Why does my nose move when I blink or shut my eyes? (Photo)

Question

I'm self conscious about my nose. The right side of my nose is a bit "fuller" on the sidewall and down into the nostril- which I think is from a muscle that isn't the same on the opposite (left) side. I say this because every time I blink or close my eyes, the right side of my nose moves and this "muscle" contracts. What are the options to make this asymmetrical movement stop & to make my nose have a symmetrical/nicer appearance? Thanks

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

You are very observant. This is a syndrom that I have described in the literature. We called it Oculonasal synkenesis. A branch of the nerve that supposed to go to the eyelid muscle can misconnect with a muscle in the nose. You can either have this muscle paralized with Botox or be removed surgically. It usually does not create this size bulk. Regardless, it can be fixed.

Oculonasal synkinesis
B Guyuron 1, F Bokhari, D V Galloway, T Thomas
Affiliations expand
PMID: 8041815 DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199408000-00005
Abstract
A phenomenon the authors have termed oculonasal synkinesis has been observed in 13 individuals in two independent practices. This complex presents as simultaneous contraction of the orbicularis oculi and the compressor narium minor muscles. When the patient blinks, the compressor narium minor muscle contracts, causing depression of the ala. Its etiology is postulated as the formation of anomalous connections between the temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve, innervating the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the buccal branches of the facial nerve, innervating the compressor narium minor muscle. All 13 individuals who exhibited this phenomenon are female. This anomaly was displayed bilaterally in 7 patients, on the right side in 2 patients, and on the left side in 4 patients. A 2-month-old daughter of one of the patients who had bilateral presentation, also displayed the phenomenon. In 6 patients who underwent rhinoplasty, resection of the compressor narium minor muscle resulted in complete elimination of the abnormal muscle movement. The plastic surgeon who performs rhinoplasty should be cognizant of the synkinesis and discuss its presence with the patient, since a patient may consider this a surgical sequela upon discovering the condition postoperatively. Furthermore, this unintentional muscle function is aesthetically displeasing.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your Questions and Photos. You will need a Rhinoplasty Surgery to correct your symmetrical.

Salih Emre Uregen, MD · Answer

This is a variation, and it can happen with some people. Stems from the nasociliary nerve. It occurs due to the innervation of the eye muscle to the nasal muscle. There is no need for treatment, but if it causes discomfort, the nasal muscle can be inactivated by surgery. I linked a video down below so you can see a similar case like yours. Have a great day!

Why does my nose move when I blink or shut my eyes? (Photo)

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