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Bunny Lines Botox: Nasal Wrinkle Guide 2026
Dr. Hamza Gemici
May 21, 202611 minutesQuick Summary · TL;DR
Bunny lines are the diagonal dynamic wrinkles that appear on the upper sides of the nose during smiling, squinting, or scrunching. They often become more obvious after glabella Botox because muscle activity shifts toward the nasalis. Safe treatment depends on targeting the transverse nasalis with a low dose and avoiding nearby upper-lip elevators.
Key Takeaways
- Bunny lines are dynamic nasal wrinkles, not a static skin-quality problem.
- They commonly become more visible after successful glabella Botox because of compensatory muscle activity.
- Treatment should stay conservative to reduce the risk of upper-lip asymmetry or an unnatural smile.
Many patients notice bunny lines only after their frown lines have been treated well. The glabellar muscles relax, the nasalis starts carrying more of the expression load, and fine diagonal lines appear on both sides of the nasal bridge.
That does not mean the first Botox treatment failed. In most cases it means the original treatment worked and a secondary dynamic pattern became more visible.
1. What bunny lines are and why they appear
Bunny lines are dynamic wrinkles created mainly by the transverse portion of the nasalis. They show up when the patient smiles, squints, sniffs, or wrinkles the nose in response to light or expression.
They are often mild at baseline and become more obvious after glabella treatment because nearby muscles are no longer sharing the same movement pattern.
- the key driver is usually the transverse nasalis
- glabella treatment can unmask the pattern rather than create harm
- static etched lines may need more than toxin alone
2. Treatment logic and dosing
My usual approach is low-dose Botox placed directly into the active bunny-line point over the nasalis. Typical dosing is modest because this is a small muscle and overcorrection is more problematic than undercorrection.
The main technical danger is drifting too inferior or too lateral and affecting the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi or nearby smile muscles.
- small doses are usually enough
- precise placement matters more than total units
- touch-up at review is safer than aggressive first-pass dosing
3. Risks, expectations, and combinations
If patients already receive upper-face Botox, bunny-line treatment can be added as part of the same expression plan. Results usually settle quickly, but the duration may be a little shorter than the glabella region.
Possible problems include asymmetry, upper-lip movement changes, or a smile that feels strange if the wrong muscle is hit. That is why anatomy and conservative dosing matter.
- review the smile pattern before injecting
- expect a softer result, not a frozen nose
- complication prevention is mainly about avoiding the wrong muscle
Dr. Gemici: Unexpected bunny lines after glabella Botox are usually a compensation pattern, not a treatment disaster. The fix is often small, but the anatomy still has to be respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to notice bunny lines after glabella Botox?
Yes. It is a common compensatory pattern and often means the glabella treatment worked well enough for the nasalis to become more visible.
How many units are usually needed?
Usually only a low dose is needed because the target area is small and precise placement matters more than using many units.
Can bunny-lines Botox affect my smile?
It can if the wrong muscle is treated. Careful anatomy and conservative dosing are what keep that risk low.
Dr. Hamza Gemici
Trusted & Professional
Dr. Hamza Gemici is a medical aesthetic physician based in Ataşehir, Istanbul. His practice focuses on natural anti-aging and subtle facial harmonization using botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, periocular rejuvenation and skin quality procedures. All treatments are performed with FDA-approved products under physician-guided protocols.
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