Injecting Botox under the eyes to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles around them
Can Botox injections be used to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, just as they may smooth out lines around the eyes and lips?
Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, causes contraction of the muscles that create wrinkles and fine lines.
Botox reduces wrinkles formed in the following areas underneath:
- The distance between the eyebrows
- Forehead
- Corner of the eyes
- Around the mouth
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved under-eye Botox for cosmetic purposes and has conducted limited research on its effectiveness and potential side effects. In this article, we will delve into what we know so far about the use of under-eye Botox, including its potential side effects and alternatives.
How does Botox work?
Each vial of Botox contains three main ingredients: Botulinum toxin type A, human albumin, and sodium chloride. The active ingredient with the most significant impact is Botulinum toxin type A. When Botox is injected into muscles, it blocks the nerve pathways responsible for muscle contractions. As a result, the muscle is unable to move, leading to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
Uses of Botox
Botox can only reduce wrinkles and fine lines in areas of facial movement. Physicians typically use it for lines between the eyebrows (Glabellar Lines), forehead lines, as well as crow’s feet lines around the eyes. Botox is not a permanent solution for removing wrinkles and fine lines. After 3-6 months, nerve blockages cease, and muscles begin to contract again. To maintain these results, an individual needs further injections. Additionally, Botox is used to treat various conditions, from migraines to overactive bladder.
How effective can under-eye Botox be?
The injection of Botox for treating puffiness or dark circles under the eyes has not been approved by the FDA. Therefore, researchers have conducted limited studies on this type of application, and physicians are uncertain about its effectiveness.
A study in 2003 aimed to determine the effectiveness of injecting Botox around and under the eyes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The injection was performed on 19 female participants. Those who received injections on their lower eyelids and crow’s feet lines reported more positive results than those who only received injections on their lower eyelids.
Research Results
These results indicate that Botox injections can help fill in under-eye bags and reduce wrinkles and puffiness. Researchers also measured the effects of different amounts of Botox on under-eye bags. Patients experienced the most significant results when receiving 8 units of Botox, but they also experienced the highest level of side effects. Other research is also available regarding Botox injections under the eyes.
Cost of Under-Eye Botox
The cost of Botox varies based on the region and the specialist administering it. The cost of Botox does not only include the medication; it also encompasses the specialist’s time, administrative space, and other materials used.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average price of Botox injections ranges from $200 to $1400 in the United States. Additionally, the price will vary based on the clinic’s location. Before undergoing Botox injections, it is possible to request a price estimate. Furthermore, a Botox injection specialist can provide a reasonable assessment of how Botox is used and the duration of injections.
Side Effects
Since the FDA has not approved Botox for under-eye injections, there is no comprehensive research on the safety of this type of injection. This delicate area poses risks of Botox injections around the eyes, including:
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Eye numbness
- Swelling of the lower eyelids
- Some known side effects of Botox include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Pain at the injection site
Redness
Individuals with specific chronic conditions should not receive Botox injections. These conditions include peripheral amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, as well as myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Alternatives
Home remedies and other injectable medications can serve as alternatives to under-eye Botox. Considering the desired effect is essential. For example, techniques that reduce under-eye wrinkles and fine lines are very different from methods that brighten dark circles around the eyes.
Conclusion
Under-eye Botox injections are not approved. Botox is typically used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in areas with significant muscle movement. Its effects may be less pronounced when injected under the eyes compared to other areas like the forehead. Before getting Botox injections under the eyes, it’s essential for individuals to consult with a specialized physician about the treatment, risks, and benefits.