Bunny lines, also known as nose wrinkles, are the fine lines that form on either side of the nose, typically appearing as diagonal creases that run from the side of the nose down toward the mouth. In some cases they can extend as high as the eyes and as low as the lips. They get their nickname from their resemblance to the lines on a bunny's nose, and while they are a common and natural part of facial aging, many patients find them an unwelcome sign they would rather address.
When Do Bunny Lines Appear?
Bunny lines tend to appear in the late twenties to early thirties as the result of frequent facial expressions. However, sun damage, smoking, and a lack of hydration can cause them to develop earlier. The more a person squints, frowns, or scrunches their nose, the sooner nose wrinkles are likely to become visible. Even smiling and laughing can contribute to their formation, as the muscles around the nose are in near-constant motion throughout the day.
What Causes Bunny Lines?
As we repeat facial expressions such as squinting and smiling, the skin on the face folds in the same places over and over, eventually forming creases that remain even when the face is at rest. The nasalis muscle, which runs along the side of the nose, is particularly prone to creating nose wrinkles due to its location and function.
As we age, the skin also loses elasticity due to a gradual decline in collagen and elastin production, making it harder for the skin to bounce back after being repeatedly folded during facial expressions. Other contributing factors include:
- Sun exposure, which breaks down the collagen and elastin fibres that keep skin firm and elastic
- Smoking, which damages structural proteins like collagen through the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke
- Dehydration, which makes the skin less flexible and more prone to creasing
- A lack of consistent skincare including regular cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, which can accelerate the visible signs of aging in this area
Bunny Lines Treatments at SpaMedica
Injectable Wrinkle Relaxers: Botox injections use purified botulinum toxin to temporarily relax the muscles along the sides of the nose that pull the skin inward and create bunny lines. By relaxing the nasalis muscle, the overlying skin is able to smooth out and rest more evenly. Effects from each treatment session typically last three to four months.
Injectable Fillers: Injectable fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Teosyal plump the skin along the smile lines and sides of the nose, filling out creases and keeping the overlying skin taut. Results can last from six months up to two years depending on the product used and the individual patient's metabolism.
Laser Resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing removes the damaged outer layers of skin to reveal newer, healthier cells beneath and stimulates collagen growth for firmer, smoother skin. For bunny lines specifically, fractionated lasers create microscopic treatment zones beside the nose while leaving the surrounding skin intact. As the micro-wounds heal, new collagen fills them in and gradually smooths the nasal lines over the weeks following treatment.
Microneedling: Microneedling uses a specialized device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries along the nasal folds, triggering the skin's natural wound-healing response and stimulating new collagen and elastin production. As the tissue heals, the resulting collagen growth smooths and plumps the creases in the area. Mild redness and swelling typically resolve within 48 hours.
How to Prevent Bunny Lines
While nose wrinkles are an inevitable part of facial aging, consistent preventive habits can delay their appearance and minimize their severity:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day to protect the skin from collagen-destroying UV rays
- Stay well hydrated to keep the skin supple and less prone to creasing
- Avoid smoking, which accelerates facial aging and collagen breakdown
- Sleep on your back where possible to avoid pressing the face into the pillow overnight
- Use a broad-spectrum antioxidant serum to counteract environmental skin cell damage
- Moisturize consistently using products with plumping ingredients such as hyaluronic acid
- Apply a topical retinoid in your evening routine to stimulate ongoing collagen production
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Botox injections use purified botulinum toxin to temporarily relax the muscles along the sides of the nose that pull the skin inward and create bunny lines. By relaxing the nasalis muscle, the overlying skin is able to smooth out and rest more evenly.
Injectable Wrinkle Relaxers
Injectable fillers plump the skin along the smile lines and sides of the nose, filling out creases and keeping the overlying skin taut.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing removes the damaged outer layers of skin to reveal newer, healthier cells beneath and stimulates collagen growth for firmer, smoother skin. For bunny lines specifically, fractionated lasers create microscopic treatment zones beside the nose while leaving the surrounding skin intact.
