Jelly Roll Undereyes (Smile Bumps)
Soften the bag that forms under the eye when smiling. Precise Botox or regenerative work, depending on the cause.
Causes and Treatment
The jelly roll is the small bag or bulge that appears directly under the lower lash line when you smile. It's caused by the orbicularis oculi muscle (the muscle that closes the eye) being overactive at rest or contracting strongly during smiling.
Some patients have always had this; others develop it as the under-eye area changes with age. It's separate from tear troughs (the hollow below the eye) and from morning eye puffiness (lifestyle and lymphatic).
Better's approach uses precise Botox in the orbicularis muscle to soften the bulge during smiling. The dose is small and placed carefully to avoid affecting the muscle's other functions. For patients whose jelly roll is paired with thin under-eye skin or hollows, we may add EZ Eye or PRP Under Eye to address all factors together.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Better treats jelly roll undereyes with four tools, depending on cause and severity.
Jelly Roll Undereyes Treatment
Better's specific protocol for the bulge that appears under the eye when smiling. Precise micro-dose of Botox in the orbicularis muscle. Takes 5 minutes.
Botox
The neuromodulator used in the Jelly Roll protocol. Same product, precise placement. Standard choice for first-time patients.
EZ Eye
Autologous regenerative gel that thickens under-eye skin and softens the area. Useful when jelly roll is paired with thin under-eye skin.
PRP Under Eye
PRP injected into the under-eye to thicken thin skin and improve quality. Used in combination with Jelly Roll Botox for comprehensive under-eye refinement.
Different from tear troughs. The jelly roll is a bulge that appears when smiling. Tear troughs are hollows below the eye. The treatments are different. Better's consultation will tell you which you actually have.
How to Choose Between Them
Match the protocol to your specific issue.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Visible bulge when smiling only | Jelly Roll Treatment (Botox) |
| Combined with thin skin | Jelly Roll + EZ Eye |
| Combined with mild hollows | Jelly Roll + PRP Under Eye |
| Comprehensive under-eye plan | Jelly Roll + EZ Eye + PRP |
| First time, just the bulge | Jelly Roll Treatment alone |
| Maintenance every 3 to 4 months | Botox refresh |
The Jelly Roll Treatment uses very small doses (typically 1 to 2 units per side). The injection location requires precision because nearby muscles control eye closure. Better's injectors are specifically trained in this delicate area.
Realistic timeline: results visible at 7 to 14 days. Lasts 3 to 4 months. Maintenance every 3 to 4 months keeps results.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Jelly roll consultations at Better start with a hands-on assessment. We ask you to smile so we can see the bulge in action and confirm the diagnosis (versus tear troughs or lifestyle puffiness).
The injection takes 5 minutes total. You'll feel a small pinch on each side. There's no downtime. Results visible at 7 to 14 days.
Dr. Brechner supervises all neuromodulator protocols.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 15-minute consultation evaluates your under-eye and recommends the right approach.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is jelly roll different from tear troughs?
Jelly roll is a bulge that appears under the eye when smiling. Tear troughs are hollows below the eye that look like dark shadows. Different treatments. Botox softens the jelly roll. Regenerative work or filler addresses tear troughs.
Will it affect my smile?
No. The dose is very small and placed precisely. Your smile remains fully natural. Only the bulge under the lash line is reduced.
Will my eyes look different at rest?
Subtly more open and refreshed. The orbicularis muscle relaxes slightly which can make the eye area look slightly larger and less squinty.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
Can I get this with regular Botox?
Yes. Most patients add Jelly Roll to a regular upper-face Botox visit. The total dose is small enough that the cost addition is modest.
How much does Jelly Roll Treatment cost in Chicago?
Jelly Roll uses 1 to 2 units per side. Pricing scales with units. Often added to existing Botox visits at minimal additional cost. See our Specials.
Related Reading
Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to soften the bag that appears when you smile?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.