Can Cutting of the Depressor Septi Nasi Muscle Be Done Without Full Rhinoplasty? (photo)

The depressor septi nasi muscle does indeed pull down the tip of the nose. It may be released during rhinoplasty surgery or as an isolated procedure. However, you will need to consult with a surgeon to see if that is truly what you need, as there may be other contributing factors to the drooping of your tip. You may want to try having a couple units of Botox injected into the muscle (at the base of the columella) which will release the downward pull and lift the tip. If it were me, I might consider trying this first before undergoing surgery.

   The depressor septi can be completely released from about a hidden 1 cm incision inside the nose without performing a complete rhinoplasty.  If you are completely happy with the rest of your nose, this procedure could be done in less than 5 minutes.  You should have little bruising or swelling, and you would notice the difference right away. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Releasing the depressor septi can be done as  a stand alone procedure.  It will not change the shape of the tip, but simply de-animate the tip.  When fully released the tip will no longer droop when smiling.  A very small incision is made at the base of the columella and could be done under local anesthesia

Given that you are happy with your nose when you not smiling, it makes sense to just treat it as a tip animation issue and just release the muscle. It can be released without the need for a traditional rhinoplasty approach by a small incision inside the nose or from inside the mouth.

Thanks for the great posted photos. The easy option is just the "snipe" as you describe. But truly you might be better off with tip rhinoplasty or even a conservative full one. Seek in person evaluations from boarded PSs in your city. 

If you are otherwise happy with your nose except for the fact that it is ptotic (droopy) when you smile or talk, this can be addressed by releasing the depressor septi nasi muscle without having to perform a full rhinoplasty.  An incision could be made on the inside so that no external scars would be visible.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you in achieving the results you seek.

The muscle can be cut as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia.without doing a complete rhinoplasty to decrease the tip droop during facial animation. It is a simple procedure with minimal post op recovery.