You crinkle your nose when you laugh, and lately you’ve noticed thin diagonal lines fanning across the top of your nose that stick around even after your face relaxes. Those are bunny lines, and they’re one of the most common reasons people ask about a small, targeted Botox touch-up.
This post explains what bunny lines are, how Botox softens them, what a treatment feels like, and what results and cost look like here in Orange County.
Quick answer: Bunny lines are the diagonal wrinkles that appear on the sides of your nose when you scrunch it. Botox relaxes the nasalis muscle that creates them, softening the lines within about a week for most people. It’s a quick, in-office injection with little to no downtime, usually just a couple of tiny units per side. Results typically last three to four months and vary by person. Because Botox is a prescription treatment, it requires a medical evaluation with a qualified injector.
What are bunny lines, exactly?
Bunny lines are the short diagonal wrinkles that appear along the upper sides of your nose, running toward the inner corners of your eyes. They show up when you scrunch or wrinkle your nose, which is why they got the playful name.
They come from a muscle called the nasalis, which sits across the bridge of your nose. Every time you laugh, squint, or make an expressive face, that muscle contracts and folds the skin. Over years of repeated movement, the folds can start to linger even when your face is at rest. Some people notice their bunny lines get more pronounced after other treatments, especially when the muscles around the eyes and brows are relaxed and the nose muscle starts compensating.
How does Botox treat bunny lines?
Botox treats bunny lines by relaxing the nasalis muscle so it can’t fold the skin as forcefully. Botox is a purified neurotoxin that temporarily blocks the nerve signal telling a muscle to contract. When the muscle stays calm, the overlying skin stays smoother and the diagonal lines soften.
For bunny lines, the amount is small. An injector usually places just a few units into the muscle on each side of the nose, keeping the placement precise so your natural nose movement stays intact and nearby muscles aren’t affected. Botox belongs to a family of injectables called neurotoxins, which also includes options like Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify. Your injector will help you choose the right product and dose based on your anatomy and goals.
What does a bunny line treatment feel like?
The treatment is quick and most people describe it as a brief pinch. Because the area is small and only a couple of injection points are needed per side, the whole appointment usually takes just a few minutes once your consultation is done.
Here’s what a typical visit looks like:
- Consult and assessment: Your injector watches how your nose moves and maps the exact spots to treat.
- Cleanse: The area is cleaned, and a cold pack or numbing option can help if you’re sensitive.
- Injections: A few tiny units go into the nasalis muscle on each side using a very fine needle.
- Done: You’re free to go, with a short list of simple aftercare steps.
When will I see results and how long do they last?
Most people start seeing bunny lines soften within three to five days, with the full effect around day 10 to 14. Botox doesn’t work instantly, so give it up to two weeks before judging the outcome.
Results typically last about three to four months, then gradually fade as the muscle regains movement. Individual results vary based on your muscle strength, metabolism, and how expressive you are. Many people schedule a maintenance appointment two or three times a year to keep the area smooth. Over time, some notice they need slightly less product as the habit of scrunching eases.
Is Botox for bunny lines safe, and what are the side effects?
Botox for bunny lines is considered safe for most healthy adults when performed by a trained medical injector, and side effects are usually mild and temporary. Because it’s a prescription medication, it requires a medical evaluation and supervision to confirm you’re a good candidate.
The most common side effects are minor and short-lived, including small bumps at the injection site, slight redness, or occasional bruising. The nose area sits close to muscles that control your smile and upper lip, so precise placement matters. An experienced injector keeps the treatment shallow and targeted to reduce the chance of affecting those neighboring muscles. Following your Botox aftercare instructions, like staying upright and skipping vigorous exercise for the rest of the day, helps lower the chance of the product migrating. Contact your injector if you notice anything that concerns you after treatment.
How much does Botox for bunny lines cost in Orange County?
Because bunny lines need only a few units, they’re often one of the more affordable Botox areas, typically running around $60 to $150 depending on the number of units used. Botox is usually priced per unit, so your final total depends on how much your specific muscle needs.
Many people treat bunny lines alongside nearby areas, like the frown lines between the brows or the forehead, which can change the total. Pricing also varies by the product chosen and your injector’s experience. Every treatment plan is different, so the most accurate number comes from a consultation where your injector counts the exact units your plan calls for. You can see a fuller breakdown on our Botox cost in Orange County guide.
FAQ
Will treating bunny lines change how my nose looks?
No. Botox for bunny lines only relaxes the small muscle that folds the skin when you scrunch. It doesn’t reshape or resize your nose. Your nose looks the same at rest, just with fewer visible lines when you make expressions.
How many units of Botox do bunny lines need?
Most people need only a few units per side, often around 2 to 5 units total for both sides combined. The exact amount depends on your muscle strength and how deep the lines are. Your injector determines the right dose during your evaluation.
Can I treat bunny lines during my regular Botox appointment?
Yes. Bunny lines are commonly treated in the same visit as the forehead, frown lines, or crow’s feet. Combining areas is efficient and helps keep your whole upper face looking balanced. Talk with your injector about a plan that fits your goals.
Does Botox for bunny lines hurt?
Discomfort is usually minimal. Most people feel a quick pinch as the fine needle goes in. The area is small, so treatment is fast. A cold pack or topical numbing option can make it more comfortable if you’re sensitive to needles.
Am I a good candidate for bunny line Botox?
Good candidates are generally healthy adults bothered by lines on the sides of the nose who aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding. Because Botox is a prescription treatment, a medical evaluation confirms it’s right for you and rules out any conditions that make it a poor fit.
What if my bunny lines still show after two weeks?
Give Botox the full two weeks to take effect before judging the result, since it works gradually. If some movement remains after that, your injector can assess whether a small touch-up is appropriate. Adding product too soon risks overcorrecting, so waiting gives the truest picture.
Medically reviewed by the clinical team at OC Weight Loss and Medspa. Last updated July 2026.
Love your laugh, skip the crinkle
You shouldn’t have to hold back a nose-scrunching laugh just to avoid the lines it leaves behind. A few precisely placed units can keep your expressions natural while softening the crinkle, and it’s one of the quickest treatments we offer. At OC Weight Loss and Medspa in Mission Viejo, our injectors tailor every Botox treatment to your face, whether you’re focusing on bunny lines alone or combining them with other areas of your upper face. Come in for a free consultation and we’ll map out a plan that fits your goals and your budget.
Book a Free Consultation