Botox for Bunny Lines
When we think of bunnies, cute cuddly creatures hop into mind. But bunny lines on our faces … now that’s a different story.
Bunny lines are the wrinkles that appear on the bridge of the nose. They tend to begin as ‘dynamic’ wrinkles or those that appear with movement beginning in our 20’s or 30’s. They become more ‘static’ or permanently apparent with little-to-no movement as we age. Patients who spend a lot of time in the sun, smoke or are under sustained stress are more susceptible to developing bunny lines. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which actively breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin.
Bunny lines are caused by the contraction of the transverse part of the nasalis muscle, and they become more prominent when smiling. These lines sometimes bother us because they can convey the false appearance of distaste when smiling or laughing – when all we’re doing is expressing a joyful emotion!
Healthy lifestyle habits such as sun protection, smoking cessation, staying well hydrated, getting plenty of sleep and beginning an anti-aging skincare routine can all aid in preventing lines in the first place.
But if you’re already noticing bunny lines, they can be softened, smoothed and relaxed with just a few units of a neuromodulator such as Botox, Xeomin, Dysport or Jeauveau on either side of the bridge of the nose. These neurotoxins work to paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles. When these muscles no longer contract, wrinkles cease to appear. Here at Cornerstone Dermatology, we prefer the ultra-purified botulinum toxin, Jeuveau.
Botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of bunny lines is a very fast and simple treatment that pairs well with treating other areas – such as forehead lines, ‘eleven’ lines and crow’s feet – with toxin as well. After this no-downtime procedure, slight bruising can occur, but this can be concealed with makeup and resolves within a few days. You’ll notice your treatment taking effect withing two to ten days, and you can expect your results to last three to four months, depending on the dosage and your unique physiology. Each patient is different!
While we’re talking ‘tox, I do want to offer up the caution to you that too much Botox over an extended period of time can actually lead to bunny lines. This is because when you restrict the movement of certain muscles, other muscles, like the nasalis muscle, can start to overcompensate. You can avoid this by seeing an experienced injector who will consider the whole face and help you achieve a natural look.
I would love to sit down and talk about your aesthetic goals and how I can help you enhance your natural beauty! To schedule a consultation with me, call 816-287-1528.