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Can Botox Fix Tear Trough Wrinkles?

I have what I call, "gravel" between my nose and under my left eye. It appears that it's a result of my "fat" fleshy face being mashed as I sleep on my side. Can Botox help with these funny looking wrinkles?

Asked 34 months ago by btipton in Savannah, GA
Sort 6 expert answers by:
+2

Botox probably not the optimal choice for tear troughs

Hollowing in the tear tough area may be corrected with either a blepharoplasty or addition of volume with a filler. In fact the lack of volume is the reason there is a "trough." There is a related condition along the side of the nose, so called "bunny lines" that can be treated with Botox but that is a separate issue.
Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Most Likely Not

If you comb this website you will read a number of woes when Botox is adminstered around the eyes. Often, Botox will make this area baggier. Botox can address "crow's feet" and can be used, when placed judiciously, to enlarge the eyes. Perhaps, you might have the tear trough treated with a filler such as Restylane, but Botox would be out. From what I am envisioning, however, you might be better served with a blephoraplasty. I would consult a plastic surgeon, board... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Botox has no role in the tear trough.

Hi!  This is a difficult area, but it can be improved with Restylane or fat injections or lasers or surgery, depending on the exact anatomy.  You need a very sophisticated doctor.  Go to a board certified plastic surgeon and ask to see lots of before and after pictures.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox and tear trough wrinkles

I suggest you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist for a face-to-face consultation. Frequently such consultations are free. Generally speaking, Botox can help with muscle contraction-related wrinkles on the sides of the nose ("bunny lines"). Botox for wrinkles of the lower eyelid is somewhat tricky and can in certain cases make wrinkling or hollowing appears worse. Re-surfacing procedures, laser or chemical can help with lower eyelid wrinkles... more
Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
+1

Under Eye Skin

Thanks for your question - Botox works by paralyzing muscles that when they contract create wrinkles. In the area you describe is part of the orbicularis muscle around your eye. In this portion of the eye the wrinkles you see are more likely to be caused by loose skin or by herniating fat than by the muscle contraction. This means that Botox is unlikely to be a good solution. These areas typically require surgery or ablative laser treatments to remove or tighten the underlid skin. I... more
Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox...Will it Help with Excess Skin in the Tear Trough Area?

Hi bt, Botox works on the "bunny" lines on the sides of the upper nose by relaxing the muscles that cause the lines. In your case, I do not believe that Botox will treat help with the "gravel, mashed excess skin from sleeping". A filler or "skin pinch" procedure in that area would likely be better choices. Be well. Dr. P
Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
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