The little crinkles that creep across the upper nose when you smile or squint have an oddly cute nickname: bunny lines. For some, they add character. For others, they pull attention away from the eyes and make makeup settle in tiny creases. Patients often tell me they never noticed these lines until after treating crow’s feet or frown lines, when the bunny lines suddenly felt more prominent. The good news is that properly placed Botox can soften those scrunch marks without freezing your expression or changing your smile. The art lies in understanding the anatomy, using conservative micro-dosing, and matching the plan to your facial habits.
What creates nose lines, and why they show up with age
Bunny lines form when the nasalis muscle contracts. It’s a thin, flat muscle that sweeps across the bridge and upper sidewalls of the nose. When you grin, laugh, sniff, or scrunch against bright light, the nasalis shortens, pulling the nasal skin into diagonal wrinkles that angle from the nasal sidewall toward the inner eye. Over time, repetitive movement plus thinning skin creates fixed creases.
Lifestyle can speed that along. People who wear strong prescription glasses and squint outdoors often deepen those lines. So do habitual sniffers during allergy season. I also see bunny lines become more noticeable after treating other areas. If you soften the glabella or crow’s feet with Botox, the face may subconsciously recruit remaining muscles, including the nasalis, to complete the expression. That compensatory overuse can make nose wrinkles jump out.
There are other lines on and around the nose that Botox can help, though not every crease is a candidate. Vertical “scrunch” lines at the nasal root, nostril flare from the dilator naris muscle, and certain upturned nasal tip movements can respond to targeted Botox injections. Deep grooves at the base of the nose, however, often need volume correction with dermal filler rather than neuromodulator.
What is Botox, and how it works on the nose
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a neuromodulator used widely in aesthetic medicine and in therapeutic settings. Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are closely related alternatives. All work by temporarily stopping the nerve signal to a muscle. Reduced contraction softens dynamic wrinkles, the lines that appear with movement.
On the nose, the goal is not heavy paralysis. You still want to smile and breathe comfortably. The nasalis is relatively thin and small, and the skin over the nose is tight. This area calls for finesse, light dosing, and symmetrical placement. A Botox specialist with experience in nose lines will tailor each injection point to how your face actually moves, not to a one-size map.
How many units are typical, and how long does it last
Dosing varies with muscle strength, sex, and desired softness. In my practice, most bunny line treatments start around 2 to 4 units per side of the nose, sometimes less for Baby Botox or a first treatment. That is a fraction of what we might use for the forehead or crow’s feet. Men often need slightly more than women due to muscle mass, though there are exceptions. Small adjustments are common at the two-week review, which is safer than over-injecting up front.
The duration mirrors other facial areas. Expect visible improvement by day 3 to 5, with peak results around 10 to 14 days. Most patients enjoy smoothness for 3 to 4 months. I see ranges between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on metabolism, dose, and how animated you are. Marathon runners and fast metabolizers may notice a quicker fade. If you’re new, one or two Botox appointments help you learn your personal timeline.
The Botox procedure for nose lines, step by step
Your provider should study your expressions. That means watching you smile broadly, sniff, and squint so we can see exactly where the nasalis creases. We clean the skin and mark subtle landmarks along the nasal sidewall, usually 1 to 2 small points per side, placed away from the medial canthus to protect the nearby muscles that lift the upper lip and shape the smile.
The injections themselves are quick. The needle is tiny, the depth is superficial, and the sting is brief. Many patients say it feels like a few pinches that last seconds. A skilled injector uses a micro-aliquot technique to keep dose precise. Cooling or vibration can help if you’re sensitive, but most people do fine without numbing.
You may see tiny blebs that flatten within minutes. Redness fades quickly. Makeup can usually be applied after a couple of hours, provided the skin is clean and you are gentle.
Aftercare that makes a difference
I ask patients to avoid heavy pressing or rubbing the nose for the rest of the day. Skip goggles, snug masks, or glasses that pinch for a few hours if possible. Keep your head elevated for several hours, and avoid strenuous exercise that causes significant facial flushing for the first day. These steps reduce the risk of product diffusion to nearby muscles, which is more of a concern in small, delicate zones like the nose.
Mild swelling or pinpoint bruising can occur. In my experience, bruising is more likely in those on fish oil, aspirin, or other blood thinners. If you bruise easily, tell your Botox provider during your consultation so they can plan injection angles and pressure accordingly.
Results you can expect, and how they evolve
Early improvement is often visible by the end of the first week. Those diagonal crinkles soften, and makeup goes on smoother around the upper nose and inner eye corner. Some patients notice a quieter nasal scrunch when they laugh or focus in bright light. If nostril flare or an upturned nasal tip is part of the treatment plan, those movements can also appear more follow this link controlled.
Most people look at their Botox before and after photos around two weeks and remark that they still look like themselves, just fresher. That is exactly the intent for Natural Botox in this area. You should not look done. The goal is not a frozen face, but refined movement.
Pros tend to last across several cycles. I often see that, after two or three rounds of Botox maintenance, the muscle pattern becomes gentler and results last a bit longer. That said, muscles have memory. If you go many months without treatment, lines can return to baseline.
Who is a good candidate
If your nose lines only appear when you smile and you want a softer look, Botox for wrinkles in the nasalis is a good option. It also suits those with early fine lines who want Preventative Botox or Baby Botox to discourage deeper creasing. Men and women do equally well. Skin type and age matter less than muscle behavior.
A few cases need caution. If you rely heavily on your upper lip elevators to show your smile and already have a flat smile line, overly aggressive dosing near the nose can dampen that movement, making the smile look restricted. This is where a conservative first-time Botox approach pays off. Patients with active sinus issues and frequent nose blowing may metabolize results faster, and I recommend timing Botox treatment outside of major allergy flares.
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should wait. People with certain neuromuscular disorders, active infections at the injection site, or known allergy to components of the product should not receive Botox therapy. Your Botox provider will review your medical history during the Botox consultation.
Safety, side effects, and what can go wrong
When a trained Botox specialist treats the nose, side effects are typically mild. Expect transient redness, small bumps, or slight tenderness. Short-lived headaches can occur after any facial Botox, though they are uncommon. Bruising happens occasionally, more so in those taking anticoagulants or supplements that thin the blood.
The main risk specific to bunny lines is diffusion into nearby muscles that influence the upper lip and smile. This can cause a temporary sneer asymmetry or a subtle change in how the upper lip lifts. Doses are small and placed carefully to avoid this. If it happens, it usually settles as the Botox wears off, and micro-corrections can sometimes balance things.
Infection is rare, particularly in a professional setting that follows sterile technique. Allergic reactions are extraordinarily uncommon. If you have a history of keloids or unusual scarring, let your provider know, though needle entry points are tiny and shallow.
Botox for nose lines versus fillers and other options
Not every crease is created by muscle. Static grooves at the base of the nose or along the nasolabial area are more about volume and skin quality than movement. Those tend to respond to hyaluronic acid fillers, energy-based tightening devices, or a combination with skincare. For purely dynamic bunny lines, neuromodulators shine.
Some people ask about devices that target fine lines. Microneedling can help overall texture, and lasers improve collagen, but neither will stop a strong nasalis from wrinkling the skin when you grin. The best results often come from addressing the cause: muscle movement with Botox cosmetic, then boosting skin quality with complementary treatments if needed.
Choosing product: Botox vs Dysport vs Xeomin vs Jeuveau
All four are effective neuromodulators. In high-movement areas like the glabella or crow’s feet, brand preferences can be strong. On the nose, dosing is light and the differences feel subtle. Dysport has a tendency to fan slightly more due to protein spread, which can be either useful or unhelpful in a small zone. Xeomin has no accessory proteins, which some providers prefer for patients who have developed resistance, although true resistance is rare.
Most important is the injector’s comfort with a product’s behavior. I advise choosing the provider first, not the vial. A seasoned Botox expert can achieve Best Botox results with any of the major brands.
Cost, pricing structures, and value
Botox cost for bunny lines is relatively modest because the dose is small. Clinics price either by unit or by area. Per-unit prices often range regionally from about 10 to 20 dollars per unit, sometimes higher in major metros. For a typical 4 to 8 unit treatment across both sides of the nose, you might pay in the 80 to 200 dollar range. If the office prices by area, expect similar totals.
Patients often ask about Botox deals, Botox specials, and Botox discounts. Promotional pricing can be fine, but quality and safety should lead the decision. If the price looks too good, ask about injector experience, oversight by a medical director, and whether you are receiving a genuine, properly stored product. The most expensive Botox is the redo you need when something goes wrong.
Planning your first Botox appointment for bunny lines
Book a Botox consultation and bring clear photos of your smile and squint in different lighting. If you’ve had Botox for forehead lines, crow’s feet, or frown lines, share your past doses and any side effects. Mention if you plan to treat multiple areas the same day. Coordinating zones can optimize expression balance and product use.
Before the Botox procedure, reduce unnecessary blood thinners for 3 to 5 days if your physician says it is safe. That includes certain supplements like fish oil, ginkgo, and high-dose vitamin E. Avoid alcohol the night prior. Arrive with clean skin. After treatment, follow the simple aftercare guidance, then schedule a two-week follow-up to assess settling and make tiny adjustments if needed.
How often to get Botox and how maintenance plays out
Most people refresh every 3 to 4 months for steady results. Some extend to 5 months once they learn their Botox duration, and others prefer shorter intervals to stay at peak smoothness all the time. If it’s your first time Botox, I recommend the two-week check and then a second session at the 3 to 4 month mark. After two cycles, you’ll have a reliable Botox results timeline for your body.
A Botox touch up can be useful if one side crinkles more than the other, which is common. We all smile a bit asymmetrically. Small additional units can balance the look without increasing heaviness.
Keeping results natural
Natural Botox begins with restraint. Tiny muscles like the nasalis need micro-doses and precise placement. Watch how the upper lip moves when you smile. If your smile relies heavily on lip elevators, do not chase every line on the upper nose. Leave a hint of movement so the face communicates normally.
Skin care matters more than people think. Fine lines appear harsher on dehydrated, sun-damaged skin. Daily sunscreen, a gentle retinoid at night, and a light hydrator can amplify your Botox rejuvenation. I have patients who do a spring and fall series of light resurfacing to keep the canvas smooth while Botox limits the movement that etches lines back in.
Special scenarios: men, athletes, and expressive talkers
Men’s thicker skin and stronger muscles sometimes call for a unit or two more per side, though the same conservative philosophy applies. Endurance athletes often metabolize neuromodulators a bit faster; plan to refresh closer to the 12-week mark. Those who speak with animated expressions or who squint due to lighting at work may notice earlier return of movement and benefit from consistent scheduling.
If you are prepping for an event, such as photos or a wedding, aim to have your Botox appointment 3 to 5 weeks before. That window allows for full effect and any fine-tuning well before cameras come out.
When bunny lines point to other areas to treat
If you relax the nasalis and still see creasing at rest, look for contributing zones. Deep crow’s feet can pull lines across the nasal sidewall. A modest adjustment to the orbicularis oculi near the lateral canthus can help. If the root of the nose has vertical scrunches that reflect a strong procerus or corrugator activity, a light touch in the glabella can complete the picture. A Botox brow lift is sometimes part of that plan, subtly opening the eye and balancing nasal creasing.
Every face pattern is different. A personalized Botox treatment plan may combine two or three tiny zones to create a harmonious, natural result.
Myths, facts, and practical realities
Botox myths abound. The most persistent in this area is that treating bunny lines will make your nose look thinner or pinch your airway. Properly placed doses do not change nasal width or breathing. Another myth: treating the nose will “push” wrinkles elsewhere. What actually happens is compensation. If you treat one expressive area, other muscles may work a bit harder. An experienced injector anticipates that and uses conservative, balanced dosing.
Here are concise truths that match what I see in daily practice:
- Bunny lines are a movement problem. Botox works best. Deep static grooves may need filler or resurfacing alongside Botox. Less is more on the nose. Start with Baby Botox doses and build only if necessary.
What to ask your Botox provider
A short, targeted conversation saves you from guesswork and sets the stage for success:
- Where will you place the injections, and how many units per side are you planning? How will you avoid impacting my smile or upper lip movement? What is your approach if one side moves more than the other at the two-week review?
Keep the answers in your phone so you can track your doses and results over time. That personal record becomes your roadmap for long-lasting Botox benefits.
Where to get it done and how to choose
Searches like Botox near me bring up pages of options, from dermatology practices to plastic surgery offices and med spas. The skill of the injector matters more than the logo on the door. Look for a Botox clinic with medical oversight, strong reviews specific to facial injections, and providers who can show you real Botox results photos of bunny line cases. A consultation should feel collaborative. If your injector watches your expressions, explains trade-offs, and suggests a modest first dose, you are likely in good hands.
Cost matters, but so does consistency. A slightly higher fee with a Botox doctor who knows your face and keeps detailed notes often saves money over time because you get the dose right the first time and avoid overcorrection.
When Botox meets broader facial balance
Bunny lines rarely live alone. The upper face is a network, and changing one element can subtly shift another. If you already treat frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead lines, bring that history to the conversation. Combined planning avoids the common trap of chasing lines piecemeal. For example, balancing small amounts of Botox around eyes with gentle nasalis dosing often yields a softer, more rested look than treating either zone alone.
Patients who come for cosmetic goals sometimes benefit from therapeutic Botox too, such as for migraines or masseter tension. While not directly related to the nose, relaxing overactive muscles elsewhere can reduce facial strain patterns that feed wrinkles. That said, therapeutic dosing should be handled by providers experienced with medical Botox indications.
Rare edge cases and how I handle them
A few people animate almost entirely through the nose and upper lip. If we relax the nasalis too much, their smiles flatten. In these cases, I either use a minimal micro-dose or decline treatment and instead improve the appearance with skin quality work, like light fractional laser, and counsel on sunglasses to reduce squinting.
Another scenario: the patient who has had a nose fracture or surgery. Scar tissue alters how Botox spreads. I inject even more conservatively, keep to superficial planes, and sometimes split doses over two visits a week apart to watch how the area responds.
Putting it all together
Botox for nose lines is a small treatment with outsized impact when done well. It can make the bridge look smoother, keep foundation from cracking by the inner eyes, and harmonize expression after you address forehead, frown, or crow’s feet. The best outcomes come from measured dosing, anatomical respect, and an injector who values your natural expressiveness as much as your smoothness.
If you are curious whether you are a candidate, schedule a brief Botox appointment for a movement assessment. Smile, sniff, squint, and let a trained eye map the pattern. With a few carefully placed units and a smart follow-up, those bunny lines can hop off center stage, leaving your eyes, not your nose scrunch, to do the talking.