Bunny lines are the fine, diagonal wrinkles that appear on either side of the nose when you scrunch, smile, or laugh. While often considered a cute name, these nose wrinkles can deepen over time and remain visible even when your face is at rest, giving the face an aged or stressed appearance.
At her oculoplastic practice in Irvine, Dr. Melanie Ho Erb offers effective, subtle treatments to smooth bunny lines and help patients across Orange County and Los Angeles achieve a more youthful, natural look.
I have had brown spots from sun damage on my face for years. I have used various creams and laser treatments to lighten them. My first Fraxel laser treatment with Dr Erb was in 2019. She set realistic expectations, noting that the spots can and will return over time. The results were good, lightening the brown spots, some seeming to disappear, and wrinkles and fine lines reduced. A second Fraxel in 2022 and then again recently. Each time, results are good, giving me a more youthful appearance. It usually takes about 5 days for my face to heal. Friends say I look younger than my age. Dr Erb and her staff make me feel comfortable and address any concerns that I have. I will be back again when I want a refresh.
Why Do Bunny Lines Form?
Bunny lines develop as a result of repeated facial movements over time, combined with natural collagen loss. They form when the small muscles on the sides of the nose, particularly the nasalis muscle, contract during expressions like smiling or squinting. Factors that can contribute to bunny line formation include:
- Aging and collagen breakdown
- Frequent facial expressions
- Genetics and facial structure
- Overuse of other neurotoxins in the forehead or glabella, which may shift movement to the nose area
If left untreated, these lines can become static wrinkles, remaining visible even when the face is relaxed.
How to Treat Bunny Lines in Irvine
The most effective treatment for bunny lines is neurotoxin injections using FDA-approved products like:
- Botox®
- Dysport®
- Jeuveau®
- Xeomin®
These injectables temporarily relax the nasalis muscle, softening nose wrinkles without affecting your ability to smile or express emotion. The treatment is quick, safe, and virtually painless, typically taking less than 15 minutes with no downtime.
What to Expect from Bunny Line Treatment
During your consultation in Irvine, Dr. Erb will:
- Assess the depth and location of your bunny lines
- Review your facial muscle movements and expressions
- Customize your injection plan for natural results
- Administer precise, minimal doses to avoid over-treatment
Most patients notice results within 3 to 7 days, with full smoothing effects visible at two weeks. Results typically last 3 to 4 months, and regular maintenance treatments can help prevent deepening over time.
Why Choose Dr. Melanie Ho Erb for Nose Wrinkle Treatment?
As a double board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Erb has extensive expertise in the anatomy of the face and delicate areas around the eyes and nose. Her approach is:
- Precise and conservative
- Focused on natural-looking results
- Tailored to your unique facial structure
Trusted by patients across Orange County, Los Angeles, and Irvine
Meet Dr. ErbSmooth Nose Wrinkles with Expert Care in Irvine
If bunny lines are making you look older or tired, you don’t have to live with them. Dr. Melanie Ho Erb provides safe, subtle treatments that restore smoothness and youthful energy to your face–without changing how you express yourself.
Schedule your consultation today to learn more about nose wrinkle removal in Irvine, Orange County, and Los Angeles.
Medically reviewed by Melanie Ho Erb, M.D. on