Could a few carefully placed botox injections make your eyes look fresher without changing how you express yourself? Yes, for the right candidate and the right technique, under-eye botox can soften crinkling and brighten the periorbital area, though it is not a universal fix and works best as part of a tailored plan.
I have treated thousands of patients seeking a more rested look around their eyes. The under-eye region is a tricky spot. Skin is thin, muscle action is complex, and small dosing differences create outsized effects. Done well, botox under the eyes can reduce fine creases and help the eyes look more open and smooth. Done poorly, it can cause smile asymmetry, creeping lines in odd places, or a heavy, tired look. The nuances matter, from patient selection and dosing to expectations and aftercare.
What “under-eye botox” actually means
When people say “botox under the eyes,” they often mean two adjacent but different targets. First is the lateral orbicularis oculi, the muscle responsible for crow’s feet and part of the smile lines at the corners. Treating crow’s feet with botox cosmetic is very common and has a solid safety profile when performed by experienced injectors. Second is the infraorbital region just below the lash line, where delicate skin creases and accordion lines show when you smile or squint. Treating this central under-eye area is more controversial because even small amounts of botulinum toxin can weaken support in a region that already has thin skin and fat atrophy with age.
In practice, most “under-eye” requests involve a blend: softening crow’s feet at the outer corners with a few units of botulinum toxin treatment, sometimes with micro botox or baby botox dots beneath the eye to reduce superficial crinkling. The number of units is lower than you might expect, typically in the range of 2 to 6 total units per side for the under-eye portion, while crow’s feet often take 6 to 12 per side. Dosing varies by product and patient.
What botox can and cannot fix under the eyes
Botox therapy shines for motion lines. If your under-eye lines deepen when you grin, laugh, or squint, botulinum injection can soften that movement and smooth the surface. If your concern is hollowing, dark circles from volume loss, festoons, or skin laxity, botox is not the primary tool. Those issues usually respond better to fillers, energy-based devices, skin tightening, or surgical options.
I ask patients to show me three faces: neutral, half-smile, and full smile. If lines only appear with a full smile and disappear at rest, we can usually get a nice improvement with conservative botox face treatment. If lines are etched even when resting, you likely need a plan that mixes neurotoxin treatment with skin quality work, such as fractional laser, microneedling with radiofrequency, or medical-grade skincare. Pigmentation and vascular show-through create the “tired look,” and those https://batchgeo.com/map/allure-medical-botox-raleigh do not respond to botox injections. You might need a brightening regimen, vascular laser, or tear trough filler in skilled hands.
The anatomy behind safe injecting
Under the eye, the orbicularis oculi acts like a muscular ring. It helps you blink, squint, and smile. Weakening this ring too much can lead to changes in blinking mechanics and create fluid pooling or a widened, startled look. That is why experienced injectors stay superficial and conservative. Micro botox or baby botox uses very diluted product in tiny droplets to affect the most superficial muscle fibers and sebaceous activity without heavy paralysis. The injection plane matters. Too deep and you risk hitting the wrong layer and spreading to the levator or other structures, which can drop the eyelid or cause awkward smile changes.
I never chase millimeter precision around the eye without allowing time for product to settle and show its true effect. The approach is measured: start with lower units, reassess at two weeks, then consider a touch up. The under-eye region rewards patience and restraint.
What a typical botox appointment looks like
A thorough botox consultation sets the tone. We discuss your goals, review your botox before and after photos from prior treatments if you have them, and analyze your smile dynamics. I ask about dry eye, contact lens use, sinus problems, nasal obstruction, history of eyelid surgery, migraines, and any past neurotoxin treatment. People who already struggle with dry eye or have lower eyelid laxity might be poor candidates for central under-eye injections.
The botox procedure itself usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Makeup is removed, skin is cleansed, and you sit at about a 45-degree angle so your expressions are natural. I mark landmarks while you smile and relax. For crow’s feet, I place several small injections in a fan pattern that follows the outer orbital rim. If we are addressing light creasing directly under the eye, I use a highly superficial technique with microdroplets placed a few millimeters below the lash line, staying lateral and avoiding the medial canthus.
Discomfort is minimal, similar to a series of tiny pinches. You may see a few pinprick marks. Bruising is possible, especially if you take supplements that thin blood or if you bruise easily. Cold compresses help. You can go back to work or errands right away, but I usually advise avoiding intense exercise for 12 to 24 hours.
When results show and how long they last
Botox results begin to show around day 3 to 5 and reach peak effect at about day 10 to 14. Under the eyes, you will notice less bunching when you smile and a smoother eyelid-cheek junction in photos. The full effect feels subtle but fresh, like you slept well and wore a light concealer that never creases. Duration ranges from 8 to 14 weeks in this area. A realistic average is about 3 months, often shorter than botox forehead or botox for frown lines because the orbicularis oculi is a busy muscle that we engage for every blink.
Your maintenance plan might include a botox touch up every 3 to 4 months, or you can time a botox appointment around events such as weddings and photos. Some patients extend longevity by pairing with skincare that improves elasticity and hydration. Others prefer micro botox spacing every 8 to 10 weeks for a consistently feather-light effect.
Safety, risks, and who should skip it
Botox safety is strong when you stick with medical botox under experienced supervision. Still, under-eye treatments carry particular risks. Smile asymmetry, lower eyelid weakness, worsened puffiness, dry eye, and even double vision are possible if product diffuses in the wrong direction or dosing is too high. These issues are usually temporary but can last several weeks. People with severe dry eye, eyelid laxity, or a history of facial nerve palsy should approach cautiously, if at all. If you have an upcoming eye surgery or an active eye infection, delay treatment.
I screen for migraine, because botox migraine treatment uses different patterns and higher total units across the head and neck. Botox for sweating near the forehead or scalp can also interact with the periorbital plan, so we coordinate sessions to avoid stacking diffusion risks around the eye. Medications like blood thinners or high-dose fish oil can increase bruising. Let your injector know everything you take, including supplements.
Cost, value, and the real economics
Botox cost depends on geography, provider experience, and the product used. For crow’s feet alone, expect a range that reflects 12 to 24 units total across both sides. Central under-eye micro botox often adds 4 to 10 units. Practices price either per unit or per area. Per-unit pricing gives transparency on exactly how much you receive. Per-area pricing bundles the assessment and technique. The under-eye zone requires more finesse and sometimes more frequent follow up, so a practice that charges a premium for that expertise is not unreasonable.
Value becomes clear when you look at photographic consistency. Under-eye botox often pays dividends in close-up photos where flash highlights texture. If you use concealer daily and still see crinkling lines catch the light, smoothing that microfiber creasing can make your makeup sit better. That practical result botox near me matters more than abstract unit counts.
Before and after: what to look for in photos
I always guide patients on evaluating botox before and after images. First, check for consistent lighting, angles, and expression. Crow’s feet and under-eye results are expression-dependent. A half-smile vs a full smile can make any result look exaggerated or underwhelming. Second, look at the transition from the lower eyelid to the upper cheek. A good result keeps the natural curve while softening sharp accordion lines, without collapsing the cheek when smiling.
A red flag in photos is a flat, frozen lower face or a strange heaviness near the outer corner, where the smile should lift. The goal is botox natural results, not a mask. Ask to see a range of ages and skin types, including people with similar concerns to yours, whether you are interested in botox for women, botox for men, or preventative botox in your late 20s and early 30s.
How under-eye botox compares with fillers and other options
Botox vs fillers is one of the most common questions in this area. If your main complaint is hollowing or a tear trough groove, hyaluronic acid filler placed deep along the orbital rim can help. Filler restores volume and reduces shadow, while botox reduces muscle-driven crinkling. Often the best outcomes blend both, but sequencing matters. If laxity and texture are issues, energy-based treatments can support the skin so that both botox and filler look more natural.
There are also botox alternatives for specific goals. If oiliness and visible pores on the upper cheeks emphasize creasing, micro botox can be feathered into the skin for subtle tightening. If you mainly have hyperpigmentation, a series of peels or targeted laser is a better first move. If you have festoons or malar edema, neurotoxin is not the answer. An oculoplastic consultation might steer you toward surgery or lymphatic management strategies.
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For patients with widespread dynamic lines, a botox full face plan might include treatments across the upper face and lower face: botox forehead for horizontal lines, botox between eyebrows for the 11s, botox for bunny lines on the nose, a botox lip flip for a softer upper lip edge, botox chin for dimpling, and botox masseter for jawline slimming or botox for jaw clenching. When the whole canvas is balanced, under-eye work looks more harmonious and natural.
Technique details that separate good from great
I often favor micro botox in the central under-eye region, diluted and delivered with very shallow injections. This allows subtle smoothing without heavy weakening. For crow’s feet, I consider your smile vector. If your smile lifts vertically, I protect that vector by placing points slightly posterior and inferior to the orbital rim to avoid flattening the smile. If your smile pulls more horizontally, I distribute points to prevent “dog ear” creases.
Dosing is conservative at first. A small touch up two weeks later is safer than trying to nail the entire effect in one session. The total units are less important than the distribution. A common mistake is dumping all the units into the outer crow’s feet, which can migrate and affect cheek smile lines. Strategic spacing achieves botox smoothing and tightening without trading one crease for another.
Aftercare that actually makes a difference
Post-treatment, I ask patients to keep their head upright for four hours, avoid rubbing around the eyes, and skip strenuous workouts or saunas that day. Light makeup is fine after a few hours if the skin is not irritated. If you bruise, a small bruise under the eye can look dramatic but fades within a few days. Topical arnica can help. If you feel dry eye symptoms, use preservative-free artificial tears for several days. Let your provider know if you notice any eyelid heaviness, double vision, odd smile changes, or persistent dryness beyond a week.
Think of botox aftercare as protecting your investment. The product needs time to bind and exert its effect. Yoga inversions right after treatment are not worth the risk of product drift. Sleep on your back the first night if you can. These are small steps, but they preserve symmetry and clean outcomes.
Setting realistic expectations
Botox anti-aging in the under-eye zone does not erase time. It softens the marks of expression that make cameras unforgiving. Expect a 25 to 40 percent improvement in dynamic lines, sometimes more in younger skin with strong elasticity. If you have deeper etching, lasers or peels will do more for texture, while neurotoxin handles the motion component. Your injector should tell you plainly if botox alone will not meet your goals.
If you are in your mid-20s to early 30s and considering preventative botox, be selective about under-eye treatments. Crow’s feet respond beautifully to low-dose maintenance and can slow line formation over the years. But over-treating the central under-eye area early can alter blink mechanics and crowd out options later. Light touch, long view.
Special cases: allergies, contact lenses, and seasonal timing
Spring allergy season often brings squinting and rubbing. Treating crow’s feet with botox during heavy allergy months can be helpful, but the inhaled antihistamines and added ocular dryness can complicate under-eye dosing. I sometimes advise delaying central under-eye work until allergies calm, then maintain with lower units. Contact lens wearers who remove and insert lenses daily need to be careful not to rub the lower lids for several days after treatment.
If you plan a beach vacation or photoshoot, time your botox appointment two to three weeks in advance. That gives you a cushion for any small touch up and time for any bruise to clear. If you are pairing botox with laser or microneedling, sequence the neurotoxin first or allow healing time between procedures, depending on the device. Your clinic should coordinate a schedule that protects your skin barrier and maximizes synergy.
How brands differ: Botox vs Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau
The neurotoxin class includes botox cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. They are all botulinum toxin type A with different accessory proteins and diffusion characteristics. In the under-eye zone, where spread matters, injectors often pick the product they know best. Dysport can feel slightly more diffusive in some hands, which might be useful for crow’s feet but requires care near the lash line. Xeomin’s bare molecule can be appealing to those with sensitivities. Jeuveau performs similarly to botox in many cases. Your injector’s experience with a given product is more important than the label. If you are steady on one brand and satisfied, consistency helps with dose predictability.
When to layer other facial areas for balance
Eyes compete with the forehead and glabella. If botox between eyebrows is neglected, the 11s can deepen and make the eyes look tense even if the crow’s feet are smooth. Conversely, over-treating the forehead or glabella can leave the periorbital area carrying all the expression, which amplifies under-eye bunching. A balanced plan might involve light botox forehead dosing so brows still lift a little, gentle glabellar treatment to ease scowling, and targeted crow’s feet work to brighten the lateral eye.
A small botox eyebrow lift can also help by subtly elevating the tail of the brow, creating more lid space and reducing heaviness. The key is to preserve the arch and avoid a peaked or surprised look. One unit too many in the wrong spot can change the brow line. Calibration is everything.
Who is an excellent candidate
The best candidates have dynamic under-eye crinkling with intact skin quality, minimal puffiness at rest, and a desire for subtle improvement rather than a total line erasure. They understand that botox results are temporary and that maintenance is part of the plan. They are comfortable with a two-visit approach, allowing for a conservative first pass and a thoughtful touch up. They also appreciate that the under-eye is part of a larger aesthetic story, not a standalone fix.
A practical, compact plan for natural under-eye rejuvenation
- Seek a detailed botox consultation with photos at rest and in three smile positions. Ask about risks, dosing, and product choice specifically for the under-eye. Start with crow’s feet, then consider micro botox centrally if creasing persists. Favor conservative units and a two-week follow up. Pair with skin quality work if lines are etched at rest. Consider energy devices or peels and reserve filler for true hollowness. Schedule a botox touch up every 3 to 4 months, adjusting for seasons, events, and eye comfort. Monitor for botox side effects like dry eye or smile changes, and report concerns early for guidance.
Real-world anecdotes and lessons learned
A 42-year-old photographer came in with a common complaint: great skin, but every wedding she shot left her squinting in the sun and her under-eye lines showed in client photos. We treated her crow’s feet with 10 units per side and added 2 units of micro botox centrally per eye. At two weeks, her smile looked unchanged to friends, yet the crinkling softened by roughly a third. She now times her botox appointment two weeks before prime wedding season and pairs it with a light resurfacing peel each spring.
A 33-year-old male executive had mild tear trough hollowing and strong lateral smile lines. He wanted botox for men without any obvious tell. We did 8 units per side for crow’s feet, skipped the central under-eye, and added a microdose to bunny lines so his nose scrunch did not steal the show in meetings. A month later, he returned for a conservative filler session along the orbital rim to address shadowing. The combination handled both motion and volume without changing his overall face.
On the flip side, a 55-year-old patient with chronic dry eye from LASIK and visible malar edema was not a good candidate for central under-eye botox. We focused on botox for eye wrinkles at the lateral canthus only, then addressed fluid dynamics with lymphatic massage and referred her to an oculoplastic specialist for festoon management. Knowing when botox is not the hero saves time, money, and frustration.
The maintenance mindset
Think of under-eye botox maintenance as a rhythm. Your first treatment sets a baseline. At the two-week mark, your injector can adjust the distribution. After three months, revisit. If longevity fades faster than you like, small tweaks in placement or product choice can help. Skin changes over time, so plan for periodic reassessment. As you approach your late 40s and 50s, collagen and elastin support decline, and you may integrate other modalities. Botox remains a pillar for motion lines, but it works best in concert with a wider plan.
Beyond the eyes, strategic treatments can enhance harmony. If your jawline looks bulky from clenching, botox masseter for jawline contouring can slim the lower face over several months and reduce headaches from bruxism. If neck bands draw focus, botox platysma bands can soften them and lift the jawline slightly. Each zone should support the overall aesthetic so the eyes look naturally bright, not isolated.
Answering common questions in plain terms
How soon can I wear concealer? Usually the same day, after a few hours. Dab, do not rub, for the first day.
Will I look frozen? Not if dosing is conservative and well placed. The goal is softer crinkling, not eliminating all expression.
What about botox side effects? Minor bruising and tenderness are common. Transient dry eye or asymmetry can occur. More serious issues like eyelid droop are rare, especially when avoiding high central doses.
Can I combine with skincare? Yes. A retinoid at night, peptides, and well-formulated sunscreen support durable botox benefits. For daytime, a light-reflecting concealer and hydrating eye cream reduce creasing.
Is it worth it for events? If under-eye crinkles distract in flash photography, yes. Plan 2 to 3 weeks before the event so you are at peak botox results.
Final perspective: bright eyes with judgment and restraint
Under-eye botox is not a template procedure. It is a precise, low-unit, high-judgment technique designed to preserve natural expression while softening distracting lines. The benefits include smoother smiles, better makeup wear, and a fresher appearance that reads as well-rested rather than “done.” The risks are real but manageable when you work with a clinician who understands orbital anatomy and respects the limits of neurotoxin.
If you are considering botox under eyes, start with a careful evaluation, be honest about your goals, and embrace a stepwise approach. The eyes carry so much of our expression and warmth. When botox is used thoughtfully, it enhances that warmth, giving you a quiet edge in the mirror and in every candid photo that follows.