As cute as they may sound, bunny lines are something that most patients hope to avoid.
That’s because these lines that fan from the nose to the center of the eye can be a sign of aging or a dead giveaway for inexperienced application of Botox.
Fortunately, in the hands of a skilled and talented injector, bunny lines can be easily treated and prevented.
However, it’s essential that patients have a proper understanding of bunny lines and Botox treatment before undergoing injections.
Bunny Lines – What Are They?
Bunny lines are straight or diagonal lines that extend from either side of the nose and are the direct result of an overactive nasalis muscle.
You can see this muscle at work when you flare your nostrils or during certain facial movements like smiling deeply and laughing.
What Causes Bunny Lines?
There are two main causes of bunny lines–aging and Botox.
Bunny Lines and Aging
Over time, skin loses collagen and elasticity, and repeated facial movements can cause wrinkles, lines, and creases to form.
This is the case for bunny lines, which initially present with facial expressions, making them dynamic wrinkles.
However, as we get older, overuse of the nasalis muscle can cause bunny lines to become etched into skin, so that they are present even when the face is at rest.
Bunny Lines and Botox Treatment
Too much Botox over an extended period of time can also lead to bunny lines. That’s because when you restrict certain muscles, others like the nasalis muscle, can attempt to compensate and work overtime.
So, while areas that have been treated with Botox stay relaxed during facial expression, the area that forms bunny lines is active.
How Can We Get Rid of Them?
Injecting specific-amounts of Botox to limit the nasalis muscle is the most effective way to eliminate bunny lines.
That being said, many skilled and experienced injectors elect to preemptively treat this area when addressing other wrinkles, like frown lines, to avoid bunny lines and any awkward facial movements in the first place.
If you are considering Botox for whatever reason, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly-skilled and talented injectors.
