whether you’re considering getting BOTOX® for the first time or are a BOTOX® aficionado, here are three expert tips to help you navigate BOTOX® under the eyes.
Understanding BOTOX® Treatment for the Under-Eye Area
BOTOX® in Cedar Park, TX also known as botulinum toxin, is a neuromodulator that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for fine lines and wrinkles. While it’s widely known for smoothing forehead lines and crow’s feet, BOTOX® under the eyes can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the appearance of crow’s feet, and renew your eye area for a refreshed, youthful look.
However, the skin under the eyes is incredibly delicate, making this area more challenging to treat. Unlike other facial areas, administering BOTOX® under the eyes requires a precise approach to prevent unwanted side effects such as a droopy lower eyelid. That’s why a candid conversation with an experienced provider about your goals and expectations is key to achieving safe and natural-looking results.
It’s important to note that BOTOX® under the eyes should not be used to treat dark circles or undereye bags. In these cases, dermal fillers can help plump the skin, restoring volume to the under-eye areas.
Tips for Preparing for BOTOX® Under Your Eyes
1. Consult With an Experienced Injector
Not all providers are trained to administer BOTOX® under the eyes safely. Because the skin and muscles of the eye area are so delicate, working with an experienced aesthetic provider ensures that the treatment is performed correctly and tailored to your needs.
When selecting a provider, consider the following:
- Their experience, specifically with BOTOX® under the eyes
- Their approach to achieving natural results
- Patient testimonials and before-and-after photos
At The Aesthetic Edit, we co-create your treatment plans based on your aesthetic goals while upholding the highest safety standards. We believe in subtle enhancements that maintain your natural expressions while reducing unwanted signs of aging.
2. Prepare for Your Treatment
Proper preparation can enhance your results and minimize potential side effects. Before your BOTOX® appointment, follow these steps:
- Avoid Blood Thinners: Refrain from alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning medications for at least 48 hours before treatment. This will help reduce the risk of bruising.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports skin health and may aid in recovery.
- Skip Harsh Skincare Products: Avoid retinoids or strong exfoliants near the under-eye area for a few days before your treatment.
- Discuss Your Concerns: Be honest with your provider about your desired results, medical history, and any previous experiences with BOTOX®.
By preparing your skin and body beforehand, you set the stage for optimal results and a smoother recovery process.
3. Know What To Expect During and After Treatment
As a minimally invasive procedure, the BOTOX® under-the-eyes injection process is quick and painless—we’re talking 10-15 minutes. Your expert injector will apply a topical anesthetic cream to numb the injection sites. Then, using a fine needle, they will administer small amounts of BOTOX® to the under-eye area. Best of all, you’ll be back to your regular activities in no time.
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid Rubbing or Massaging the Area: This can cause the BOTOX® to spread to unintended muscles.
- Skip Intense Workouts for 24 Hours: Exercising too soon after treatment can increase circulation and potentially affect the results.
- Don’t Bend Down for 4 Hours: It takes time for BOTOX® to bind to the targeted muscles, so avoid bending down to reduce the risk of BOTOX® paralyzing the wrong muscles. Instead, try to keep your head in an upright or elevated position for at least 4 hours.
- Keep Hydrated: Proper hydration can help keep your skin hydrated and can aid in the recovery process.
- Avoid Alcohol and Nicotine: These can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bruising and swelling and leading to a slower healing process.
- Take Tylenol to Reduce Pain: Most BOTOX® under-eye side effects typically resolve on their own within a few hours or days. However, if needed, Tylenol can help reduce pain.
If you experience any side effects, such as mild swelling or bruising, they typically subside within a few days. Should you have any concerns, our team at The Aesthetic Edit is always available to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BOTOX® work to improve the appearance under the eyes?
BOTOX® temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for fine lines and wrinkles. When used under the eyes, BOTOX® can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet, creating a smoother, more youthful look.
What are the potential risks or side effects of BOTOX® under the eyes?
While generally safe, it’s important to note that BOTOX® is not FDA-approved to be used under the eyes. Common FDA-approved BOTOX® treatment areas include forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet, as well as vertical bands between the neck and jaw. However, practitioners and patients have seen positive smoothing results from using BOTOX® under the eyes when administered by an experienced licensed healthcare professional.
BOTOX® under-eye side effects can include mild bruising, swelling, pain, or redness at the injection sites. In rare cases, BOTOX® under-eye risks include lower lid and eyebrow sagging, eye dryness, swelling of the eyelid, or muscle weakness. It’s important to speak to your Aesthetic Edit experienced injector to discuss if this treatment is right for you, its limitations, and possible side effects.
How soon can I see results after getting BOTOX® under my eyes?
Unlike fillers, BOTOX® results take a few days to settle in. You may start noticing positive results under the eyes within 24-48 hours, with full results in 30 days that last up to 4 months.
BOTOX® Under the Eyes With The Aesthetic Edit
At The Aesthetic Edit, we are committed to curating transformative treatments that echo your inner beauty, including advanced neuromodulator treatments for the under-eye area. While we currently do not offer BOTOX®, we provide a variety of alternative neuromodulator options that can be tailored to your aesthetic goals. Book a consultation with us today to explore the best fit for your needs and co-create a customized plan that enhances your natural beauty.
