Botox for Nose Lines (“Bunny Lines”): Small Area, Big Impact

1. Bunny lines show up when you scrunch your nose, smile hard, or laugh. Some people find them endearing, others notice they pull attention in photos or create a crinkled look that fights with an otherwise smooth face. They originate from a small, powerful muscle along the sides of the nose called the nasalis, sometimes with help from the depressor septi and fibers that interconnect with the orbicularis oculi. Because this area is compact and expressive, a well-placed microdose of Botox can relax those creases without flattening your smile. The difference can be subtle in the best way: a softer nose bridge and sidewall while the rest of your expression stays lively. I have treated bunny lines for more than a decade, in a dermatology clinic and later in a medical spa setting. The technique is minor, but precision matters. The muscle is thin, the skin is thin, and nearby structures run the show for your smile, your top lip, and your cheeks. A few units too high or too lateral can cause an odd grin or telegraph into the mid- cheek. Get it right, and friends will say you look rested without pinpointing why. What bunny lines are, and why they form When you laugh or squint, the nasalis draws the skin medially and upward along the bridge and the sidewalls of the nose. Over time, repetitive folding of the skin etches a pair of diagonal lines. They start as dynamic wrinkles that appear only during movement. With age, volume loss and collagen changes can turn them into faint static lines that linger at rest, especially in people who smile big or wear glasses that compress the nasal root. Botox for face wrinkles works by temporarily relaxing the muscle. In the nose, the target is small and superficial. Unlike Botox for forehead lines or frown lines, where you often distribute 10 to 20 units across a broad area, bunny lines usually respond to microdoses. The aim is to quiet the scrunch, not eliminate the joyful expressions that lift the cheeks and eyes. Who makes a good candidate If you notice diagonal nose lines when you grin or push your sunglasses up, and those lines soften when you stop moving, you are likely a candidate for Botox injections in this region. Both women and men request this, often as a touch-up during Botox for crow’s feet. I see two common groups: First, patients who already manage the upper face with Botox for wrinkles around the eyes or the forehead. Once the upper third smooths, bunny lines can suddenly stand out. Adjusting the balance with two to six units near the nose often restores harmony. Second, patients whose noses crunch deeply on one side, usually due to asymmetric muscle pull. These cases benefit from tailored dosing on each side to even out the expression. There are caveats. If most of the crease you see is a static etched-in line, Botox alone may not erase it. Treatments that stimulate collagen can help. Light resurfacing, microneedling, or a delicate filler line placed just under the crease can pair with Botox to address both muscle activity and skin texture. If you have nasal valve compromise or chronic sinus issues, any procedure near the nose deserves a thoughtful exam, although Botox itself does not block airflow. What to expect at a Botox consultation A good Botox consultation is a two-way evaluation. I ask patients to smile naturally, then to exaggerate a nose scrunch. I tap along the sidewall to feel the muscle, then watch how the cheek and upper lip move. If the upper lip already flips inward when smiling, I will adjust, since the nasalis and upper lip elevator muscles can interplay. Sometimes a microdose in the depressor septi nasi helps if the nasal tip pulls down sharply when smiling, but that is a separate choice and not always necessary. We discuss prior Botox treatments, allergies, and medication history. Blood thinners increase the chance of bruising; this includes aspirin, many supplements like fish oil and ginkgo, and some prescription medications. Stopping them for a cosmetic treatment is a medical decision, so I coordinate with the prescribing doctor before advising any pause. Pregnant and breastfeeding patients should wait. Anyone with a neuromuscular disorder needs an individualized assessment. Patients usually ask about Botox cost and price in the same breath. Pricing varies by region and clinic, often per unit or per area. Bunny lines use a small number of units, so the expense tends to be modest compared with a full upper-face plan. In many cities, this can range widely depending on the provider’s qualifications and practice model. I advise choosing a certified provider who can show consistent before and after photos for the nose area, not only forehead or crow’s feet.

2. The procedure, minute by minute The appointment starts with photographs at rest and with expression. Photos provide a baseline and help you see the difference at follow up. After cleansing, I usually mark two tiny points on each side of the nose, slightly lateral to the bone near the upper sidewall. In some faces, a single point per side is enough; in others, a small second point offsets asymmetry. An ultra-fine insulin needle delivers a shallow intramuscular injection. Most patients describe the pinch as less sharp than the forehead because the area is small. The volume is low, often 0.02 to 0.05 mL per point, so it is quick. A pair of cotton tips applies light pressure for 10 to 20 seconds. Swelling is minimal and settles in under 30 minutes. Makeup can go on soon after. The entire process typically fits inside a 15 to 20 minute Botox appointment if it is the only area, or an extra 5 minutes when added to Botox for eye wrinkles or forehead lines. Dosing, mapped to results Typical dosing for bunny lines ranges from 2 to 4 units per side, split across one to two points. In a first-timer with strong movement, I start conservative: 1.5 to 2 units per side. It is easier to add during a Botox touch up than to dial back over- relaxation. Those who have been on a maintenance schedule may settle at 2 to 3 units per side. Very petite noses or thin skin often do best at the low end. Overcorrection flattens midface expression and makes smiles look odd. Under-correction leaves a faint scrunch that you may not mind. The sweet spot is personal. During a review at two weeks, we check function and, if needed, add a unit per side. The timeline: onset, peak, and longevity Most patients start noticing a change at three to five days. The effect strengthens over 10 to 14 days as the neuromuscular junctions calm. The peak look typically lasts through month two, then very slowly lightens. Expect the full duration to fall between 3 and 4 months, sometimes 6 months in people who metabolize neurotoxin more slowly or use very low facial movement. If you are active with cardio or have a fast metabolism, results can taper closer to the 3 month mark. A Botox maintenance plan with scheduled touch ups will keep things steady. A common pattern is quarterly touch ups for upper-face treatments. Patients who prefer a soft, natural result often extend touch up frequency by aiming for a flexible feel, not complete stillness. There is no single right cadence. I prefer to align with milestones in your year: weddings, photo sessions, allergy seasons when nose scrunching spikes. This respects both lifestyle and budget. Results you can expect You should see Learn more smoother diagonal lines when you smile or laugh and a more polished bridge in candid photos. At rest, the effect is understated. Side-by-side Botox before and after photos show the biggest difference mid- laughter, when the nasalis would normally bunch. The skin looks less pinched, and the transition from nose to cheek is more graceful. The result Chester botox should not change your nose shape at rest. If you see tip droop or an odd upper lip pull, the dose or placement may need adjusting. In most cases, small tweaks correct this at the two-week follow up. Safety, risks, and how to minimize them Botox has a long safety record when performed by trained hands. In the nose, the main risks are technical and relate to the tight real estate.* Bruising and swelling: The area is vascular, so a pinpoint bruise is possible. Planning treatments at least 10 days before big events covers the rare bruise that lingers. Asymmetry: If your right side pulls harder than your left, symmetrical dosing can paradoxically reveal imbalance. I often place 0.5 to 1 unit more on the stronger side. If you feel lopsided after a week, a micro touch up usually evens it. Smile changes: Diffusion into the levator labii superioris can make the upper lip feel sluggish or blunt the nasolabial rise. Conservative dosing and precise depth fix this. If it happens, it fades as the Botox wears off.

3. Headache or local tenderness: Short-lived and mild in most cases, eased by acetaminophen and cool compresses. Allergic reactions are rare. Systemic side effects, such as generalized weakness or swallowing difficulty, are exceptionally uncommon at cosmetic doses in the nose area. If you have any medical conditions affecting muscle function, bring that up at the consultation. Practical steps reduce risk. Skip heavy workouts, saunas, or inverted yoga for the rest of the day. Keep your fingers off the injection sites for 12 hours. Do not massage or use a facial device over the area for two days. Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night if you tend to swell. How bunny line treatment fits with other areas Most people pair nose line injections with Botox for crow’s feet, since both activate when we smile. A small dose in the nose complements a light relaxation at the outer eye, preserving a genuine smile. If you already use Botox for frown lines or forehead lines, your provider will look at balance across the upper third. Over-treating one area can cause compensatory movement elsewhere. For example, if your brows are very still, the orbicularis at the eye rim may work harder, which in turn can highlight bunny lines. Some combine the treatment with a lip flip or a tiny dose around the chin for dimpling. I like to stage new areas by at least two weeks when possible. That way, if something feels off, we know exactly which area to adjust. Botox vs fillers for nose lines Botox addresses motion. Fillers address structure. For dynamic bunny lines, Botox is the first choice. If a faint crease remains at rest after two cycles of Botox, a microdroplet of a soft hyaluronic acid along the line can soften the imprint. We are careful here: the nasal sidewall is not forgiving of filler bulk, and blood supply in the nose has notorious end- artery patterns. Use the thinnest product appropriate, tiny volumes, and an injector with a conservative philosophy. Many patients do well with Botox alone. If what you want is a change to nose shape, such as smoothing a dorsal hump, that is a non-surgical rhinoplasty discussion, not a bunny line plan. Two different goals, two different techniques. Choosing a provider: small area, big precision Your best predictor of success is the injector’s map of facial anatomy and their aesthetic judgment. A skilled dermatologist, facial plastic surgeon, or experienced injector at a medical spa will palpate the nasalis, watch movement from multiple angles, and use the smallest dose that achieves the goal. Ask to see Botox results specifically for nose lines. Review realistic expectations: Botox natural results should preserve your personality. Geography influences how you search. Many patients type “botox near me” and land on a mix of clinics. Vet them. Look for a Botox certified provider, not just any cosmetology office offering injections. Read reviews with an eye for detail. Vague five-star comments carry less weight than clear descriptions of the Botox process, bedside manner, and follow up care.

4. Cost, value, and maintenance planning Because bunny lines require few units, this tends to be a budget-friendly add-on. If your clinic charges by area, you may see a small set price. If by unit, the total reflects the microdose. Interestingly, the value comes not just from the smoother nose, but from how it ties the upper face together. When everything from forehead to eye to nose moves in concert, your expressions look effortless. > Good Vibe Medical Points of Interest POI Images TO Directions Iframe Embeds < Maintenance follows your personal Botox timeline. Many return right at the 3 to 4 month mark, some closer to 5 if their lines are mild. If you prefer longer gaps, communicate that. Your injector can pace a plan that reduces rebound movement without forcing a locked-in schedule. Aftercare that actually helps You can return to most normal activities the same day, but protect your investment for the first 24 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise and heat exposure such as hot yoga, steam rooms, or long sun sessions. Stay upright for four hours and skip tight goggles or frames that press the nasal root. Ice lightly if tender, but do not massage. Clean skincare is fine at night, and makeup is safe after several hours. If you also had Botox for eye wrinkles or a brow lift dose, follow the same guidelines. Give the product time to bind and start its work. Expect meaningful improvement by the end of the week and the full effect by two weeks. Myths, facts, and the science in brief One persistent myth says small-area Botox wears off faster. That is not accurate. Duration depends on dose, muscle size, and your metabolism. The nasalis is small, so we use low doses, but that does not automatically shorten longevity. Another myth claims Botox thins the skin. It does not. Over years, reduced muscle fold can protect collagen and help lines age more slowly. Mechanistically, Botox blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. In the days after injection, synaptic activity decreases, and the muscle contracts with less force. Nerve terminals sprout new connections over months, which is why movement returns gradually. This reversible process underpins Botox’s safety profile and makes it suitable for aesthetic improvement and medical uses like migraine prevention or hyperhidrosis, though those indications use different dosing patterns.

5. When results are not perfect, and how to course-correct Sometimes the first round is nearly there, but not quite. If you still see a tad of movement on one side, a 0.5 to 1 unit touch up usually fixes it. If the upper lip looks heavy or a smile is off, we wait a week to reassess. Effects soften predictably, and strategic counter-dosing can re-balance. The key is communication. Take simple photos at rest and with a smile at day 3, day 7, and day 14, then bring them to your follow up. They help your provider see the progression and make data-driven adjustments. If you turned down Botox because of a previous bad experience in another area, know that the nose can be more forgiving with a conservative plan. Tell your injector what you did not like, whether it was a stiff forehead, a surprised eyebrow, or a too-quiet smile. That informs where to start and how light to go. Alternatives if Botox is not your choice If you prefer to avoid neuromodulators, a few options can reduce the appearance of bunny lines. Topical skincare will not stop the scrunch, but retinoids, peptides, and diligent sunscreen improve skin quality so lines etch less deeply. Energy- based devices that stimulate collagen, such as fractional lasers or RF microneedling, can soften static creases. For those who love a fully natural route, practice awareness around repetitive nose movements, like scrunching when adjusting glasses or during intense workouts. Behavior change alone rarely solves it, but it can help. For people comparing neuromodulators, Botox vs Dysport vs Xeomin comes up. All are FDA-approved and effective. Differences can include spread characteristics, onset timing, and personal response. In a tiny area like the nose, many providers choose a product they know intimately, matching dose and dilution to their technique. If you have a brand preference, discuss it; your injector will advise based on their experience. A practical mini guide for your first bunny line treatment Schedule your Botox consultation at least two weeks before any event where photos matter, so you have time for a touch up if needed. Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise the day before and the day of your appointment to reduce bruising risk. Pause non-essential blood-thinning supplements with your doctor’s approval a week prior. If you cannot pause, tell your provider. Arrive with clean skin, practice a big smile in the mirror so you can show your natural movement, and bring reference photos if there is a specific look you like. Book a two-week follow up when you check out. That appointment is where fine-tuning creates the best results. Realistic expectations: subtle, elegant, and worth it The most satisfied patients describe the change this way: my smile looks the same, but somehow neater. That is the aim. We are not chasing a frozen nose. We are refining an expressive area so your eyes and cheeks carry the moment, not a pair of diagonal creases. The impact is outsized for the unit count. It threads naturally into a broader Botox aesthetic treatment plan that may include gentle work on the forehead, frown lines, or eye corners.

6. People often underestimate how much the nose participates in facial expression. Once you notice it, you cannot unsee it. With careful placement and the right dose, Botox for nose lines adds polish without stealing personality. If you are new to injectables, it is also a low-commitment entry point. The area is small, the dose is tiny, and adjustments are straightforward. Start light, review at two weeks, then decide together whether to maintain, tweak, or layer in complementary treatments. If you are ready to explore, look for a dermatologist or specialist who treats the nose routinely, not just the standard upper-face zones. Ask how they decide on dose, how they stage new areas, and what their aftercare rules are. A thoughtful process sets you up for smooth results, predictable recovery, and confidence in your smile. And that, for a few careful units, is a lot of return.