Why Botox Doesn’t Work for Lifting Hooded Eyes

Why Botox Won’t Lift Hooded Eyes – And What Actually Works

Hooded eyes—characterized by excess skin that droops over the crease—are a common concern for many looking to achieve a more lifted and youthful appearance. While Botox is a go-to for smoothing wrinkles and relaxing fine lines, it is often mistakenly believed to be a magic fix for lifting hooded eyes. However, the reality is that Botox may not only be ineffective but could sometimes make the problem worse. Here’s why—and what you can do instead.

Why Botox Doesn’t Work for Lifting Hooded Eyes

1. Botox Relaxes, It Doesn’t Lift

Botox works by temporarily relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. When injected into the forehead or around the eyes, it softens expression lines, but it doesn’t provide structural support or physically lift the eyelid. If hooded eyes are caused by excess skin or fat, Botox simply won’t be able to counteract gravity.

2. The Risk of Brow Droop

For some people, Botox injections in the forehead can lead to an unintended side effect—brow ptosis (drooping eyebrows). If the injector over-treats the forehead muscles, it weakens their ability to hold up the brows, causing them to descend further and worsening the hooded effect.

3. It Doesn’t Address Skin Laxity

Hooded eyes are often due to skin laxity and loss of collagen over time. Botox doesn’t tighten or firm up the skin; it only affects muscle movement. This means that if sagging skin is the issue, Botox alone won’t help lift or firm up the area.

4. It’s Not a Long-Term Fix

Even if Botox provided a slight improvement, its effects last only 3-4 months. To maintain results, you’d need regular treatments, which could become costly and still wouldn’t provide the true lifting effect desired.

What Actually Works for Hooded Eyes?

If Botox isn’t the answer, what can you do? Here are some effective alternatives:

1. Brow Lift (Surgical or Non-Surgical)

A surgical brow lift repositions the brows higher on the face, which can significantly improve hooded eyes. If surgery isn’t an option, non-surgical treatments like PDO threads can provide a temporary lift by physically supporting the skin.

2. Skin Tightening Treatments

Non-invasive treatments like radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound therapy (Ultherapy), or laser resurfacing stimulate collagen production, tightening the skin around the eyes and improving drooping over time.

3. Dermal Fillers for a Subtle Lift

Strategically placed dermal fillers in the temples or brow area can help lift the brows slightly, giving a more open-eyed appearance without the risk of Botox-induced drooping.

4. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

For severe hooding, a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery) is the most effective and permanent solution. This procedure removes excess skin and fat, providing dramatic and long-lasting results.

Final Thoughts

While Botox is a fantastic treatment for wrinkles, it is not the best option for lifting hooded eyes—and in some cases, it can even make things worse. If you’re looking for a real solution, a combination of skin-tightening treatments, fillers, or even surgery might be the best approach. Consulting with an experienced aesthetic practitioner will help determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you’d like to explore options for lifting hooded eyes, feel free to book a consultation to discuss personalized solutions!

“ It is my job to be honest, open and upfront with clients about what treatment might be suitable for them. In some cases I recommended alternative treatments and other options that clients may want to go and research. Ethically, it is important to make sure the client is informed and understands potential complications and desired results. In some cases other treatments may be more appropriate and the client may be happier with the end result.”

Danielle Mae, MAE WELLNESS