Many people first notice fine diagonal lines on the upper sides of the nose when they smile, laugh, or see themselves in photos. These small creases are often called bunny lines. For some, they only appear with strong expression and fade at rest. For others, they sit more deeply and draw attention toward the centre of the face even when the features are relaxed. This guide explains what bunny lines are, why they tend to appear, how daily habits and skincare choices may influence them, and what a focused facial assessment usually involves in a clinic setting. It also outlines key safety points, common questions, and when it may be reasonable to seek advice about changes in this area.

Quick Answers About Bunny Line Treatment
What are bunny lines?
Bunny lines are the fine angled creases that appear along the sides of the nose, usually when you smile, laugh, or scrunch your nose. They sit over a thin muscle that runs across the bridge of the nose and can become more visible with age or frequent expression.
Do bunny lines always need treatment?
No. Many people in Hobart and across Australia see bunny lines as a normal part of expression. Others feel the lines do not match how rested or balanced they feel. Treatment is always optional and should follow a careful discussion of goals, movement patterns, and general health.
Is there downtime after bunny line procedures?
Most non-surgical procedures in this area are brief and allow people to return to day to day tasks soon after. Mild redness, swelling, or pinpoint marks can occur in the short term. Your practitioner will explain aftercare and when to seek review if anything feels unusual.
What are bunny lines?
Bunny lines are small diagonal creases that sit on the upper sides of the nose, close to the bridge and just below the inner corner of the eye. They usually appear when you smile, laugh, or scrunch your nose and may fade when your face is at rest. The lines follow the path of the nasalis muscle, a thin, flat muscle that helps narrow the nostrils and move the bridge of the nose. In early stages, bunny lines look like fine surface markings that only show with strong expression. With time, or with frequent movement, these creases can deepen and linger for longer, even when you feel relaxed. Some people notice them mostly in bright light or high-resolution photos, while others see them in the mirror every day. Understanding where they sit and how they form is the first step in deciding whether you would like to address them.

Why bunny lines form and when they tend to appear
Bunny lines form where thin skin sits over a small but active facial muscle. Each time you smile, laugh, or scrunch your nose, the skin in this region folds along the same paths. When the skin is well hydrated and elastic, those folds often spring back quickly. As collagen and elastin change with age, or after long-term sun exposure in places like southern Tasmania, the same movements can leave more lasting marks. Lifestyle choices also play a part. Smoking, frequent alcohol use, and irregular sleep patterns can all affect the way skin repairs itself after daily stress. Some people first notice bunny lines after seeing themselves on video calls or in close-up photos. Others become more aware of them after treatments to nearby areas of the face, such as the forehead or around the eyes, which can shift where movement is most obvious. There is no set age when bunny lines appear, but they tend to become easier to see from the late twenties onward.
Bunny lines, facial movement and the nasalis muscle
The nasalis muscle sits across the bridge of the nose and extends out toward the upper sides of the nose. It works with nearby muscles around the eyes and upper lip to create expressions such as smiling, squinting, and scrunching the nose. When you laugh, grin, or show strong emotion, these muscles often contract together. If nearby areas of the face move less for any reason, you may notice that movement around the nose appears more active by comparison. This can make bunny lines stand out more in photos or the mirror, even if the muscle itself is not working any harder than before. Some people also habitually scrunch their nose when they smile, think, or react to bright light, which repeatedly folds the same small areas of skin. Over time, this pattern can turn what were once faint expression lines into more permanent creases. Looking at bunny lines through the lens of facial movement helps guide any discussion about care, because the aim is usually to balance expression across the upper and mid face rather than focus only on one small area.

How bunny line concerns can change with age and other treatments
Bunny lines rarely appear overnight. In younger faces, they often show only during strong expression and vanish quickly. As the years pass, skin can become drier and less elastic, particularly in climates with strong wind and changing temperatures like Tasmania. Repeated folding along the sides of the nose can then leave light etch marks that slowly deepen. At the same time, other areas, such as the forehead or outer eye region, may be receiving more attention through skincare or cosmetic procedures. When these areas look smoother, any remaining lines on the nose can draw more attention than they once did. People who have had treatment elsewhere on the face sometimes describe their bunny lines as a new concern, even though the muscle and skin in that region have been moving in the same way for years. Weight change, dental work, and changes in glasses or sunglasses can also alter how the midface sits and how the expression looks from different angles. These shifts mean that bunny line concerns are not fixed. They usually change slowly over time, and with other choices you make about your face.

Everyday steps that may help reduce or slow bunny lines
Daily habits cannot erase established lines, but they can influence how quickly new creases form and how visible they appear. Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen suited to local conditions is one of the most important steps for anyone living in southern Tasmania. The bridge and sides of the nose receive a lot of direct light, both outdoors and through windows, so they benefit from careful coverage. A simple skincare routine that keeps the area clean, hydrated, and protected can also make lines look softer. Gentle cleansers, moisturisers with ingredients that help the skin hold water, and antioxidants such as vitamin C serums may all play a role. Avoiding smoking, keeping alcohol intake within recommended limits, and aiming for steady sleep patterns help the skin repair from daily wear and tear. Some people also become more aware of their repeated nose scrunching once they start watching their expression in the mirror or on camera. Small changes to these habits can lessen how often the skin folds in the same place, which may slow the rate at which lines deepen.
When to seek cosmetic advice for bunny lines in Hobart
There is no rule that says bunny lines must be treated. Many people live with them comfortably. It may be reasonable to seek advice if you feel that the lines draw your eye whenever you look at your reflection, or if they have changed after other facial treatments and you are unsure why. A focused consultation in Hobart can include close assessment of facial movement, skin quality around the nose, general health, and any previous procedures. During this visit you can talk through how long you have noticed the lines, what makes them more visible, and what type of change you would like to see, if any. The discussion may cover skincare, sun habits, non-invasive clinic treatments, and procedures that focus on muscle activity in this region. Your practitioner can explain which options may be suitable for your face, which should be avoided, and whether it is safer to stage care over time rather than make several changes at once.

Safety, risks and realistic expectations for bunny line care
Any procedure around the nose and mid face sits near delicate structures, including small blood vessels, nerves, and the eye area. It is important to understand both common and rare risks before you agree to care. Short term effects after treatment can include redness, swelling, pinpoint marks, or bruising at the entry sites. Some people notice a feeling of tightness or mild headache in the first few days. These effects usually settle without intervention but should still be discussed at your appointment so you know what to expect. Less common outcomes include uneven movement or expression that feels unfamiliar, skin changes, or infection. Your practitioner should explain how they reduce these risks, how any problems would be managed, and when you should contact the clinic or seek urgent care. Realistic expectations also matter. Most non-surgical approaches aim to soften the look of lines and balance expression rather than erase every crease. A staged plan, with time between visits to assess how your face responds, is often safer than trying to change everything at once.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bunny Line Treatment Hobart
Can bunny line treatment be combined with other facial treatments?
In many treatment plans, bunny line care sits alongside other procedures such as forehead, eye area, or skin texture work. The order and timing depend on your movement patterns, skin type, and medical history. Your practitioner will usually map out a staged plan so that changes in one area do not create new concerns elsewhere.
Does face shape or skin type change how bunny lines are managed?
Yes. Thinner skin, lighter complexions, and certain nose shapes may show creases more readily than thicker or darker skin. A tailored approach will take into account your bone structure, soft tissue volume, and how your skin tends to heal. This helps guide where to focus care and which options are likely to suit your face.
How soon before an event should I book a bunny line consultation?
It is wise to allow several weeks between your first treatment and any major event such as a wedding or important work function. This gives time for any redness or bruising to settle and for your practitioner to review how movement has changed. Leaving a margin also reduces stress if small adjustments are needed.
What should I prepare before a bunny line consultation?
It helps to think about your main concerns and any photos that show how your face has changed over time. A list of current medicines, supplements, and past procedures is also useful. During the consultation, you can discuss your aims, look at movement together in the mirror, and work out whether a staged plan is right for you.
What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition?
Some cosmetic procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for people with certain health conditions. It is important to share this information at the start of your appointment. Your practitioner may suggest delaying treatment, focusing on skincare and sun care instead, or liaising with your broader healthcare team where needed.
How often are reviews usually suggested after starting bunny line care?
Review timing varies. Many people benefit from a follow up visit a few weeks after their first treatment to check how movement has settled and how the lines look in real life. Ongoing reviews are then spaced according to how long changes last for you, your comfort with the result, and any other treatments in your overall plan.

Bunny line care and cosmetic advice in Hobart
Bunny lines may be small in size, yet they can hold a lot of meaning for the person who sees them every day. For some, they are part of a familiar expression that feels warm and genuine. For others, especially when nearby areas of the face have already had attention, the same lines can feel out of step with the rest of their features. Spending time to understand how these creases formed, how your skin and muscles behave, and what matters most to you is often more helpful than rushing into any single procedure. In Hobart and the wider southern Tasmanian region, a dedicated consultation for bunny lines usually involves detailed movement assessment, discussion of lifestyle factors, and careful planning of any clinic treatments. You can expect clear explanations, time for questions, and a focus on changes that still feel like you. If you are curious about options for lines along the sides of your nose. In that case, booking a face-to-face consultation with a practitioner who understands both anatomy and local conditions is often the best place to begin.
References
Heart Aesthetics Hobart always ensures the use of credible, up-to-date references for all our content related to cosmetic treatments in Hobart. We rely on peer-reviewed studies and trusted medical sources to provide accurate information to our local community in Hobart, Tasmania.
Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. (2017). Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 10(7):14-17. PMID: 29104718; PMCID: PMC5605218.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/
Anatomic Variations of Midfacial Muscles and Nasolabial Crease: A Survey on 52 Hemifacial Dissections in Fresh Persian Cadavers. (2010). Aesthetic Surg J, 30(1):17-21. doi: 10.1177/1090820X09360703.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X09360703
Baumann L, Bernstein EF, Weiss AS, Bates D, Humphrey S, Silberberg M, Daniels R. (2021). Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum, 3(3):ojab019. PMID: 34195612; PMCID: PMC8239663.
https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojab019
Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D. (2022). Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatol Ther, 35(12):e15903. PMID: 36200921; PMCID: PMC10078143.
https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.15903
Camargo CP, Xia J, Costa CS, Gemperli R, Tatini MD, Bulsara MK, Riera R. (2021). Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 7(7):CD011301. PMID: 34224576; PMCID: PMC8407355.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011301.pub2
Deng Y, Wang X, Sun Y, Qiao Z, Xiong X, Meng X, Li W, Li X, Fang B, Yi Z. (2024). A retrospective study on different kinds of cartilage frameworks on Asian rhinoplasty. [Epub ahead of print].
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2024.09.014
Fakoya AO, Hohman MH, Westbrook KE, et al. (2025). Anatomy, Head and Neck: Facial Muscles. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493209/
Ghatge AS, Ghatge SB. (2023). The Effectiveness of Injectable Hyaluronic Acid in the Improvement of the Facial Skin Quality: A Systematic Review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 16:891-899. PMID: 37038447; PMCID: PMC10082573.
https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S404248
Goodman GD, Kaufman J, Day D, Weiss R, Kawata AK, Garcia JK, Santangelo S, Gallagher CJ. (2019). Impact of Smoking and Alcohol Use on Facial Aging in Women: Results of a Large Multinational, Multiracial, Cross-sectional Survey. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 12(8):28-39. PMCID: PMC6715121.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715121/
Griffin MF, Leung BC, Premakumar Y, Szarko M, Butler PE. (2017). Comparison of the mechanical properties of different skin sites for auricular and nasal reconstruction. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 46(1):33. PMID: 28420435; PMCID: PMC5395887.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40463-017-0210-6
Gromkowska-Kępka KJ, Puścion-Jakubik A, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Socha K. (2021). The impact of ultraviolet radiation on skin photoaging – review of in vitro studies. J Cosmet Dermatol, 20(11):3427-3431. PMID: 33655657; PMCID: PMC8597149.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14033
Hong GW, Song S, Park SY, Lee SB, Wan J, Hu KS, Yi KH. (2024). Why Do Nasolabial Folds Appear? Exploring the Anatomical Perspectives and the Role of Thread-Based Interventions. Diagnostics (Basel), 14(7):716. PMID: 38611629; PMCID: PMC11011544.
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070716
Japatti S, Kumar J, Merchant AF, Dhalwale GD, Taneja P, Mathew RA. (2023). Association of Facial Wrinkles With Different Facial Forms in the Population of Maharashtra: A Prospective Observational Study. Cureus, 15(10):e47692. PMID: 38021651; PMCID: PMC10674074.
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47692
Naharro-Rodriguez J, Bacci S, Hernandez-Bule ML, Perez-Gonzalez A, Fernandez-Guarino M. (2025). Decoding Skin Aging: A Review of Mechanisms, Markers, and Modern Therapies. Cosmetics, 12(4):144.
https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12040144
Punga AR, Alimohammadi M, Liik M. (2023). Keeping up appearances: Don’t frown upon the effects of botulinum toxin injections in facial muscles. Clin Neurophysiol Pract, 8:169-173. PMID: 37681120; PMCID: PMC10480586.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnp.2023.05.005
Rittié L, Fisher GJ. (2015). Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med, 5(1):a015370. PMID: 25561721; PMCID: PMC4292080.
https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a015370
Shin JW, Kwon SH, Choi JY, Na JI, Huh CH, Choi HR, Park KC. (2019). Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging and Antiaging Approaches. Int J Mol Sci, 20(9):2126. PMID: 31036793; PMCID: PMC6540032.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20092126
Shome D, Kapoor R, Khare S. (2019). Two different types of botulinum toxins: Is there a difference in efficacy and longevity? J Cosmet Dermatol, 18(6):1635-1641. PMID: 31135088.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12949
Vachiramon V, Chirasuthat S, Boonpethkaew S, Sakpuwadol N, Yongpisarn T, Jurairattanaporn N. (2025). A Study of Combined Onabotulinumtoxin A and Hyaluronic Acid Filler for the Treatment of Enlarged Facial Pores. Toxins (Basel), 17(1):38. PMID: 39852991; PMCID: PMC11768511.
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17010038
Witmanowski H, Błochowiak K. (2020). The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review. Postepy Dermatol Alergol, 37(6):853-861. PMID: 33603602; PMCID: PMC7874868.
https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2019.82795
Wu WT, Chang KV, Chang HC, Chen LR, Kuan CH, Kao JT, Wei LY, Chen YJ, Han DS, Özçakar L. (2022). Ultrasound Imaging of the Facial Muscles and Relevance with Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Pictorial Essay and Narrative Review. Toxins (Basel), 14(2):101. PMID: 35202129; PMCID: PMC8878462.
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14020101
Yi KH, Lee JH, Hu HW, Kim HJ. (2022). Novel Anatomical Guidelines on Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection for Wrinkles in the Nose Region. Toxins (Basel), 14(5):342. PMID: 35622589; PMCID: PMC9144745.
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14050342
Last reviewed: November 2025
Next scheduled update: August 2026


