Bunny lines, also known as nasal or nasolabial wrinkles, are fine lines that appear on the bridge of your nose and extend diagonally outwards towards your cheeks. They’re formed by the contraction of the nasalis muscle, which is responsible for wrinkling your nose when you smile, laugh, or squint.
They’re a normal part of aging, caused by the repetitive movement of facial muscles, but surprisingly, there is another potential cause.
Ironically, bunny lines can appear as a result of BOTOX wrinkle-relaxing treatment elsewhere in the face. In fact, they’re one of the tell-tale signs.
Natural bunny lines can be considered cute to a certain level, as they’re noticeable when you smile or laugh. However, those that are a consequence of BOTOX tend to be less charming and patients who experience this after having anti-wrinkle treatment can be concerned that they are causing other issues.
What causes bunny lines after BOTOX?
Botox is commonly injected between the eyebrows (glabella) to soften frown lines. If too much Botox is injected in this area, it can weaken the muscles that pull the eyebrows down. This can cause the muscles around the nose, like the nasalis muscle, to compensate and work overtime, leading to the formation of bunny lines.
The good news is that this can be avoided.
The placement and dosage of Botox injections are crucial for achieving optimal results. An inexperienced injector might place the injections too close to the nose or use too much Botox, inadvertently increasing the activity of the nasalis muscle and creating bunny lines. A more experienced injector can be expected to have more knowledge about the anatomy and exact placement of their syringe.
In addition, everyone’s facial anatomy is unique, and this also demands consideration. Some people might have stronger nasalis muscles or thinner skin around the nose, making them more prone to developing bunny lines than others. In such cases, even small amounts of Botox in the glabella area can trigger the appearance of bunny lines.
A good, experienced injector may well recommend a ‘less is more’ approach, starting with very small quantities and gradually increasing once the impact has been assessed.
How to treat BOTOX-related bunny lines
If you find yourself with unwanted bunny lines after Botox treatment, don’t worry. There are a few options:
- Botox treatment: That’s right, Botox-related bunny lines can actually be treated by subtle use of Botox to the side of the nose
- Let it wear off: Bunny lines caused by Botox will gradually fade away as the effects of the injections wear off. This can take 3-4 months.
- Dissolve the Botox: If you can’t wait for the Botox to wear off naturally, your doctor can inject a substance called Xeomin to dissolve the Botox and speed up the process.
- Adjust future treatments: If you’ve experienced harsh bunny lines, this should be taken into account for your future Botox treatment plan. Your doctor might recommend using less Botox in the glabella area, using an alternative product or avoiding injections near the nose altogether.
How to avoid BOTOX-related bunny lines
Remember, every person’s facial anatomy and response to treatments is unique:
- Choose an experienced injector: This is crucial to ensure proper placement and dosage of the injections, minimising the risk of unwanted side effects
- Communicate openly: Be upfront with your doctor about your concerns regarding bunny lines and previous Botox experiences
- Monitor your results: Pay attention to your face after treatment and alert your doctor immediately if you notice any new wrinkles or other unexpected changes
Trusted BOTOX & Dermal Fillers Providers
Mulberry House Clinic, Established 2003
Dr John Tanqueray MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM, former GP and founder of Mulberry House Clinic, has over 20 years of experience in the non-surgical treatments industry and has provided thousands of successful treatments over the years. He has also worked as a trainer, helping other medical professionals to learn the skills and best practice in cosmetic treatments. He works alongside top brand manufacturers on the latest new products.
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with vast experience of the industry. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
