Will Eye Bags Go Away After Excessive Botox?

Question

I had Botox done on my crows feet and I believe the doctor used too much. I now have protruding bags under my eyes.  Will these go away when the muscle tightens up again or is there a chance that they won't?  What is the time frame?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes, it is most probable that the bags will resolve when the Botox effect dissapates. For the eyes this tends to begin and 3 months and will likely return to normal by 5 months after injection.

Randall Latorre, MD · Answer

I have several patients that experience a prolonged effect from Botox. The longest time span is about 6 months. Relaxation of the muscle of the lower eyelid usually leads to a droopy eyelid. There is a connective tissue barrier, the orbital septum, that keeps the eyefat from bulging. There is a muscular layer between the eyelid skin and the septum and that is what the Botox can relax. It is possible that with relaxation of the muscular sling, you lose that second barrier preventing the fat from bulging. When the Botox effect wears off, the bulging should resolve.
I do not recommend application of Botox along the entire lower eyelid. Wrinkles in that area respond to non-invasive treatments like Thermage and/or Fraxel laser. Surgical option is a blepharoplasty. Make sure you consult with a facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or oculoplastic surgeon.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Botox actions will fade away in 3-4 months. If the swelling is caused by the needle or by a small bleeder, it should go away much quicker. Best of luck!

John E. Gross, MD (retired) · Answer

Your lower lid appearance will return to the condition it was prior to the Botox injection in a couple of months.  There is no permanent effect of the Botox.   Some patients with Botox injections around the lower  lid have puffiness for a few days to a few weeks.  This may be due to the needle injection itself and not the Botox.  If the fullness persists longer, then as you mentioned in your question it may be due to relaxation of the muscle.
When outcomes occur that are unexpected you should follow up with your provider.
Assessment of your concerns by an experienced injector should help sort out the cause and minimize the chance of it happening again.

Will Eye Bags Go Away After Excessive Botox?

Answers (4)

Answer: Your lower lids will return to their original appearance in 3-4 months or sooner

Answer: Your lower lids will return to their original appearance in 3-4 months or sooner

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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Will Eye Bags Go Away After Excessive Botox?

Answers (4)

Answer: Your lower lids will return to their original appearance in 3-4 months or sooner

Answer: Your lower lids will return to their original appearance in 3-4 months or sooner

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.