Camas, WA
Bunny lines might sound cute, but for many people, they’re a frustrating part of aging or facial expression. These fine lines that appear diagonally across the bridge of the nose when you smile, squint, or scrunch your face can become more noticeable over time. While they’re completely normal and natural, they can also contribute to an aged or tired appearance. The good news? There are solutions. Here’s what bunny lines are and what you can do about them.
Bunny lines are the small, diagonal wrinkles that form on either side of the nose bridge, often extending from the inner corners of the eyes toward the cheek area. They become more prominent when you scrunch your nose, laugh, or express certain emotions. While they’re often subtle in younger individuals, repeated facial movement and skin aging cause them to deepen and stick around even when the face is at rest. These lines are typically more visible in people with active facial muscles, especially those who already receive treatments such as Botox in other areas of the face.
Facial expressions are one of the primary causes of bunny lines. Every time you smile, squint, or laugh, muscles around the nose contract. Over time, as these repetitive expressions continue, the skin starts to form permanent creases. Unlike frown lines or crow’s feet, bunny lines aren’t always noticed right away. However, once they become etched into the skin, they can subtly affect your overall expression, sometimes giving a tense or aged appearance. Awareness of how you use your facial muscles, especially during communication or emotion, can help identify the root of these wrinkles.
Aging plays a major role in the appearance of bunny lines. As we grow older, collagen and elastin production declines. These two proteins are essential for keeping skin firm, plump, and resilient. Without enough of them, skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more prone to wrinkling with repeated movement. Even if you’ve never noticed bunny lines in your youth, they can develop seemingly overnight as your skin loses its ability to bounce back. Addressing collagen loss through skincare and treatments is essential to keeping bunny lines from becoming deeply etched.
Interestingly, bunny lines can become more noticeable after receiving Botox injections in other areas of the face, especially the forehead or crow’s feet. When certain muscles are relaxed with neurotoxins, the body naturally compensates by using other muscles more actively. In this case, the nasalis muscle along the nose picks up the slack, resulting in more exaggerated movement and deeper bunny lines over time. This is a common and manageable side effect, but it’s worth discussing with your provider if you’re considering or already receiving injectables elsewhere.
Some people are genetically more prone to bunny lines than others. Factors such as facial structure, muscle activity, and skin thickness play a role in how and where wrinkles appear. If your parents or siblings have prominent lines on the nose, you might notice them developing earlier than expected. Skin type also matters. Those with thinner, more delicate skin often experience wrinkles sooner because their skin lacks the density to resist repetitive movements. Recognizing these risk factors can help you take proactive steps toward treatment or prevention before lines become deeply set.
While you can’t completely stop facial expressions, good skincare can delay the development of bunny lines. Incorporating products rich in retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid into your routine helps keep the skin around the nose firm and hydrated. Sunscreen is another must, as sun damage accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkles. Gentle exfoliation and daily moisturization can also improve skin texture and resilience. Prevention is about consistency in taking care of your skin, especially in areas that often go overlooked, such as the nose.
There are topical products that claim to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and some can be mildly effective. Ingredients such as retinoids and vitamin C encourage cell turnover and support collagen production, which may help soften bunny lines over time. However, you must set realistic expectations. Topical treatments work on the surface layer of the skin and may improve overall skin tone and texture, but they won’t fully erase deeply set wrinkles. Still, using them consistently can improve the skin’s appearance and help maintain the results of professional treatments.
Botox is the most effective and commonly used treatment for bunny lines. A few small injections directly into the nasalis muscle—the muscle responsible for scrunching the nose—relax it and smooth out the creases. The treatment typically lasts around three to four months, and results become visible within a few days. This is a quick, minimally invasive option that offers dramatic results when done by a skilled provider. Proper placement is crucial to avoid overcorrection or imbalance, so choose a practitioner who understands the unique anatomy of the facial muscles.
In cases where bunny lines are accompanied by volume loss or deeper facial wrinkles, dermal fillers can be used to complement Botox treatments. While fillers aren’t typically injected directly into bunny lines, adding volume to adjacent areas such as the cheeks or under-eyes can reduce overall tension and smooth out the face. By supporting the surrounding structures, fillers indirectly reduce the prominence of nose wrinkles. A strategic combination of Botox and filler can yield natural-looking results that restore youthfulness without freezing your expressions entirely.
Microneedling is another popular treatment for reducing bunny lines, particularly for those who prefer a more natural, collagen-stimulating approach. This minimally invasive procedure uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s healing response and promoting collagen production. Over time, this can soften the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture. While it may take several sessions to see significant results, microneedling is a great option for improving overall skin health and reducing the depth of early wrinkles such as bunny lines.
If you’re exploring treatment options for bunny lines, a personalized consultation is the best place to start. At our Camas medspa, experienced professionals take the time to understand your facial anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Whether you’re new to injectables or seeking to enhance previous treatments, the team tailors your plan using state-of-the-art techniques and products. With services ranging from Botox to laser treatments and collagen support therapies, Camas medspa offers a full spectrum of solutions to address bunny lines and more. You’re not just getting a treatment—you’re getting care designed with your unique needs in mind.
Now that you know what bunny lines are and what you can do about them, you’re empowered to make the best decision for your face, your skin, and your confidence. From prevention to precision-based Botox applications, understanding your facial movement and skin health is key. For expert guidance and customized care, consider working with professionals such as the team at Camas medspa to ensure you’re treating bunny lines with expertise and lasting results.
