Can You Get Botox for Under-Eye Bags?
Botox isn’t usually the first course of action for treating under-eye bags, but strategic injections can improve the appearance of the skin near your eyes to minimize dark circles. Since the skin under your eyes is thinner than most other areas, you might notice signs of aging along your lower lids before you see them anywhere else. Today, we’re discussing how Botox can help eliminate under-eye bags by targeting other skin concerns in the same vicinity.
What causes under-eye bags?
There are several reasons why baggy under-eyes tend to appear as we age. In addition to genetics, poor sleep, and dietary issues, here are a few common causes:
Fluid retention
Many people notice edema — or fluid retention — around the lower eye after a late night or a particularly salty meal. Although it seems counterintuitive, this area may also retain more water when you’re dehydrated.
Inflammation from allergies
Allergic shiners are dark, puffy under-eye circles caused by an allergic reaction. Hay fever allergens, including mold, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, are the most common culprits. When these allergens are contributing to your dark circles, you may experience other symptoms like sinus congestion, a runny nose, or watery eyes.
Diminishing fatty tissue
As we age, we lose muscle tone and fatty tissues that give younger faces a plump, youthful glow. When you add gravity to the equation, the result is drooping under-eyes that can add years to your face.
Does Botox work for under-eye bags?
Although Botox injections won’t make much difference for under-eye bags caused by fluid accumulation, migrating fat pads, or inflamed blood vessels, it can fix other issues that emphasize aging eyes.
Remember, it’s important to take a holistic approach to any cosmetic concern. After all, every part of your face is connected, so treating a problem like lower eyelid puffiness in isolation isn’t the best solution. If you choose to treat your under-eye bags with Botox, you can expect your results to last three to four months.
Treating fine lines
Botox interrupts the signals between your muscles and nerve cells in your brain to paralyze certain muscle groups. When these tissues freeze, they can no longer create fine lines like crow’s feet that may appear around your eyes when you smile. In turn, this can ease tension throughout your face and smooth out puffy under-eye circles.
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles
In addition to crow’s feet, you can use Botox to target wrinkles on your forehead and between your eyebrows to relax your facial muscles. Once again, this works because no part of your face exists in a vacuum.
Firming and tightening skin
In some cases, Botox can firm your skin and give your face a more taut appearance. This minimally invasive procedure can help your eyes pop and take the attention off any under-eye bags without painful, expensive surgery.
Alternative methods for treating under-eye bags
Since Botox can’t directly address the underlying causes of baggy under-eyes, you might want to consider certain lifestyle changes to improve their appearance.
Treat lingering allergies
Hay fever allergens can cause those pesky allergic shiners we’ve already mentioned. However, they’re not the only microorganisms that contribute to under-eye bags. Your doctor can order an allergy test to determine which irritants are aging your face.
Sleep with your head elevated
If you regularly wake up from a restful night’s sleep looking like you pulled an all-nighter, it might help to adjust your sleeping position. Put a couple of extra pillows under your head to keep your eyes above your heart. This can encourage drainage and circulation to keep fluid from settling below your eyes.
Adjust your skincare routine
We know how irritating it can be — you may have spent your 20s curating the perfect skincare routine, only to find that your needs have changed and your products no longer do your skin any favors.
Before emptying your bathroom vanity and completely overhauling your skincare regimen, consider adding a high-quality eye cream to lift and tone your skin. You can also ask your injection specialist for any recommendations to rid your face of under-eye bags.
Avoid too much salt in your diet
Sometimes, facial rejuvenation can come from unexpected places. In this case, it could be your diet. Salty foods can cause your body to retain water. So, if you’re noticing under-eye bags, it might be time to remove excess sodium from the menu.
Keep in mind that drinking lots of water and increasing your daily exercise can also get fluids moving and help you dissolve those puffy lower lids.
Consult with the Botox experts at Emergency Fix!
Getting Botox can transform your face and improve the appearance of under-eye bags, but it can’t eliminate them directly. However, with a few lifestyle changes and a treatment specialist who knows exactly where to inject a few units of Botox, you can achieve a more youthful glow before you know it! At Emergency Fix, we’re committed to providing high-quality injection services in the Winter Haven area.
Contact us today or book an appointment online to get started!