If you scrunch your nose when you smile, laugh, or concentrate, chances are you have bunny lines. They start as faint diagonal creases along the sides of the bridge, then deepen into visible nose wrinkles that make makeup crease and photographs less forgiving. Properly placed Botox can soften those lines without freezing your smile, but this tiny treatment is less forgiving than it looks. The muscles are small, the anatomy shifts with expression, and one imprecise injection can tip the balance toward a droopy lip or a strange grin. Done right, you see a smooth, natural bridge and the same expressive face you know.
I have treated hundreds of patients for bunny lines, and the best results come from a light, thoughtful approach. This guide explains how Botox works on the nose, what a precise plan looks like, common mistakes to avoid, and how to keep results fresh without overdoing it.
What bunny lines are and why they form
Bunny lines are diagonal or slightly horizontal wrinkles that appear on either side of the upper nose when the nasalis muscle contracts. The nasalis is thin and fan-shaped. It flares the nostrils and scrunches the bridge during certain expressions. Repetitive folding creates etched creases, especially in people who smile with their whole face or who subconsciously scrunch the nose when concentrating or speaking. Genetics, thinner skin, and sun exposure accelerate the etching.
They often show up as a companion to crow’s feet, frown lines, or 11 lines. When someone has been getting Botox for frown lines or around the eyes, the forehead and lateral Orlando, FL botox eye muscles relax. The face finds other ways to express. The nasalis may start doing more work, which makes bunny lines more visible. This is common in patients who feel their crow’s feet improved nicely, then notice new nose wrinkles two or three sessions later.
How Botox works on the nose, in plain terms
Botox, the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin type A, temporarily reduces muscle activity by blocking acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. For bunny lines, the goal is not to paralyze the nose. It is to dampen the nasalis just enough that it stops etching the skin during your biggest smile or laugh. When the skin stops folding for a few months, the surface can remodel a bit, makeup goes on smoother, and the lines stay quieter even between injections.
In practical terms, that means very small doses placed at specific points along the nasalis. The dose for bunny lines is modest compared to glabella or forehead lines. Most patients need a total of 2 to 8 units of Botox cosmetic across both sides of the nose. Lighter-weight neuromodulators such as Dysport or Xeomin work as well, dosed to their respective unit equivalencies. I will occasionally use Daxxify when a patient wants longer duration, but I reduce the quantity slightly because the effect can feel stronger in this area.
Getting the dose and placement right
The nose is not a muscle group you can flood. Overdo it and you risk softening neighboring muscles that help lift the upper lip or shape the smile. Underdo it and you get little change. The sweet spot is small.
Anatomy and injection approach that consistently works in the clinic:
- Injection points: Usually two to three microinjections per side, placed along the diagonal wrinkle track where the nasalis fibers bunch during an active scrunch. I always mark while the patient smiles and scrunches so I can see the exact line trajectory. A common pattern uses one point midway up the lateral bridge and a second slightly lower and more lateral toward the ala. If a third is needed, it sits higher along the bridge for those with long wrinkle tracks. Depth: Superficial intramuscular or just subdermal in thin skin. Deep placement is unnecessary and increases spread risk. Dose: 1 to 2 units per point with classic Botox, sometimes less with microdroplet technique. Total bilateral dose typically 2 to 8 units. For first-time treatment, I start at the low end and see you again in two weeks for a touch up if needed. It is easier to add a unit than to fix a smile that got too still. Symmetry: Treat both sides even if one side looks worse. Asymmetrical dosing can help when one side scrunches harder, but both sides need some effect for balance. Avoiding migration: The nose is close to the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, a mouthful of a muscle that helps elevate the upper lip and part of the nostril. If product spreads here, you may see a slack upper lip or a small change in your smile. Tiny doses, precise placement, and staying within the wrinkle path minimize that risk.
For patients with very thin skin or early lines, micro Botox (also called baby Botox or mini Botox) often looks best. Tiny droplets dispersed along the wrinkle soften the contraction without flattening expression. It is a favorite for actors, teachers, and public-facing professionals who can’t afford a stiff smile on Monday after a Friday appointment.
Who makes a good candidate
Most people who show clear bunny lines while smiling or laughing can benefit. A quick mirror test helps: smile broadly, then scrunch your nose as if smelling something odd. If diagonal creases pop along the sides of your bridge, you have treatable nose wrinkles.
Relative contraindications and caution zones include pregnancy or breastfeeding, active sinus infection, recent nasal surgery, or a history of facial nerve disorders. People with very heavy upper lips or strong gummy smiles need careful mapping because the smile elevator muscles share borders with the nasalis. If your bunny lines are actually the result of compensatory expression after aggressive forehead or crow’s feet Botox, I will likely lower the dose around the eyes on your next session and add a whisper of product to the nose. Balance beats chasing one area with more units.
A realistic timeline, from appointment to results
A typical botox appointment for the nose takes 10 to 15 minutes. Most of the time goes to assessment and expression mapping. The injections themselves are fast. You will feel quick pinches rather than pressure. What to expect afterward:
- Initial hours: Slight redness or tiny bumps at the injection points that settle within an hour or two. Makeup can be applied after 30 minutes if the skin looks calm. First few days: Botox begins to engage between day 2 and day 5. You may notice slightly less scrunching when you smile. True softening shows by the end of week one. Two weeks: Full effect. If you still see a residual crease, a small touch up of 1 to 2 units can tip you into the sweet spot. Duration: Most patients enjoy 10 to 14 weeks of smoothness in this area. Some hold to 16 weeks. Highly expressive patients or endurance athletes who metabolize quickly may land at 8 to 10 weeks.
Because the dose is small, bunny lines often fade a little sooner than glabellar or forehead lines. Many patients schedule bunny line touch ups alongside crow’s feet or 11 line treatments, keeping the calendar simple.
The art of keeping your smile natural
The nose is central to facial expression. I avoid the heavy-handed approach. When a patient tells me they want the bridge glassy smooth, I explain the trade-off. The last few percent of smoothness often require more units that begin to affect adjacent elevators. That can round out your smile in a way that looks subtly off. Most people prefer a soft, unetched bridge rather than a motionless one.
I also watch for compensatory movement. If your forehead, glabella, and crow’s feet are well controlled, the nasalis may start doing extra. That is how “new” bunny lines appear mid-journey. The solution is not simply more product. It is better balance: dropping the lateral canthus dose by a unit or two, adding a light treatment to the nose, and ensuring the brow can still lift a touch. A balanced face reads natural, even in motion.
Comparing neuromodulators and why product choice matters less than technique
Patients often ask about Botox vs Dysport vs Xeomin for bunny lines. All three can work well. Dysport tends to diffuse slightly more, which can be advantageous for broader muscles like the forehead but requires care on the nose. Xeomin is a purified option with fewer accessory proteins. In my hands, Botox cosmetic remains the default for tiny zones because the behavior is predictable at micro doses. If someone has a mild antibody concern from heavy previous dosing elsewhere, I may rotate products. The injector’s mapping and dosing matter far more than the label when treating this small, sensitive area.
When lines are etched at rest
Static lines on the bridge often soften with several botox sessions, but very etched creases sometimes need surface support. A light pass of hyaluronic acid microdroplets, placed very superficially, can lift the valley. Not every face tolerates filler in this zone. The skin is thin, blood supply must be respected, and overfilling can create a visible ridge. I reserve filler for stubborn creases that persist after two or three well-done neuromodulator sessions. Topical support using prescription tretinoin or a gentle retinoid, plus daily sunscreen, also helps the skin recover between sessions.
Safety, side effects, and how we avoid them
Mild tenderness, small bruises, and transient redness are the most common side effects. Bruising is less frequent on the bridge than around the eyes, but it can happen, particularly if you have been taking fish oil, vitamin E, or ibuprofen. I ask patients to pause non-essential blood-thinning supplements for one week if their physician agrees.
Uncommon but important risks include diffusion into the elevator muscles of the upper lip, which can blunt your smile or slightly change the lift of the nostril. I’ve seen this twice in new patients who arrived after heavy dosing elsewhere. It resolved as the product wore off. The fix is prevention: tiny doses, precise placement, and a conservative first session with a touch up visit built into the plan.
Infection is rare when skin is cleaned properly. Allergic reactions to botulinum toxin are extremely uncommon. If you have a history of facial nerve palsy, we discuss timing and risk in detail before proceeding.
Cost, value, and how to think about pricing
Because the dose is small, bunny lines tend to be one of the more affordable neuromodulator treatments on the face. Pricing models vary by clinic and region. In cities with high overhead, per-unit rates may range from 10 to 20 dollars per unit. With a typical 2 to 8 unit total, the cost often lands in the 50 to 160 dollar range if billed by unit. Flat-zone pricing may bundle the nose with crow’s feet or a full upper-face plan. Seasonal botox specials sometimes reduce the cost further. The better question to ask is not “what is the cheapest,” but “who places tiny doses with confidence and care.” A skilled botox specialist, whether a board-certified doctor or an experienced nurse injector, will save you from a fix-it visit later.
If you are searching for a botox clinic or “botox near me,” look beyond ads. Read botox reviews that mention natural movement and specific areas like bunny lines. During your botox consultation, ask how many units they typically place, how they avoid smile changes, and whether they prefer to touch up at two weeks rather than front-load the dose. You want someone who respects the nose.
What the appointment feels like and how to prepare
Arrive with clean skin, no heavy makeup across the bridge, and a list of medications or supplements you take. If bruising is a big concern and your doctor approves, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, ginkgo, and high-dose vitamin E for a week before your botox appointment. Plan the session at least two to three weeks before big events or photos to allow the full botox results to settle and any tiny bruise to fade.
The botox procedure steps are straightforward. We review your medical history, map your expressions, mark the wrinkle path, clean the skin, and place the microinjections. Most people rate the discomfort as a 2 or 3 out of 10. The needle is fine, and each entry is quick. Ice can be used afterward if needed.
Botox recovery and aftercare are light. Skip strenuous exercise, steam rooms, or heavy pressure on the nose for the rest of the day. Keep your head upright for four hours. Avoid rubbing the area. Normal skincare resumes the next morning. Makeup can go on once the skin looks calm, usually the same day.
Frequency, maintenance, and what to do if lines come back fast
Expect to repeat botox sessions every three to four months for the nose. Some people prefer a maintenance schedule where they book the next visit at the checkout desk, aiming for consistent softness rather than waiting for lines to fully return. Others watch the mirror and call when the scrunch reappears. Both approaches work.
If your results seem to fade in six to eight weeks, consider two things first: Were you especially expressive, stressed, or active during that period? High-intensity training and fast metabolisms can shorten duration. Second, were the doses extremely conservative because it was your first time botox in this area? Your next session may last longer with a slight increase. True resistance to botulinum toxin is rare, especially with small zones like the nose.
How bunny lines fit into a full-face plan
Facial treatments work best as a map, not a list. Bunny lines tie closely to crow’s feet, frown lines, and the balance of the upper lip elevators. If we take the time to watch you talk and laugh from three angles, we can distribute tiny units so that nothing looks frozen and no single muscle has to work overtime. That is how we avoid the “stiff eyes, active nose” look that draws attention.
In a typical balanced plan, a https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1HOQ5c-AXjQFuCDFMKVTaREElPzmhwPQ&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1 patient might receive light dosing for frown lines, a conservative sprinkle around the lateral canthus for crow’s feet, and baby botox along the nasalis for the nose wrinkles. If there is gummy smile, a microdose at the lip elevator might be added. Each of these choices influences the others, which is why an expert botox injector will ask about your smile in videos, not just in the mirror.
Common mistakes I see and how to avoid them
- Chasing etched lines with high doses. Etched lines are a skin issue as much as a muscle issue. Neuromodulator relaxes the fold, but excessive units invite spread and unnatural movement. Support the skin and use time and repetition to let lines remodel. Treating the nose without assessing the eyes. If crow’s feet are overtreated, the nasalis often compensates. Balancing the lateral eye dose protects the nose treatment from doing too much work. Ignoring asymmetry. Most people scrunch one side more than the other. A small dose difference, not a big one, can keep symmetry in motion and at rest. Skipping the two-week check. Tiny zones benefit from a touch up philosophy. It is safer to add one unit than to subtract three.
Alternatives if you are not a candidate or prefer no injections
If botox treatment is off the table for medical reasons or personal preference, skincare and energy-based treatments can help. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and a gentle retinoid reduce collagen breakdown and encourage remodeling. Microneedling across the upper nose can soften fine etched lines by stimulating collagen, though the area is sensitive and should be treated by someone who understands nasal anatomy. Light, superficial chemical peels improve texture. These options do not stop muscle contraction, so they help the skin but won’t prevent dynamic creasing during a big smile.
Some people ask about fillers as a replacement for botox on the nose wrinkles. Filler and botox do different jobs. Filler lifts a groove, botox reduces the fold that creates the groove. When used at all in this area, filler is a supplement for stubborn etching, not a replacement for muscle control. If you are deciding between botox vs fillers here, start with botox.
Photos, expectations, and reading “before and after” correctly
Botox before and after photos can be misleading if angles and expressions do not match. A relaxed face will always look smoother than a laughing face, with or without treatment. When you evaluate results, look for consistent lighting, the same intensity of expression, and no makeup covering the bridge. Expect subtlety. Great bunny line results look like your smile, with the bridge no longer crinkling into deep grooves. Friends may say you look rested without pinpointing why.
When a little goes a long way
The best part of treating bunny lines is the efficiency. A few carefully placed units can change how the center of your face photographs and how foundation sits across the bridge. If you have been treating the forehead and eyes for a while and you still do not love your smile lines, you may be looking at the missing piece.
If you are ready to move forward, book a botox consultation with an experienced injector, ideally someone who can show you examples of natural botox for wrinkles in small, expressive zones. Plan the appointment when you can give the area a quiet afternoon afterward, and be prepared for a conservative first pass with a touch up at two weeks. That measured approach is how you get smooth without sacrificing character.
Quick reference: what matters most for bunny lines
- Use small, precise doses mapped to the visible wrinkle track while you scrunch. Balance with crow’s feet and frown line treatments to avoid compensatory overuse. Expect onset by day 3 to 5, full effect at two weeks, and duration near three months. Choose an injector who welcomes a two-week touch up rather than front-loading units. Support the skin with sunscreen and a gentle retinoid if lines are etched at rest.
Bunny lines respond beautifully to thoughtful Botox. With careful mapping and a light hand, you keep the warmth in your smile and lose the crinkle that never felt like you.
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