Does Botox Treat Wrinkles around the Eyes?

As we age, the skin around the eyes is one of the first places we are likely to notice wrinkles appear.  This delicate skin is prone to a variety of issues including under eye bags and sagging and fine wrinkles that become deeper over time.  In addition to being more sensitive than other areas of the fact, the skin around the eyes does not have glands that produce oil. As collagen production decreases and weakened elastin makes the skin less able to return to a smooth state, wrinkles become more apparent around the eyes.

Avoiding UV exposure and getting enough sleep each night are good ways to try to stave off wrinkles, but it is impossible to avoid the normal eye movements like squinting that can cause wrinkles to appear.  Some people also have a genetic disposition to crow’s feet, a term for the wrinkles that branch out from the corner of the eyes.  Once they begin to develop, however, there are treatment options. The medication in Botox temporarily reduces the muscle activity beneath the skin surface.  Unlike fillers, which aim to plump up the skin, Botox is aimed at preventing the activity that causes wrinkles.  When administered by a physician, it is a generally safe procedure that can lead to younger looking skin.

There are many uses of Botox ranging from the treatment of excessive sweating to migraines.  Due to the temporary paralytic effect of the injection, it is often viewed as the ideal solution to wrinkles that are caused by specific movements.  By paralyzing the muscles that are required for squinting, Botox allows the skin to remain smooth for around four to six months, depending on how long it takes your body to metabolize the injection.

On the day of the Botox procedure, the injections only take a few minutes, and anesthesia is not required.  A fine needle is used to make an injection into the specific muscles that have caused the lines around your eyes.  Within three to seven days, it will become fully effective.  Bruising is possible within the first 24 hours, and you may notice a black and blue area if a small blood vessel is punctured during injection.  Makeup can be used to cover the area, but it is best to avoid rubbing or massaging the area that has been treated for 24 hours.  This reduces the chance of the Botox affecting nearby muscles for which it was not intended.  Avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks before your procedure also is recommended to reduce the amount of bruising that may occur.

Over time your will notice that your muscle action slowly returns, however the targeted lines and wrinkles may appear softer over time as the underlying muscles are trained to relax.  Your physician will be able to evaluate your wrinkles and response to Botox and determine the best ongoing treatment plan.  The amount and frequency of injections will be determined by a number of factors that will be addressed in a professional consultation.