Can Botox be used to open up the eyes when smiling?

Question

When I smile, my eyes become very small. Can botox around the eyes prevent this? Will this also make my eyes look bigger when not smiling? Thanks.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You can have Botox administered around your eyes and to the frown to assists in opening your eyes. Ensure you consult an expert injector to discuss treatment options and an in person evaluation. Best,

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox works on relaxing the muscles which cause facial wrinkles.  Around the eyes, the muscle (orbicularis oris) responsible for closing your eyes also creates the notorious Crow's feet.  By relaxing the lateral part of this muscle, it will allow your eyes to appear more open when smiling as this portion of the muscle will not contract fully.   When not smiling, it will not appreciably make your eyes appear look bigger as the muscle is already relaxed when in repose.

Mitesh Kapadia, MD, PhD · Answer

In some patients, smiling causes the lower eyelids to move upward excessively, making the eyes appear smaller. Botox injected into the orbicularis muscle of the lower eyelids can reduce the activity of this muscle making the eyes appear larger during a smile. Most of the time, there is no change in the eyelid position at rest (when you are not smiling).

Kristin M. Baird, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can be used to create the appearance of wider, more open eyes. This requires small doses placed in very specific locations. I would recommend consulting with a very experienced board certified physician for this treatment. Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes botox can be used for "eye opening" and shaping.  Its a very delicate procedure, although relatively easy, and I suggest seeking someone with experience.  I think I have a photo uploaded here that shows that botox can do for this problem. Seek an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael Stefan, MD · Answer

Botox is great to use for crow’s feet and you can use it on the lower lids in small doses.  I don’t know if it will do exactly what you want.  It should help though.

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can usually be injected in order to give the eyes a more open appearance. It is best to consult with a Botox expert who is skilled at using Botox around the eye area.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox can definitely be used to alter the effect of smiling on the shape of the eye.  Small amounts of the toxin are used in the orbitularis muscle (that is responsible for the crows' feet) and depending on the area of injection, the treatment can lower the lower eyelid to open up the eyes etc.  You need to see a very experienced injector for these nuanced results, an oculofacial plastic surgeon would be best.

David A. F. Ellis, MD · Answer

In a study that I did years ago about 36% of females crunch their eyes when smiling hard. 30 units of Botox to both lateral eye area should be enough to minimize the effect.Just puting there should have no effect on the shape of your eye at rest.Putting Botox in the lower eyelid can change the shape of your eye.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox can be used for this purpose. By relaxing the muscles that form a sling around your eyes,  you can open up the eyelids.  If you have a prominent periorbital band of muscle that we call the infraorbital roll, just two units can open them up, giving the eye a rounder and more open appearance even at rest.  Many patients love this, and I find it is really a hit with my Asian-American patients.

Can Botox be used to open up the eyes when smiling?

Answers (14)

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