Bunny lines
Do you see small wrinkles appearing on either side of your nose when you laugh, or laugh lines? Those are bunny lines, also known as nose wrinkles. They are harmless, but many people find them bothersome because they distract attention from the eyes. At Cosmopolitan Clinic on Van Baerlestraat in Amsterdam, we soften bunny lines with a subtle, well-dosed injection. The result: calmer facial expressions, without your face losing its expression.
Table of contents
- What is a gummy smile
- How does a gummy smile form?
- How does the treatment work
- The treatment step by step
- Result and shelf life
- Recovery and aftercare
- Who is the treatment suitable for?
- Costs and considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Facts and sources
- Personal advice at Cosmopolitan Clinic Amsterdam
What are bunny lines?
A gummy smile is when the gums of the upper teeth are visible while smiling. This is because the muscle at the top of the lip contracts too much when smiling, causing the upper lip to rise too high. In some cases, the upper lip also curls slightly inward while smiling, making the lip itself less visible.
How much gum tissue is allowed to be visible is partly a matter of taste, but many people feel uncomfortable with it and unconsciously hold back their smile. The treatment focuses on relaxing the overactive muscle so that the smile looks more natural.
How does a gummy smile form?
The most common cause is an overactive muscle that lifts the upper lip. When laughing, that muscle contracts so strongly that the upper lip rises high, exposing the gums. Therefore, it is usually not a problem with your teeth or gums themselves, but with the muscle activity around the lip.
In addition, a naturally short or thin upper lip and the relationship between the lip, teeth, and gums can play a role. During the consultation, the doctor will assess the cause in your case and determine whether treatment with wrinkle relaxers is appropriate.
How does the treatment work
A gummy smile is treated with wrinkle relaxers. The doctor injects a small amount into the muscle at the top of the lip using a fine needle. This reduces the tension in that muscle, causing the upper lip to rise less when smiling. The result is a more relaxed smile with less visible gum tissue.
Because the treatment is highly targeted and administered at a low dosage, your smile remains natural and you maintain full control over your facial expression. This involves the same group of products as in a Botox treatment.
The treatment step by step
The treatment is minimally invasive and is performed on an outpatient basis.
The treatment plan is tailored to your smile, muscle function, and your wishes.
Result and shelf life
The effect is not immediately visible: wrinkle relaxers take a few days to about two weeks to take full effect. After that, you will notice that the upper lip rises less when smiling and that less gum is visible.
The effect lasts on average three to four months, depending on your muscle strength and metabolism. When the effect wears off, the treatment can easily be repeated. Results vary from person to person, and the consultation determines the expectations.
Recovery and aftercare
After the treatment, there may be slight redness or a small bruise at the injection site. These usually disappear on their own within a few days. You will receive clear aftercare instructions following the treatment, such as not rubbing the treated area for the first few hours and not lying flat. The recovery time is generally minimal, and you can continue your day as usual.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
A gummy smile treatment with wrinkle relaxers is suitable for people who:
The treatment is less suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain muscle or nerve disorders, or unrealistic expectations. Final suitability is always determined during a consultation with the doctor.
Costs and considerations
A gummy smile treatment at Cosmopolitan Clinic Amsterdam starts from €95. The final cost depends on the required dosage and your situation. Transparency and customization are central: during the consultation, we discuss in advance which treatment plan suits you best and what the corresponding price is. If you would also like to enhance the appearance of your lips, please ask about the possibilities regarding a lip treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gummy smile treatment painful?
The injections are generally well tolerated. They involve a few small injections into the upper lip muscle.
When will I see the result?
The effect sets in within three to seven days and is fully visible after about two weeks.
How long does the result last?
On average three to four months. After that, muscle activity gradually returns.
Will my laugh remain natural?
Yes. With a low, targeted dosage, only the overactive muscle relaxes, and you maintain control over your facial expression.
What is the difference compared to Botox for frown lines?
The product is the same, the location differs. Bunny lines are located on the sides of the nose, frown lines are between the eyebrows. You can read more about Botox on our Botox page.
Why do I get bunny lines specifically after my frown treatment?
That happens. When the frown muscle relaxes, some people compensate with the nasal muscles. This is called the gaining effect. An additional treatment in the bunny lines zone resolves this.
Can the treatment be reversed?
Not immediately, but the effect is naturally temporary and disappears on its own within three to four months.
How do I choose a good doctor?
Not immediately, but the effect is naturally temporary and disappears on its own within three to four months. Look for BIG registration, experience with facial injectables, and a doctor who takes the time for the consultation.
Source attribution
| Claim | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin softens expression wrinkles | NVCG guideline injectables | Verified |
| Effect 3-4 months with bunny lines | Dermatol Surg, 2013 | Verified |
| Repeating can permanently reduce wrinkles | Plastic Recon Surg, 2016 | Verified |
| BIG registration required for injectables | Wet BIG | Verified |
Personal advice
A gummy smile treatment requires expert assessment and a tailored approach. During a no-obligation consultation, the doctor discusses your wishes, assesses the muscle function around your lip, and provides honest and medically sound advice. This allows you to work towards a more relaxed and natural smile. Would you like to know if a gummy smile treatment is right for you? You are most welcome for a personal consultation at Cosmopolitan Clinic Amsterdam.
