Can Botox or filler actually CAUSE bunny lines on the nose?

Question

I've seen some people with obvious work done to their faces, either botox or filler or a combo, and they have a really unnatural look with bunny lines that look like they otherwise wouldn't be there if they hadn't had some kind of injection. How can this be avoided?

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Bunny lines are not directly caused by Botox, but there are two possibilities. One is that the person has Botox in other areas of the face, but not the bunny lines, leaving the bunny lines as the only lines you notice. The other is that the person has some compensation for having Botox between the brows and is using their bunny line muscles more than usual. Either way, the cure would be to treat the bunny lines with Botox. Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Kian Karimi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking your question. When Botox is injected in some areas but not others, muscles in surrounding areas that haven’t been treated are recruited when attempting to make certain facial expressions. I have had some patients notice the untreated lines more after a botox treatment. In short, Botox and fillers do not cause bunny lines, however a patient may notice these lines more after botox injections to surrounding areas. I hope this helps to clarify your question.

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

The wrinkles or lines such as Bunny lines and others are as a results of constant long term facial expression. Some times it could be due to over compensated reaction after neurotoxin injection of  the eyebrow depressor muscles. It is very essential to choose a provider with an excellent knowledge facial anatomy and knows the art of aesthetic injections.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Sometimes when muscles are relaxed, as with Botox, it can create fine lines or wrinkles when the compensating muscles work. Seeing an expert in using fillers is a must in order to achieve the best results. Best, Dr. Emer

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Sometimes people get an overcompensation of muscles when they get botox.  When someone has botox in their upper face other muscles like the nasalis can overcompensate.  It is best to be assessed and treated by a board certified plastic surgeon/dermatologist.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Botox works by blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscles can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is normal for muscles to overcompensate after receiving Botox. When you get Botox injections in the upper face the nasalis muscle of the nose can overcompensate making bunny lines. It is very important to choose a physician with excellent knowledge of facial anatomy.

Andrei Metelitsa, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

First of all proper dosing and placement of either botox or filler should result in a natural enhancement to a point that it should not be visible and blend in with overall appearance. Occasionally blockade of certain facial muscles can expose and trigger overcompensation by surrounding muscles. If the bunny lines become more pronounced they can be very easily and safely targeted by an expert injector typically with additional botox.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question camcon. Botox is a purified protein used to address
wrinkles associated with facial expressions. Botox can relax muscles that lead to formation of the frown lines, the vertical lines seen between the brows when one frowns. When this muscle is relaxed and one attempts to frown since this muscle is unable to contract sometimes other nearby muscles are recruited in order to compensate. Commonly this happens with the nasalis muscle on the nose, leading to the appearance of bunny lines. Bunny lines can subsequently be treated easily with Botox in the nasalis muscle. If this happens for my patient at the first Botox treatment, I recommend treating the nasalis at future treatments. Please consult with a doctor for
specific recommendations. Good luck!

Corey Frucht, MD, PhD · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. When someone has noticeable bunny lines but no other lines on the upper face, it is the telltale sign that they have had Botox. This can be prevented/treated with a small amount of Botox placed directly into the nasals muscle, which is what causes these lines when it contracts. In order to determine the best treatment plan for you, I recommend an in-person consultation with an expert. Best of luck, Dr. Frucht.

Jennifer Levine, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.When getting injections in your face, it is imperative that you use an experienced professional who has a deep understanding of the facial anatomy. Often, individuals try to cut costs by getting injections from a less experienced provider and that can cause botched results as what you are describing. Such results can also happen naturally over time if not maintained or revised as every body heals differently.  However, selecting the right provider to work with can help prevent undesirable results.

Can Botox or filler actually CAUSE bunny lines on the nose?

Answers (10)