How to Erase Under‑Eye Bags Using Botox and Fillers

Under‑eye bags make you look tired even when you’re not. If concealer and eye cream aren’t cutting it, minimally invasive injectables can. Used strategically, Botox® and dermal fillers soften wrinkles, smooth crepey skin, and replace lost volume to brighten the entire eye area.

Quick Take (IMPORTANT): Bags come from three main issues: muscle activity, skin laxity, and volume loss. Botox targets movement lines. Fillers restore volume and support. Together (applied correctly), they create a rested, youthful look.

Why Do Under‑Eye Bags Happen?

Multiple factors team up around the eyes:

Volume loss: As cheek and tear‑trough fat thins, a hollow forms between the lower lid and cheek (“dark circles”).
Skin laxity: Thinner collagen and elastin make the skin look crepey; fine lines become permanent.
Muscle over‑activity: The orbicularis oculi muscle bunches when you smile, etching crow’s‑feet and pulling the lower lid.
True fat herniation: Fat pads can protrude forward, creating a persistent bulge. (Severe cases may need surgical consultation.)
Lifestyle factors: Allergies, salt, alcohol, and poor sleep amplify swelling and discoloration.

Understanding your mix of causes is critical. That’s why every plan at Facial32 starts with mapping anatomy, lighting, and expression patterns.

Botox vs. Fillers: What Each Does (and Doesn’t)

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Botox® (a neuromodulator) relaxes muscles that create dynamic lines—especially crow’s‑feet and “bunny lines.” Cosmetic Injectables page.

Best for: Fine expression lines at the outer eye; a subtle “eye‑opener” effect.
Not for: Filling hollows or masking true under‑eye bulges.
Timeline: Results start in 3–5 days.

Dermal Fillers add volume and structural support. Placed carefully along the tear trough and lid–cheek junction, they reduce the shadow that reads as “bags.”

Best for: Hollowing, mild to moderate troughs, and a smooth lid‑cheek transition.
Not for: Large, puffy fat pads or fluid retention.
Timeline: Immediate softening; settles over 1–2 weeks. Cosmetic Injectables.

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What to Expect: Timeline & Recovery

Timeframe	What you’ll see	Care tips
Day 0	Consultation and either filler or Botox (per plan). Tiny pin‑pricks; possible light swelling.	Keep head elevated; avoid rubbing; skip strenuous workouts for the day.
Days 1–3	Filler settles. Mild swelling or faint bruising is common.	Cool compress 10 minutes on/off; sleep elevated; mineral makeup after 24 h if skin is intact.
Days 4–7	Makeup sits smoother; shadowing reduces as swelling fades.	Gentle skincare; SPF 30+ daily; avoid saunas/hot yoga if still puffy.
Days 7–14	If staged, receive Botox now; crow’s‑feet soften steadily.	Remain upright 4 h post‑Botox; no heavy exercise same day.
Week 2	Clearer lid–cheek transition; brighter, more rested look.	Optional check‑in for photos/plan adjustments.
Months 3–4	Botox gradually wears; filler remains.	Schedule quick touch‑ups to maintain results.

Add‑Ons That Make Results Last

Microneedling for crepeiness: Induces collagen and elastin so thin skin looks tighter and reflects light better. See options on our Microneedling page.
IPL photofacial for discoloration: Targets sun spots and redness that exaggerate shadows. Learn more under Sun Damage & Aging Skin.
Custom Signature Facial: Two weeks after injectables, a hydrating facial supports the barrier and glow. Explore our Custom Facials.
Express Esthetics: Short, event‑ready brighteners (dermaplaning, LED) that play nicely with injectables. See the Express Esthetics menu.

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Safety First: Risks and How We Reduce Them

Under‑eye work is an advanced area. Safety steps at Facial32 include:

Conservative dosing and deep‑plane placement when appropriate
Use of micro‑cannula techniques to reduce bruising and swelling
Anatomy‑guided mapping around vessels and ligaments
Staged sessions to prevent overfilling and fluid retention
Readiness with hyaluronidase (a reversal enzyme) for HA fillers, if ever needed

We’ll discuss your medical history, sinus/allergy patterns, prior fillers, and sleep habits before treatment.

Who’s a Good Candidate? (And Who Should Wait)

Great candidates:

Hollow tear trough or subtle bag that improves when you gently lift the cheek
Fine lines at the outer corners when smiling
Healthy skin with realistic expectations about subtle, natural refresh

Consider alternatives/medical clearance if you:

Have large, firm under‑eye bulges at rest (likely fat herniation)
Are pregnant or breastfeeding (Botox is contraindicated)
Have active skin infection, uncontrolled allergies, or major sinus issues

Not sure where you fall? Book a consultation and we’ll assess candidly.

Real Patient Scenario (Before/After in Words)

Jamie, 34, complained of “permanent dark circles” despite 8 hours of sleep. Exam showed a modest tear‑trough hollow and fine crow’s‑feet—but no true bulging.

Visit 1: Conservative HA filler along the lid–cheek junction using a micro‑cannula; minimal swelling.
Visit 2 (Day 10): Tiny Botox dose to soften outer‑eye crinkles; instructions for SPF and tinted mineral sunscreen.
Visit 3 (Week 6): Microneedling session focused on crepey texture under eyes; switch to peptide‑rich eye serum.

Results: Reduced shadow, smoother makeup application, and a lit‑from‑within look that friends noticed—but couldn’t quite name.

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Book Your Bright‑Eye Plan at Facial32

Ready to look rested without filters? Let’s tailor a subtle, confidence‑boosting under‑eye plan using the lightest touch for the biggest impact.

Start here: request a Botox & Filler consultation.
Prefer a quick glow? Pair your visit with Express Esthetics for photo‑ready skin.
Want texture support too? Add Microneedling to strengthen crepey skin.

Facial32 Dental Esthetics—natural‑looking results, expert safety, and care tailored to your features.