Does cutting the depressor septi nasi muscle affect the smile?

Question

I'm going to have a rhinoplasty procedure and the surgeon suggested that I have the m depressor setpti nasi muscle shortened so that the nosetip isn't pulled down when I smile widely. Will this affect my smile if that mucle is shortened or cut? Thanks beforehand.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi Darkangel10,The depressor septi nasii muscle can be a nuisance as it can pull down the nasal tip with smiling or movement of the mouth. Dividing that muscle should not affect your smile in any way.Good luck!

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

The effect on a patient's smile after resection of the depressor septi nasi muscles is quite minimal. Resection of those muscles is important when a patient is bothered by how much the tip of the nose plunges when smiling. Note, however, that for a short while immediately after surgery (for about three weeks), the smile WILL be affected due to swelling in the middle third of the upper lip (the philtrum)...but this is entirely temporary.All the best,--David C. Pearson, M.D.Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

It will cause subtle alteration in smile. All these muscles are connected. Disrrupting any of smile muscles changes dynamics.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Releasing the depressor septi nasi muscle affects the turning down of the nose with smiling, and not the smile itself.  Check how much your nose depresses with your smile and decide if you wish this procedure.Best wishes.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Releasing of the depressor septi ligament  will de-animate the tip of the nose to prevent the tip from drooping when smiling. In our practice, it has no affect on the smile muscle.

Does cutting the depressor septi nasi muscle affect the smile?

Answers (6)

Answer: Releasce can help.

Answer: Releasce can help.

Answer: Rhinoplasty to release the depressor septi ligament

Answer: Rhinoplasty to release the depressor septi ligament

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Does cutting the depressor septi nasi muscle affect the smile?

Answers (6)

Answer: Releasce can help.

Answer: Releasce can help.

Answer: Rhinoplasty to release the depressor septi ligament

Answer: Rhinoplasty to release the depressor septi ligament

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.