Is the depressor septi muscle is always cut during a rhinoplasty?

Question

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The depressor septi muscle may lead to nasal tip drooping, especially with smiling. Rhinoplasty surgery involves reconstruction of the cartilaginous skeleton of your nasal tip so it doesn't look droopy. We don't cut this muscle in anyone. My concern is that it may lead to an unusual or different smile after surgery. Great question! Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Different surgeons have different techniques. Personally I don’t do anything with the depressor muscle and think it’s importance is overrated.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Is the depressor septi muscle always cut during rhinoplasty? no, it is usually not cut. Cutting the muscle may lead to the appearance of an elongated upper lip and an inability to show enough teeth when smiling. The muscle is often weakened in the early weeks and months after rhinoplasty which may create this effect in the short run and then resolve after a few weeks or months. In rare cases where the upper lip is already short and “tethered“ to the nose and the smile is to “Gummy”cutting the muscle may be desirable.

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your question. This muscle is not always divided during a rhinoplasty. Things would depend on the surgeon, but I personally only divide this muscle if the patient complains that their nose lowers when they smile. All the best.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, the depressor septi ligament is only cut when patients have a dynamic droopy tip. Releasing the ligament just prevents the tip from drooping when smiling.

Is the depressor septi muscle is always cut during a rhinoplasty?

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Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Am I a good rhinoplasty candidate for bulbous tip & nasal hump fracture? (Photos)

Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of asymmetrical nostrils? (photos)

Is this swelling or scar tissue 7 months post rhinoplasty? (Photos)

How long should I have yellow crusts on nostril & scabs inside? (Photo)

Does the columella tend to drop similar to the nose tip dropping during healing post rhinoplasty?

Can a rhinoplasty correct a pig nose due to lip lift? (Photos)

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WE SEND PRETTY
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