7 Things to Know Before Getting Botox Under Eyes

Botox has long been known as the go-to injectable for smoothing wrinkles, typically on the forehead and around the eyes (Crow's Feet), and creating a more youthful appearance. But when it comes to the under-eye area, things get a little more nuanced. This delicate zone demands precision, skill, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. If you’ve been considering Botox under the eyes, or heard about something called “jelly roll Botox”, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

How Botox Works Under the Eyes

Botox, a neurotoxin, temporarily relaxes specific muscles by blocking the nerve signals that cause them to contract. When used under the eyes, Botox targets the orbicularis oculi muscle - the ring-like muscle responsible for movements like blinking, squinting, and smiling. By relaxing this muscle, Botox can reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles (the kind that form with facial movement) and some types of under-eye puffiness.

It’s important to understand, however, that Botox in this area is considered an “off-label” use. That means it’s not officially FDA-approved for this specific purpose, and should only be administered by highly experienced injectors.

The Buzz Around Jelly Roll Botox

If you’ve ever smiled and noticed a little bulge or roll under your lower lashes, you’ve experienced the infamous “jelly roll.” It’s not a fat pad, it’s your orbicularis oculi muscle bunching up as you smile.

Jelly roll botox targets this exact area. Tiny amounts of Botox are injected just under the lash line to relax the muscle and smooth the roll. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes, has minimal downtime, and results appear within a week.

The key to jelly roll Botox is moderation. Inject too much and you risk creating a flat, unnatural look, or worse, impair blinking. Inject too little and you won’t see results. The sweet spot varies person to person, which is why finding a skilled injector is non-negotiable.

This treatment is especially helpful if your under-eye puffiness only appears when you smile or laugh, not if you have visible under-eye bags all the time.

Botox for Under-Eye Bags: Can It Help?

Now let’s talk about under-eye bags - the more persistent kind that linger even when your face is at rest. These are often caused by fat pads pushing forward, skin laxity, fluid retention, or general loss of elasticity that comes with aging.

Botox can’t dissolve fat or tighten loose skin. However, it might help if the bags are partially due to muscle tension. Relaxing the orbicularis oculi can create a subtle smoothing effect and reduce the contrast between bag and cheek.

But for structural under-eye bags? Botox is unlikely to be your magic bullet. Dermal fillers, laser treatments, or even surgery may be more appropriate, depending on the root cause of your concern.

Benefits of Botox Under the Eyes

Done correctly, Botox under the eyes can:

• Soften dynamic wrinkles (the ones that appear when you squint or smile)

• Reduce a jelly roll bulge

• Provide a more rested appearance

• Enhance the result of other facial treatments like crow’s feet Botox or cheek filler

Results typically last 3–4 months and are fully visible within 5–7 days after treatment.

What Are the Risks?

The under-eye area is one of the trickiest spots to treat. There’s very little fat or muscle protecting the skin, so even small mistakes can be noticeable.

Possible risks include:

• Swelling or bruising at the injection site

• Drooping lower eyelids

• Uneven results

• Difficulty blinking if overdosed

  
  

This is not the place to bargain-hunt or let a novice practice. Make sure your injector has significant experience treating the under-eye area and understands the nuances of facial aging.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

Whether Botox under the eyes is right for you depends on what’s really going on beneath the surface. Is your concern caused by muscle movement? Fat pads? Skin laxity? A combination of all three?

An experienced provider will assess your face both at rest and in motion, determine the root cause of the issue, and guide you toward the best solution. In some cases, a combination of Botox and fillers, or even skin-tightening treatments, may offer the best outcome.

The Takeaway

Jelly roll Botox and under eye Botox can offer subtle but meaningful improvements. This treatment can smooth smile-related bulges and soften wrinkles, giving a more awake and refreshed look.

But like all things in beauty, context is everything. Botox won’t erase fat pads or lift sagging skin, and if used incorrectly, it can do more harm than good.

If you’re considering Botox under the eyes, start with a thorough consultation and go in with realistic expectations. The under-eye area is delicate territory, but with expert hands and a tailored plan, it can also be a place for subtle rejuvenation.