Can Botox Or Injectable Fillers Treat Your Undereye Bags?

If you've noticed your dark circles or undereye bags are no longer responding to your best efforts at makeup concealment, you may be wondering whether there's anything more permanent you can do. For some men and women, having Botox treatment under the eyes can reduce puffiness, wrinkles, and even sunken skin. Combining Botox with an injectable filler can go even farther toward reducing your undereye issues for months without requiring plastic surgery or any sort of permanent procedure. Learn more about how Botox and injectable fillers are being used to treat undereye circles and other cosmetic issues.

How Can Botox Treat Undereye Circles? 

Botox has been commonly used for a variety of dermatological procedures for more than two decades. When it comes to minimizing the look of undereye circles and a hollow appearance, Botox injections can plump the lower eyelids, reducing bagginess. As Botox settles into the skin around the eyes, it can also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, giving the eye area a sleeker appearance overall. 

However, Botox isn't FDA-approved for undereye use, so it's important to talk to your dermatologist before seeking this treatment. One alternative (or complement) to Botox is the use of an injectable filler in the undereye area. This can fill in any hollow spots, minimizing the shadows that can give you dark circles. Your dermatologist can work with you to see whether your dark circles are the result of excess pigment or the loss of collagen. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox or Filler Treatment?

You may be a good candidate for Botox or injectable fillers if you're generally healthy, don't have allergies, and don't have any bleeding or blood clotting issues. These treatments are minimally invasive and most don't find them too painful, although if it's your first time you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment. 

Like any minor medical procedure, Botox and fillers come with some risks, though the odds of suffering a serious side effect are quite low. Some of the most common side effects of using Botox or fillers around your eyes include: 

• Numbness
• Drooping
• Excess swelling
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Redness

These side effects are generally mild and should subside on their own within a week. Botox and fillers are temporary in nature and are generally absorbed back into your body over the course of the next few months. If you like the effects you see, you may want to schedule your Botox or filler treatments to take place every three to six months.