What Are Bunny Lines? A Plastic Surgeon Explains How to Treat Them
The name “bunny lines” may sound cute, but if they bother you, you may find that they’re anything but cute in reality. In short, bunny lines are wrinkles that appear on the sides of your nose when you wrinkle your nose like a bunny. While they may not be as often mentioned as crow’s feet or the “pixie” between the eyes, they are similar in that they are also dynamic wrinkles – created by repeated muscle movements and can become ingrained over time. Although you don’t have to do anything about bunny lines (or other wrinkles), there are several options if you decide you want to minimize their appearance. Below, experts provide a full overview of bunny lines and the best treatment options.
What Are Bunny Lines?
“Bunny lines are diagonal and/or horizontal wrinkles that appear on the sides of your nose when you wrinkle or pucker your nose,” explains expert Carol Eisenstat, MD. If you’re younger, you may only see them when you make such movements. Over time, however, these lines can become more noticeable and deeper as we lose collagen and elastin, just like other wrinkles and signs of aging.
Causes of Bunny Lines
The main cause of bunny lines is repetitive muscle movements, especially the nasal muscles that run along the sides of the nose, Eisenstat explains. However, it’s important to note that unlike movements like frowning (which is more of a universal motion), not everyone does these types of nose-puckering facial animations, notes board-certified plastic surgeon Usha Rajagopal, MD. In other words, not everyone gets bunny lines, and they’re not as common as other types of dynamic wrinkles. She also adds that many people only notice bunny lines after treating wrinkles elsewhere on the face — these wrinkles become more noticeable after reducing other wrinkles because they’re the only wrinkles left.
As with any type of wrinkle, genetics can play a role in the development of bunny lines — some people are genetically more prone to them than others, Eisenstat notes. Lifestyle factors that usually affect skin quality, such as sun exposure, smoking, and general skin care habits, can also affect the severity of these fine lines, she adds.
How to Treat Bunny Lines
Both experts we spoke to agreed that neuromodulator injections (Botox, Dysport, etc.) are by far the best solution. “These are used to relax the nasal muscles and reduce the appearance of bunny lines,” says Eisenstat. When the muscle is relaxed, it can’t perform this movement, so you won’t get wrinkles (and if you already have them, they’ll be less noticeable). It’s injected into the sides of the nose, she adds, and while the exact amount depends on your specific needs, it’s usually a relatively small amount of about two to four units. (For comparison, according to Rajagopal, an average of 22 to 24 units are used to treat the area between the eyebrows.)
A small amount of injectable filler is another option. “This will plump up the lines so they’re not as noticeable,” says Rajagopal, adding that this is a good option if the lines are already sculpted and visible even when your face is at rest. Thinner fillers—Restylane Refyne, Juvederm Volbella—work best here, and only require very small amounts. She notes that bunny line fillers are usually more of an add-on treatment if you’ve already injected more filler elsewhere on your face so far and have some left over.
How to Prevent Bunny Lines
While bunny lines are often hereditary and/or caused by natural facial expressions, there are some adjustments you can make if you want to prevent them from forming or don’t want them to become more noticeable. Here are our experts’ top tips:
Pay attention to your facial movements: It’s easier said than done (of course), but being aware of repetitive facial movements that can make bunny lines worse, such as wrinkling your nose, can help prevent it from developing or becoming more noticeable, Eisenstat says.
Be aware after Botox: It’s also important to pay attention to how you move your face to “11 lines” after Botox, Rajagopal adds. If you still unconsciously try to frown while engaging other muscles, such as those around your nose, this can cause bunny lines.
Develop a good skin-care routine: Otherwise, as always, good skin care is your best bet. That means using a retinoid to boost collagen production and wearing sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV rays, Eisenstat suggests. While these steps won’t completely prevent bunny lines, this smart, universally applicable skincare tip will only help improve the overall quality of your skin.
Final Verdict
Bunny lines are another common wrinkle that develops over time in association with facial expressions and can be found on either side of the nose. While they are normal and you don’t need to do anything about them unless they bother you, if you find that your bunny lines are no longer as attractive, injectables like Botox and fillers can be helpful treatment options. If you want to prevent these fine lines from forming or increasing, you can also use skincare products and pay attention to muscle exercises, which can also have a positive impact on your overall skin health and anti-aging efforts.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
