How to Get Rid of Bunny Lines: Natural & Medical Treatments

If you’ve ever scrunched your nose, you may have noticed fine, diagonal lines that appear on the sides of your bridge. These are called bunny lines, and they’re typically caused by repeated facial movements, aging, or in some cases, Botox. In this article, we’ll explain what bunny lines are, what causes them, and how to prevent and treat them, with tips from board-certified dermatologist Heather Richmond, MD and board-certified plastic surgeon Daniel Barrett, MD.

Common Fixes for Bunny Lines

Often, Botox injections are the easiest and most effective fix for bunny line wrinkles. Dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels are also used to reduce their appearance. For a natural solution, do nose scrunch exercises to tone the bridge of your nose and eat a diet rich in collagen and antioxidants.

Section 1 of 7:

What are bunny lines?

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Bunny lines are fine nose wrinkles. Bunny lines are a cute term for the diagonal and vertical wrinkles that appear on and around the bridge of the nose, especially when squinting, laughing, or otherwise scrunching your face. They aren’t typically visible when your face is relaxed, but may become more pronounced as you age.^{[1]
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- Bunny lines are natural, and almost everyone gets them. There’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about if you notice them.
- Nose wrinkles are called bunny lines because they typically occur when you scrunch or wiggle your nose like a bunny.

Section 2 of 7:

What causes bunny lines?

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Like all expression lines, bunny lines are usually caused by repeated facial movements in the area, like wrinkling your nose, laughing, or smiling. Some people are more prone to bunny lines because of the facial expressions they make, but anyone can develop bunny lines.^{[2]
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Bunny lines occur with age. Bunny lines are natural, and they tend to become more prominent as you age. While there isn’t an exact age at which you develop bunny lines, many people begin to notice them in their late 20s to early 30s. Factors like skin type, lifestyle, and how often you wrinkle your nose all play a role in when you’ll develop bunny lines.^{[3]
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- For example, spending a lot of time in the sun may cause you to develop bunny lines earlier than someone who stays out of the sun and wears a lot of sunscreen.
When too much Botox is injected into the area between the eyebrows, it can weaken the muscles that pull the eyebrows down. The muscles around the nose must then overcompensate, which can sometimes lead to the formation of bunny lines.^{[4]
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Section 3 of 7:

How to Treat Bunny Lines Naturally

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It may sound counterintuitive, but scrunching your nose can tone the muscles on the bridge of your nose and combat the formation of creases. Simply scrunch your nose while pushing down on it with your index finger.^{[5]
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Research source} Or, do the “bunny scrunch,” where you scrunch your nose and flare your nostrils at the same time. Hold this position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat these exercises several times a day.
Eating a balanced diet filled with vitamins and minerals helps promote healthy skin and deter early aging.^{[6]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Look for foods that are high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, leafy greens, and almonds. Foods that are rich in collagen, such as bone broth and fish, also help keep the skin supple.
Staying hydrated helps keep your skin full and moisturized, which can help diminish the appearance of fine lines. Drinking water also helps eliminate toxins from the body, which can help keep the skin clear and bright. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.^{[7]
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Getting adequate sleep can help reduce the appearance of fine lines. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, your skin is more likely to show signs of aging. Try to get 7-9 hours of good sleep each night.^{[8]
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Go to source} Additionally, consider using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and pressure on your skin as you sleep.
Vices like drinking and smoking prematurely age the skin, which can make bunny lines more prominent. Try to quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption to improve the appearance of your skin (and feel better in general).^{[9]
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Section 4 of 7:

How to Treat Bunny Lines with Medical Procedures

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Botox “For dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles caused by muscle movements), Botox is a reliable solution,” says Dr. Barrett.^{[10]
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Daniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Expert Interview} Whether your bunny lines occur naturally or as the result of Botox, getting more Botox can actually help treat them. By injecting small amounts of Botox around the nose, the muscles that are responsible for the lines are temporarily inactivated, which creates a smoother, more youthful look.
- If your bunny lines were caused by Botox in the first place, you can also choose to have the Botox dissolved or let it wear off naturally. Botox gradually fades, usually after 3-4 months.
- If you choose to get more Botox in the future, adjust your treatments to meet your needs. Your doctor may recommend using less Botox in the glabella area, using alternate treatments, or avoiding injections near the nose altogether.
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Dermal fillers According to Dr. Barrett, “Dermal fillers are great for deep-seated wrinkles, such as the nasolabial lines and grooving underneath the eyes. They are also good for smoker’s lines and other deep lines on the face.”^{[11]
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Daniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Expert Interview} When you get filler, hyaluronic acid is injected into the area, providing results that last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Many dermal fillers (including Belotero, Restylane, and Juvederm) are available to address bunny lines, so consult your doctor to determine which option is best for you.
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Chemical peels Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the face, which helps remove the outermost layer of skin to reveal a smoother, healthier glow underneath. This procedure helps encourage the growth of new skin cells to improve the texture, tone, and luminosity of your complexion. Chemical peels can be harmful if done incorrectly, so only go to a qualified professional.^{[12]
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- Chemical peels can range from mild to deep and can be customized to fit your needs.
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Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive solution that uses a machine to slough off the surface layer of the skin to help encourage collagen production and improve skin texture. This is a quick and effortless way to refine fine lines and wrinkles and to reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.^{[13]
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Section 5 of 7:

How to Prevent Bunny Lines

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Bunny lines are typically caused by wrinkling or scrunching your nose, so avoiding those movements may help keep your skin line-free for longer. Try to keep your face relaxed and avoid excessive frowning or squinting to maintain a youthful appearance.^{[14]
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Incorporate a massage into your skincare routine. Regularly massage your face with oils or creams to stimulate blood flow to your face. This, in turn, promotes collagen production, which helps you maintain smooth skin. Apply a gentle moisturizer after you shower or wash your face, as well.^{[15]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- When choosing anti-aging skincare products, Dr. Barrett says, “I recommend you look for a reputable brand that uses quality ingredients that are well-researched and have evidence-based ingredients that actually work. Avoid skincare products that are designed to make your skin feel silky and smooth and have perfume associated with them. Sure, they feel and smell nice, but they may not be doing anything for your skin.”^{[16]
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  Daniel Barrett, MD
  Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
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- Dr. Barrett also adds, “If you want really effective products, visit a skincare physician to have a custom-tailored skincare program developed for you. Physicians can also prescribe pharmaceutical-grade products that you wouldn’t be able to buy over-the-counter.”^{[17]
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  Daniel Barrett, MD
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Sun exposure can age the skin prematurely, so it’s important to protect yourself whenever you go outside. “I usually recommend mineral sunscreens with active ingredients of zinc or titanium. A lot of patients consider those to be more natural than the chemical-based sunscreens, and I also think they are potentially more effective,” says Dr. Richmond. “Using vitamin C serum and sunscreen will help prevent sun damage over time, which is a main reason people develop wrinkles.”^{[18]
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Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview}

EXPERT TIP

Daniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Daniel Barrett is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the owner of Barrett Plastic Surgery based in Beverly Hills, California. With over six years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Barrett specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose and body. He has developed detailed scar management protocols and closure techniques to reduce the appearance of scars for his patients. Dr. Barrett obtained a BS from James Madison University and an MD along with an MS in Physiology and and an MHA (Masters of Health Administration) from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

A daily skincare regimen in a must! To prevent wrinkles, your skincare regimen should include vitamin C, retinol, and some type of sunblock to prevent additional UV light damage. Quarterly visits to your plastic surgeon or dermatologist will also help if Botox and filler are part of your regimen.
Eat a balanced diet full of healthy fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The nutrients from your food can help nourish your skin, while drinking water can help flush out toxins that can damage skin and cause wrinkles.^{[19]
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Do facial exercises. Do facial exercises that target the area around your nose and mouth to keep them firm and toned. Add these exercises to your daily routine to help fend off the onset of aging and keep your skin looking youthful. Here are a few to try:^{[20]
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- To reduce fine lines and promote better breathing, smile and push the tip of your nose upwards. Then, push the tip of your nose down 10 times, creating slight resistance with your index finger. Repeat two more times.
- To boost circulation around your nose, puff out your cheeks, then use your middle three fingers to press down on top of your lips. Lightly tap your cheek for 10 seconds, then switch sides. Continue alternating sides for one minute.
If you’re thinking of getting Botox and are worried it may cause bunny lines, do plenty of research when choosing your doctor. Make sure they have a lot of experience injecting Botox in your desired area. Communicate openly about your concerns, and alert your doctor if you notice any new wrinkles or unexpected changes after treatment.^{[21]
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Section 6 of 7:

How to Know if You Have Bunny Lines

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Everyone has creases in their nose when they scrunch it up. See where the lines appear, then relax your face completely. If the lines remain, you have bunny lines. This is nothing to be ashamed of! Many people find bunny lines endearing, but if they bother you, it’s okay to seek treatment.

Section 7 of 7:

Final Thoughts

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Everyone naturally gets wrinkles, including bunny lines, so they’re nothing to be ashamed of. With such a cute name, many people think bunny lines are endearing and like how they look, especially since they’re associated with smiling and laughing. While it’s okay to seek treatment if you really don’t like them, don’t feel like you have to get rid of them.

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Tips

Even if you like your bunny lines, it’s still important to maintain a skincare routine, wear sunscreen, and eat a balanced diet to keep your skin (and the rest of you) healthy.

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