Bunny Lines: Causes, Treatment and Muscle Relaxant

Bunny lines are diagonal wrinkles that appear on both sides of the nose when laughing or wrinkling the nose. They are caused by the nasalis muscle and can be effectively treated with targeted muscle relaxant injections. While the name may sound charming, many people find these nose wrinkles bothersome — they tend to appear with nearly every facial expression involving the mid-face area. A non-surgical treatment with a muscle relaxant can visibly smooth these fine lines and creases around the nose.

What Are Bunny Lines and How Do They Form?

The term "bunny lines" describes the fine wrinkles that appear along the sides of the nose bridge. They become visible when the nose is wrinkled — similar to the way a rabbit crinkles its nose — and can also appear while smiling or making other expressive facial movements. In some cases, the lines extend upward toward the inner corners of the eyes.

Causes of Bunny Lines: More Than Just Aging

Bunny lines are not exclusively a sign of aging. They also appear in younger people. These are expression lines — also called dynamic wrinkles — which are not solely caused by dry skin or sun damage during the natural skin aging process. Instead, they develop through repeated use of the corresponding facial muscle groups.

When the same facial muscles are activated repeatedly, the skin folds at those specific points. Over time, dynamic wrinkles that were initially only visible during movement can become static wrinkles — deep nasal lines that remain visible even at rest.

External factors can further intensify the formation of bunny lines:

Frequent sun exposure (UV radiation)
Regular use of harsh skincare products that strip moisture and lipids
High consumption of alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes
Chronic and intense stress

Which Treatments Effectively Address Bunny Lines?

Some people reach for anti-aging creams in hopes of reducing bunny lines. These products often do not deliver the desired result: while they nourish the skin, they are typically unable to visibly smooth the lines. In most cases, an injection-based wrinkle treatment with an appropriate filler — above all, a muscle relaxant — is necessary to achieve a noticeable improvement.

Muscle Relaxant as a Solution for Bunny Lines

Those who choose to treat bunny lines with a muscle relaxant should be aware of a few important points before undergoing treatment. This modern procedure is offered by specialist physicians. Muscle relaxants are frequently used for expression lines because they act directly on the muscle: the injection relaxes the facial muscles in the area where bunny lines form, resulting in smoother skin. No surgery is required.

How the Treatment Works

During the preliminary consultation with the specialist, the patient's wishes regarding the treatment area are discussed. It is also established whether any contraindications exist — circumstances that speak against the use of a muscle relaxant. Possible reasons include:

Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Neuromuscular disorders
Allergy to the active ingredient
Blood clotting disorders
Use of certain medications prior to treatment

If no contraindications are present, the treatment of the nose wrinkles can proceed. Using a fine injection needle, the product is administered into the muscle group responsible for bunny lines — located between the eyes and the nose. A numbing cream may be applied beforehand if needed. Although the procedure is considered relatively painless, this makes it even more comfortable for patients.

How Long Does the Effect Last?

The results of bunny line treatment with a muscle relaxant typically become visible within a few days. However, it takes approximately two to three weeks to assess the final outcome. The effect lasts for several months — bunny lines are often gone for four to six months. A touch-up may be useful after that period.

Note: In rare cases, the muscle relaxant may not produce the expected results. If the effect does not appear and bunny lines remain visible, a resistance to the product may be the cause. The treating physician will advise on alternative options in such situations.

Possible Side Effects

With professional treatment, no significant complications should occur after a bunny line injection. However, since a medication is involved, side effects cannot be entirely ruled out. The following may sometimes occur:

Itching at the injection site
Swelling
Redness
Headaches
Eye-related issues (dryness, drooping eyelids)

To prevent interactions with other medications, patients should not take blood-thinning agents or antibiotics before the treatment. Any changes to existing medications should first be discussed with the treating physician.

Bunny Lines Treatment Cost

The cost of smoothing bunny lines varies depending on the provider. Offers typically start at around 250 to 300 euros. Since only licensed physicians are permitted to administer injections with muscle relaxants, unusually low-priced offers from other providers should be strongly avoided. Safe, complication-free treatment requires a trained and qualified physician.

Before and After Results

In rare cases, bunny line treatment with a muscle relaxant may result in an asymmetrical facial expression, which can occur if the filler migrates into other muscle areas. Photographic documentation of the treatment captures the before-and-after result, enabling both physicians and patients to assess whether the desired outcome was achieved. If asymmetry is present, specialist physicians can administer a corrective injection to refine the result.

Hyaluronic Acid for Bunny Lines: When Is a Combined Treatment Useful?

For deeper wrinkles, a combination treatment using both a muscle relaxant and hyaluronic acid may be appropriate. While the muscle relaxant provides muscle relaxation, hyaluronic acid restores lost volume in the affected area, resulting in better smoothing of static wrinkles. Whether this combination is beneficial depends on the individual case and can be assessed through a specialist skin analysis.

Hyaluronic acid is generally well tolerated, as the gel-like substance also occurs naturally in the human body. It has a longer-lasting effect than a muscle relaxant and may remain effective for up to 18 months.

Concealing Bunny Lines with Makeup

For deep bunny lines, makeup is not a permanent solution. However, cosmetic products can be helpful for temporarily minimising the appearance of these lines in everyday life. A mattifying foundation combined with a concealer is recommended. Both products should be matched to the individual skin tone, with the concealer being one shade lighter than the natural complexion. A setting powder can be applied to help the result last longer.

Preventing Bunny Lines

Expression wrinkles are a natural by-product of facial muscle movements. Nevertheless, general skin protection can help reduce their appearance. Key measures include:

1. Reduce Stress

Frequent stress can promote mechanical tension in the facial muscles. On a hormonal level, stress triggers cortisol release, which accelerates skin aging. Mindful stress management can therefore act as a preventative measure against nose wrinkles.

2. Use Sunscreen

UV radiation can penetrate deep into the skin layers. Frequent sun exposure risks damaging the connective tissue and skin, and can intensify the formation of nose wrinkles. A sunscreen with at least SPF 20 to 30 is recommended, adapted to individual skin type.

3. Stay Well Hydrated

Water is essential for the body's fluid balance. The skin, as our largest organ, also depends on sufficient hydration: the better hydrated the skin cells are, the more elastic and firm the complexion appears. Drinking enough water can contribute to slowing down the skin aging process.

4. Stop Smoking

Nicotine promotes dry skin and wrinkles around the nose. Smokers risk a permanent constriction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin. Quitting smoking can help prevent wrinkles and dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are bunny lines?

Bunny lines are fine diagonal wrinkles that appear on both sides of the upper nose bridge when laughing or wrinkling the nose. They are caused by the nasalis muscle (transverse portion) and often develop as a compensatory pattern after Botox treatment of the glabella (frown lines).

How are bunny lines treated?

The most effective treatment is an injection of muscle relaxant directly into the nasalis muscle — typically two to four units per side with two injection points per side. It is important to use a very small amount, as excessive treatment can restrict nasal movement. The effect lasts approximately three to four months.

Are bunny lines only a concern for older people?

No. Bunny lines are expression wrinkles and also appear in younger people who use their facial muscles frequently. With age, they can develop into static wrinkles that remain permanently visible even without facial movement.

What does bunny line treatment cost?

Treatment costs for bunny lines with muscle relaxant typically start at 250 to 300 euros. The price varies depending on the provider and the amount of product used. Since treatment may only be performed by licensed physicians, unusually low-cost offers should be avoided.

How long does the effect last?

The effect of muscle relaxant for bunny lines generally lasts four to six months. After this period, a touch-up treatment may be worthwhile to maintain the result.

Can bunny lines be permanently eliminated?

With regular touch-up treatments, bunny lines can be minimised long-term. Permanent removal is only possible through surgical procedures, which are rarely used for this indication. The vast majority of patients are highly satisfied with the results of muscle relaxant treatment.