We all expect a few lines to appear with age, but for many, eye wrinkles and fat pads under eyes seem to show up long before we feel old. Whether it’s from years of squinting at screens, sun exposure, or just plain genetics, the skin around the eyes often shows the earliest signs of aging.

While aging is natural, modern cosmetic treatments offer more targeted solutions than ever before. And among the most popular are Botox and dermal fillers.

But how do you know which one is the best non-surgical treatment for under-eye wrinkles? In this guide, we’ll break down what causes under-eye wrinkles, explore the key differences between Botox and fillers, and help you understand what to expect from each.

Causes Of Eye Wrinkles

Eye wrinkles are the lines and creases that form under your eye. They develop as a result of repetitive facial expressions such as smiling, squinting, laughing, and even squeezing your eyes shut.

They typically start to appear in your mid to late 20s, are more pronounced in your 30s and 40s, and by your 50s, they are often visible. Apart from age, other factors that accelerate eye wrinkles include:

● Sun damage

● Stress

● Genetics

● Smoking

The Formation of Eye Wrinkles: Gender Differences

Women tend to have an earlier onset and more noticeable eye wrinkles than their male counterparts. Here’s why:

● Thin skin. A 2023 study published in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute shows that men’s skin is 20% thicker compared to women’s skin.

● Hormones. Estrogen (prevalent in women), which plays a role in collagen and elastin production, often fluctuates during menstrual cycles, affecting collagen synthesis. Testosterone (in men) promotes thicker skin by increasing collagen content and increasing skin density.

● Menopause. At menopause, estrogen levels start to decline, further reducing collagen. The American Academy of Dermatology Association shows that women lose 30% of their collagen in the first five years of menopause.

Eye wrinkles are often noticeable in men in their late 30s and 40s (when testosterone starts declining) and earlier in women.

Now, let’s see how fillers and botox for eye wrinkles compare:

Fillers for Eye Wrinkles

Fillers are injectable treatments that smooth out and reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes by adding volume.

The most common filler is made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is commonly used to treat crow’s feet, also known as under-eye hollows or tear troughs. It’s also naturally occurring in the skin and helps the skin retain moisture and elasticity.

While there are many types of fillers, HA fillers are best suited for under-eye wrinkles because of their smooth, lightweight formulas.

These are less likely to cause puffiness or lumps, making them a top choice among the best non-surgical treatments for under eye wrinkles.

Some of the popular HA fillers that cosmetic dermatologists use include

● Restylane

● Juvederm

● Belotero

Other popular fillers that are not HA-based but are still widely used include:

● Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite)

● Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid)

 How Fillers Work

Fillers add volume beneath the skin to smooth out the wrinkles and restore a youthful look.

● For the under-eye wrinkles, the HA filler is injected into the subdermal layer to plump the hollows and reduce crepiness and shadows.

● For the crow’s feet, the fillers soften the static lines by supporting the skin structure. The water-attracting property of HA helps enhance hydration and, as a result, improves skin texture over time.

Unlike HA fillers, Sculptra fillers don’t give instant results. Instead, they work by boosting collagen production, which means the results are more gradual than immediate. The procedure itself involves a fine needle, also known as a cannula, with a topical numbing cream to minimise discomfort. Once injected, mild swelling may be visible but normally subsides within days.

How Long Does It Last

They last anywhere from 6-24 months, depending on the type of filler and your individual metabolism.

● Restylane (6-12 months)

● Juvederm (up to 2 years)

That said, regular maintenance is recommended as the body absorbs the filler.

Potential Side Effects of Fillers And Considerations

While fillers are generally safe, side effects can still occur, especially in a sensitive area such as the under-eye.

Some of the common issues with fillers include:

● Swelling

● Bruising and redness, especially at the point of injection

However, these issues are mild and typically resolve within a few days after treatment.

The more serious issues (although rare) include

● Asymmetry

● Lumps

● Vascular occlusion. This happens when the filler blocks a blood vessel. It can cause tissue damage if left untreated.

Precautions

While these treatments are generally safe when done by qualified professionals, certain health factors and habits can increase the chances of side effects or complications:

● Allergies and people with thin skin. If you have allergies or have thinner skin than normal, you may be prone to certain side effects.

● Avoid blood-thinning medication. Due to the nature of the treatment, which involves bruising, it's best to avoid blood-thinning medication such as aspirin before an appointment.

● Avoid heavy workouts after treatment for at least 24 hours

Who Shouldn’t Get Fillers?

Filler treatments are not recommended for pregnant people, and if you’re dealing with an infection or healing from a recent skin condition.

Botox for Eye Wrinkles

When it comes to diminishing the fine lines formed from years of smiling, squinting, and frowning, Botox is often regarded as one of the best non-surgical treatments for under eye wrinkles.

But before getting into the details, let’s start with the basics.

What is Botox

Botox (Botulinum toxin A) is derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium.

The treatment works by blocking the nerve that signals the muscles to contract. Paralyzing these muscles, even temporarily, effectively smooths the wrinkles and lines under your eye. Botox removes wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements like smiling and squinting (dynamic wrinkles).

Botox targets dynamic wrinkles or those formed by repeated muscle movements and facial expressions like squinting and smiling.

This is why Botox is considered one of the best non-surgical treatments for under eye wrinkles, especially effective for smoothing crow’s feet and other lines caused by repeated facial expressions.

How Long Does Botox Treatment Last

It can last 3-6 months, depending on factors such as muscle strength, metabolism, and even dosage.

Daxxify, which is newer to the market (FDA approved in 2022), can last up to 9 months.

Side Effects Of Botox Treatment For Frown Eyes

Botox is generally safe. However, you may experience a few side effects such as:

● Swelling

● Bruising

● Temporary drooping of the eyelid

● Brow.

The more serious risks, although rare, include:

● Flu-like symptoms

● Headaches

● Allergic reactions

● Frozen look, especially when the dose is too high around the eyes

Precautions

Botox treatment needs regular maintenance, especially considering that long-term treatment may thin your skin. Hence, it's important to plan well.

Who Shouldn’t Get Botox?

Botox is also not recommended for:

● Pregnant women

● People with active infections.

● People with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Fillers vs Botox for Eye Wrinkles

There are numerous distinctions between fillers and Botox for eye wrinkle treatment. And to make it easier for you to make an informed decision, I’ve prepared the following table.

So Which Is Better: Botox Or Fillers for Under Eye Wrinkles?

The best non-surgical treatment for under-eye wrinkles can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. As you have seen, there are many differences between the two treatments, from the type of toxin injected to the type of skin and eye wrinkle problem that you’re trying to solve.

All in all, only you and your dermatologist can more accurately determine the best between botox or fillers for under-eye wrinkles after a discussion about your medical history, your goals, and other issues.

Pro tip:

Get assistance from a certified professional. A qualified dermatologist can assess your needs and factors such as your skin type and medical history to recommend the safest and best non-surgical treatment for under eye wrinkles.

Alternative Treatments For Under-Eye Wrinkles

Apart from fillers and Botox, several other alternatives address under-eye wrinkles with options for varied preferences and budgets. They include:

1. Surgical Operation To Remove Wrinkles

Where under-eye wrinkles are severe, a surgical operation to remove wrinkles, such as lower blepharoplasty, can remove excess skin and fat and smooth creases. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia and offers long-lasting results. However, it takes weeks to recover and has the risk of scarring.

2. At Home Remedies

DIY under-eye wrinkle remedies include the following:

● Aloe vera gel - It hydrates and soothes

● Chilled tea bags - the caffeine in them helps reduce puffiness

Although these methods are cost-effective, they offer temporary results and may require consistent use with sunscreen to enhance efficacy.

3. Topical Solutions

You can also find over-the-counter creams for dealing with wrinkles. The best eye cream for wrinkles often contains;

● Hyaluronic acid

● Peptides

● Retinol

For those in their 50s, the best anti-aging eye cream for 50s often contains proxylane and peptides and substances that can help to firm and hydrate mature skin to reduce crepiness.

Still, it's best to consult a dermatologist before purchasing any cream or choosing the best non-surgical treatment for under eye wrinkles that suits your needs.

Lifestyle And Preventative Measures

Some lifestyle and preventative measures can delay the visibility of eye wrinkles.They include:

1. Sun protection.  You will need to protect your skin daily from UV damage. Applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and wearing UV protection sunglasses does the work.

2. Hydration. Adequate water intake and moisturizing your skin maintain your skin’s elasticity, hence it is a natural treatment for frown lines.

3. Diet. A diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which includes foods such as nuts, citrus, and leafy greens, can do the trick. Studies show that this type of diet supports collagen synthesis and reduces oxidative stress.

4. Cease smoking. Consider quitting if you’re a smoker. Historical studies have shown that smoking decreases the synthesis of collagen in skin.

Should You Try Combined Methods?

Combining eye wrinkle treatments can be effective in some cases. For instance, when you notice bags or wrinkles under eyes when smiling, especially as skin loses elasticity — a combination of fillers and Botox may help.

Patients in such cases experience better-looking results when facial muscle movements are restricted with Botox and volume restored with filler treatment. In any case, restricting muscle movements complements the slow breakdown of fillers for longer-lasting and wrinkle-free skin.

Both treatments are safe and minimally invasive, but the trick is in finding an experienced doctor or cosmetic surgeon.

Say Goodbye To Eye Wrinkles!

When it comes to smoothing under-eye wrinkles, fillers are among the best non-surgical treatments for under eye wrinkles. They deliver instant results with minimal downtime, making them a popular choice for many.

That said, Diaminy’s HA Filler delivers moisture deep into the dermis, repairing damaged skin and restoring youthfulness.

Whether you’re new to fillers or looking for a trusted upgrade, this fine-line filler is designed to rejuvenate your under-eye area beautifully.