There is a new wrinkle in town, and it’s affecting women in Tampa and across the U.S. “Bunny Lines” have a cute name, but most of us do not want to see them on our faces. These nose wrinkles appear on either side of the nose and can be a result of aging, facial expressions or as a result of Botox injections improperly administered.
What Are Bunny Lines?
The lines form below the inside of the eyes and near the top of the nose. Most of the time, they are created by hyperactivity of the nasalis muscles when smiling or laughing. They get the name “bunny lines” because they are formed by twitching the muscles of the nose. These wrinkles may be vertical, horizontal, or form in a diagonal, but they appear in the same place on either side of the nose.
Causes of Bunny Lines
These bunny lines can also develop in long-term Botox users. The reason this happens is that women who get Botox injections in the frown lines between the eyebrows (or around crow’s feet) are forced to use other muscles to make facial expressions. This will often result in more use of nasal muscles in order to smile. So the increased stress on the facial tissue simply moves to another region and causes new wrinkles to appear. Celebrity watchers call this a “tell” and often cite the bunny lines as evidence of extreme Botox use among certain stars.
How to Prevent Bunny Lines
With targeted skincare routines, facial exercises, and lifestyle changes, you can prevent bunny lines before they become prominent on the sides of your nose.
Helpful Skincare Routines
Using products with retinoids in your daily skincare routine can promote skin renewal and collagen production, reducing the appearance of bunny lines. Additionally, incorporating a moisturizer that suits your skin type can maintain hydration levels, maintaining skin volume to minimize wrinkles. Regularly using sunscreen with an appropriate SPF can also protect your skin to prevent premature aging.
Lifestyle Changes
To prevent bunny lines from forming, consider adjusting your everyday habits. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate the aging process, leading to more pronounced wrinkles. Managing stress through mindfulness or yoga can reduce the frequency of the facial expressions that contribute to these lines. Lastly, getting enough sleep every night helps your skin repair and rejuvenate.
Facial Exercises
Facial exercises can tone the muscles around your nose, reducing the appearance of bunny lines. One simple exercise is to smile widely without showing your teeth and repeat this movement several times a day. This can strengthen the muscles that control the sides of your nose.
Another effective technique involves wrinkling your nose while keeping the rest of your face relaxed. Hold this pose for a few seconds, then release. Regular practice of these exercises can keep the skin around your nose looking smoother and more youthful.
Botox Treatment for Bunny Lines
The good news is that bunny lines are easy to treat – using Botox! Just a small amount of this neuro-toxin will help to relax the nasal muscles to reduce existing lines as well as stop new creases from occurring. Bunny lines are often very small and shallow, so only a small bit of Botox is needed. Another way to prevent them is to work with a highly qualified facial plastic surgeon when getting any injectable cosmetic work. A good surgeon is better educated and experienced in proper injection amount and placement in the frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead region to diminish the impact of other facial muscles.
Dr. Dominic Castellano, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, says that “a good surgeon is aware of the possible side-effects of Botox and understands the workings of the facial muscles. There is a way to inject neuro-toxins that will not impact other facial areas and not form new lines.” With Botox being available at many different locations, there are many less experienced practitioners doing injections today. It is easy to overdo the treatment and inject too much Botox, which will more likely make bunny lines appear. The location of the injection is also of huge importance, and being “off” just a millimeter can make a big difference in the final outcome.
Botox is a safe way to treat wrinkles and can be beneficial in helping women achieve the look they desire. Lines and wrinkles will eventually form, no matter how careful you are about preventing them. But there are ways to treat the wrinkles that can offer a very satisfactory solution. If you are interested in learning more about how to reduce bunny lines and other wrinkles, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery in Tampa.
Contact Elite Plastic Surgery for a Free Botox Consultation
Elite Facial Plastic Surgery is a fully accredited medical facility under the direction of Dr. Dominic Castellano. Dr. Dominic is a highly respected, board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. The medical team is highly trained and specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and injectable procedures. Call (813) 975-3223 today to schedule your complimentary visit or go to our website for more information.
