Line under eye when smiling - how can I treat this? (Photo)

Thank you for sharing your concern and photo. The line you notice under your eye when smiling is a common issue and can be due to a combination of factors, including natural facial movement, skin elasticity, and underlying anatomy. Smiling accentuates dynamic lines, especially in areas where the skin is thinner, such as under the eyes.

Why Does This Happen?
When you smile, the muscles around your eyes contract, which can create or accentuate lines. Over time, repeated movement, sun exposure, and loss of collagen can make these lines more noticeable, even at rest.

Could Botox Make It Worse?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is often used to soften crow’s feet and other dynamic wrinkles. However, if the lower eyelid is not treated or if the cheek muscles compensate for reduced movement elsewhere, you may notice new or different lines. This is not uncommon and can be addressed.

Treatment Options:

Topical Skincare:
Use a gentle eye cream with ingredients like retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to improve skin texture and hydration.
Botox for the Lower Eyelid:
Small, carefully placed doses of Botox can sometimes soften these lines, but this area requires expertise to avoid side effects like eyelid droop or changes in smile.
Dermal Fillers:
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to fill in hollows or support the under-eye area, but must be used judiciously to avoid puffiness.
Laser or Microneedling Treatments:
These can stimulate collagen and improve skin texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
PRP injections can help rejuvenate the under-eye area by stimulating collagen production.
What to Expect:
A combination approach often yields the best results. It’s important to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or experienced injector who can assess your anatomy and recommend a tailored plan.

Summary:
Lines under the eyes when smiling are very common and treatable. With the right approach, you can soften these lines and regain confidence in your smile.

Hello, have you ever had filler placed in your lower eyelid or cheek region? It looks a bit like filler that is becoming more prominent with animation. If you’ve also had Botox, keep in mind it may exacerbate the bulging in the lower eyelid area because it relaxes the muscle closest to the lash line. Would allow the Botox to wear off and then have evaluated by an Oculoplastic surgeon.