Botox is the most popular and widely sought-after non-invasive, cosmetic surgery in the United States with more than 7.4 million people undergoing Botox injections in 2022 alone. Botox utilizes a neurotoxic protein called onabotulinumtoxinA (botulinum toxin), which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
By preventing muscle movement and blocking certain nerve signals in the brain, Botox helps to relax the facial muscles in the skin, which makes the skin appear fuller, younger, smoother, and healthier. The treatment is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
And while it’s not FDA-approved for other areas – such as under the eyes – that doesn’t mean Botox isn’t effective or can’t be used in those areas. In fact, under-eye Botox is one of the most common off-label uses for Botox as it can help reduce unwanted, deep, dynamic facial wrinkles in various parts of the face.
How Much Does Botox Cost Under the Eye?
One of the most common questions we receive regarding under-eye botox is – how much is under eye botox? It’s a rather difficult question to answer because it varies greatly from one doctor to the next and there are a number of variables that affect the overall Botox injections cost. Generally, it’ll cost between $200 and $600.
Some of the most prominent variables that factor into that cost include:
- Price Per Unit – for the most part, under-eye Botox requires around 8-10 Botox units. Each unit can be priced anywhere between $10 and $20, but it varies by doctor.
- Price Per Area – some doctors price their botox injections by treatment area, opposed to units used. In this case, there will be one flat fee, which ranges between $150 and $500.
- Doctor’s Experience – like with any procedure, doctors with a lot of experience and a high reputation might charge more for their injections if they’re in high demand.
- Office Location – depending on what state or city you’re located in, you might find yourself paying a little extra or a little less on your Botox injections.
While it’s very tempting to schedule an appointment with the cheapest doctor you can find, it’s important you don’t sacrifice quality – especially when getting Botox under the eyes. Always make sure you’re working with a doctor you trust and one that’ll get you the results you desire for a reasonable price.
Benefits of Eye Botox Injections
Also known as ‘jelly roll Botox,’ under-eye Botox can help reduce horizontal wrinkles that appear when smiling or squinting – it’s typically administered when the ‘jelly roll’ muscle protrudes from underneath the eye. This allows for a fuller, smoother, and more open appearance of the skin as wrinkles shrink.
It also costs much less than other areas of the face, especially considering the procedure doesn’t nearly use as many units of Botox as other areas – usually around 10 units (5 per eye). And while it’s not a permanent solution, it can help give patients a more youthful appearance for several months at a time.
Side Effects of Under Eye Botox Treatment
Getting Botox under your eyes can help patients achieve the look they’ve been hoping for at a reasonable price, but that doesn’t mean it’s meant for everyone. And while those with healthy eyelid muscles and good eyelid support are the best candidates for Botox procedures, even they aren’t exempt from side effects.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common side effects associated with Botox under the eyes:
- Bruising or swelling around the injection site
- Swollen look or baggy eyes if too much Botox is used
- Lower eyelid pulling away from muscle
- Blurry vision and/or dry eyes
- Formation of new wrinkles
- Dizziness and headaches
- Tears or hollowness under eyes
- Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
- Changes in your voice
- Incontinence
There are certain individuals who should avoid receiving Botox injections under the eyes – such as those with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and more. Also, those with saggy or puffy eyelids might not be the best candidates – doctors usually perform a test to confirm this.
What to Expect From Botox Treatments
In the 24 hours leading up to a Botox injection, patients should avoid drinking alcohol and should refrain from taking blood-thinning medication and other related supplements for up to a week prior. When you arrive at your appointment, the doctor will start by numbing and/or icing the area – though not necessary.
The doctor then proceeds to make 1-2 small injections into the target area – in this case, underneath the eyes – using a fine-gauge insulin needle. The most common injection location is in the lower region of the muscle circling the eye. It doesn’t take a large dose of Botox and is usually injected under both eyes.
Most patients won’t report any pain, though minor discomfort is normal. The injection will usually last a few months before a new appointment is needed – Botox isn’t permanent. There isn’t a lot of aftercare needed, other than avoiding massaging or injuring the area. Your doctor might have you ice the area too.
FAQ About Botox Injections Under the Eyes
With millions of people receiving Botox injections every single year, it’s quickly becoming one of the most asked about procedures in the world today. And while not all of those people are interested in correcting dynamic wrinkles under the eyes, it’s something doctors are being asked about more and more often.
Don’t worry, we’re going to share with you some of the most common questions we get asked:
- Is Botox under the eyes permanent? No, it’s a temporary solution that lasts a few months before a new injection is needed.
- How long does it take to see results? Most patients will see results in as little as 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
- When can I start wearing makeup after under-eye Botox? It’s usually safe to wear makeup after three days.
- How long does dry eye last after Botox treatment? As one of the potential side effects, dry eye can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Talk to your doctor if it persists.
At Milwaukee Eye Surgeons, we understand the great deal of uncertainty that comes with trying to reduce those unwanted wrinkles around the face. That’s why we work individually with each patient to ensure they get the results they deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Weinlander.
