The Bottom Line

Bunny lines are the small diagonal wrinkles that appear on the sides of your nose when you smile, laugh, or scrunch your face. They are caused by the nasalis muscle and are easily treated with a small amount of Botox — usually 4–8 units. Treatment takes just a few minutes, results last 3–4 months, and the procedure is commonly done as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan rather than on its own.

What Are Bunny Lines?

Bunny lines are the diagonal creases that fan across the sides of your nose — usually running from the nose bridge downward and outward toward the cheeks. They get their name from the way a rabbit crinkles its nose. Like other dynamic wrinkles (crow's feet, forehead lines, frown lines), bunny lines are caused by repeated muscle movement over time. The muscle responsible is called the nasalis muscle, which sits along the side of the nose.

For some people, bunny lines appear naturally with facial expressions. For others, they become more noticeable after Botox treatment in nearby areas — particularly when glabellar (between-the-brow) frown lines are treated. When the glabellar muscles are relaxed, some of that expressive movement shifts to the nasalis, making bunny lines more pronounced. This is why many providers address bunny lines proactively when treating the upper face.

How Botox Treats Bunny Lines

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the nasalis muscle, reducing its ability to contract forcefully. When this muscle is partially relaxed, the diagonal creases it creates are softened or eliminated. The treatment uses a very small dose — typically 4–8 units — injected into specific points on the lateral sides of the nose.

Accurate placement is important. Injecting too far from the nose or at the wrong depth can affect nearby muscles, potentially causing an asymmetric smile or lip movement problems. An experienced injector maps out the precise injection points based on where your nasalis muscle is most active during expression.

What to Expect

The treatment itself takes just 5–10 minutes and involves 2–4 small injections per side. Numbing cream is rarely needed because the doses are so small, but it can be offered. After treatment:

  • Results begin appearing in 3–5 days and are fully visible within 2 weeks
  • Duration: typically 3–4 months for most patients
  • Side effects are usually minimal — mild redness or a small bump at the injection site that fades within hours
  • Activity: you can return to normal activities immediately; avoid strenuous exercise for 4 hours

Combining Bunny Line Treatment with Other Botox Areas

Because bunny lines are a relatively minor concern, they are almost always treated as part of a broader facial Botox session rather than as a standalone appointment. Common pairings include:

  • Glabellar lines (between the brows) — the most common combination
  • Forehead lines
  • Crow's feet at the outer eyes
  • Lip flip (upper lip eversion)
  • Nasal tip ptosis (Botox to lift a drooping nasal tip)

A skilled provider will assess the entire upper face during your consultation and recommend which areas will benefit from treatment at the same visit to achieve natural, balanced results.

When to See a Dermatologist

  • You have noticeable bunny lines at rest (not just during expression) that bother you
  • Your bunny lines became more prominent after a previous Botox treatment elsewhere in your face
  • You want a comprehensive upper-face rejuvenation plan that addresses multiple areas in a single, coordinated session
  • You notice asymmetry, changes in your smile, or unexpected lip movement changes after a previous treatment near the nose
  • You want to discuss whether bunny lines are caused by muscle activity or by the skin itself (static vs. dynamic wrinkles)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bunny lines always need treatment?

Not necessarily. Bunny lines are a common, normal part of facial expression for many people. Treatment is appropriate if the lines bother you aesthetically, appear at rest (not just during expressions), or have become more noticeable following other Botox treatments. Many patients have bunny lines addressed only after noticing they became more visible once other facial wrinkles were treated.

Can bunny line Botox affect my smile?

If placed incorrectly, yes — Botox near the nose can affect the levator labii muscles that raise the upper lip, potentially causing an asymmetric or altered smile. This is why precise placement by an experienced injector is essential. When done correctly with the right dose at the right location, bunny line treatment should have no effect on your smile or lip movement.

Are bunny lines the same as nasolabial folds?

No. Bunny lines are the wrinkles on the sides of the nose (caused by the nasalis muscle), while nasolabial folds are the deeper lines that run from the nose down to the corners of the mouth. Nasolabial folds are generally caused by volume loss and skin laxity and are more effectively treated with fillers rather than Botox.

How long does it take to see results?

Like all Botox treatments, results from bunny line injections begin appearing within 3–5 days as Botox starts blocking nerve signals to the muscle. Peak effect is usually visible by 2 weeks. If you have a follow-up appointment (recommended 2 weeks after treatment), any minor asymmetry or under-correction can be adjusted at that visit.

References

  1. Carruthers A, Carruthers J. Botulinum toxin type A treatment of multiple upper facial sites: patient-reported outcomes. Dermatol Surg. 2007;33(S1):S10-S17.
  2. Alam M, Gladstone H, Kramer EM, et al. ASDS guidelines of care: injectable fillers. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(S1):S115-S148.
  3. Kane MA. The effect of placement, depth and quantity on the outcome of botulinum toxin injections for the correction of rhytids. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;112(5 suppl):16S-26S.
  4. Sundaram H, Signorini M, Liew S, et al. Global aesthetics consensus: botulinum toxin type A. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(3):518e-529e.

Trusted Resources

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or licensed medical provider before pursuing any cosmetic treatment. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.