Only cutting "Depressor septi nasi muscle" - tip of the nose will droop after surgery?

Question

Hello there, the tip of my nose tends to droop when smiling and especially when talking. But can only (!) cutting the depressor septi nasi muscle provide a good result? Because I´ve heard by only cutting the muscle the tip of the nose can lose stabilization and it might droop overall (maybe due to loss of tissue?!). So is it necessary to cut the muscle AND supporting the tip of the nose for example by placing a Columellar strut? Thanks in advance.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Some surgeons like to release this muscle to prevent nose drooping while smiling in their nose surgeries.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The pull on the nasal tip on smiling is what gets better the most with cutting this muscle. If your main concern is the tip projection at rest then a coulmellar strut is a better option. RegardsDr. J

David Tauber, MD · Answer

A surgical rhinoplasty is a powerful procedure that adds, removes, or re-positions tissue in the nose for better aesthetics - often completely reshaping the nose. This often involves removing dorsal humps, making the nose straighter, and refining the tip. 
Based on your complaints of motion of the tip with smiling, your concerns may be helped by cutting the depressor nasi. Every nose is different, however, and additional support of the tip may be needed to stabalize the tip achieve your ideal result. 
For more info on rhinoplasty, see the link below.
  
A detailed examination will help delineate the best surgical option and provide you a custom quote for your situation. Consultation with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery would be the next best step.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can
receive is from an in-person consultation.  Transection of the depessor nasi septi muscles can definitely help with the depressed tip.  I usually perform other maneuvers as well such as angulated caudal septal resection and cartilage grafts, depending on the nasal anatomy.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear UltimaWH in New York, NY:
So, your nose droops when you smile.   If you release the depressor septi muscle that may not happen.  The muscle is released by making an internal nasal incision.  No need for an outside incision and a columellar strut may not be necessary.  There are patients who have only release of the depressor septi muscle and they are very happy with the results.  No architectural changes to the nose need be done.  
  
I suggest you have consultation with very experienced, superspecialized rhinoplasty surgeons.  The time you spend doing the homework and research will pay off.  Visit websites, see the results of the work.  A close review of the before and after gallery is very important.  
  
Best wishes,
  
Robert Kotler, MD, FACS

Only cutting "Depressor septi nasi muscle" - tip of the nose will droop after surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: In rhinoplasty, release of the depressor septi muscle is an anti-drooping maneuver.

Answer: In rhinoplasty, release of the depressor septi muscle is an anti-drooping maneuver.

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.

Only cutting "Depressor septi nasi muscle" - tip of the nose will droop after surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: In rhinoplasty, release of the depressor septi muscle is an anti-drooping maneuver.

Answer: In rhinoplasty, release of the depressor septi muscle is an anti-drooping maneuver.

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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.