Cutting depressor septi muscle during open rhinoplasty.

Question

I've read a lot about this procedure because the surgeon i saw said that i have a "short lip" and it is good to cut this muscle, but i don't think i have a plunging tip, well nothing shocking when i smile so... When i asked if it is going to affect my smile he said no. So i dont really understand why it should be cut? I'd like to have some of your insights! Thank you!

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Cutting such muscle does not affect at all to the lenght or position of the lips. If your nose is not dynamic when smiling I see no point in resecting the depressor septi.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There may not be an indication for this in your situation, but it is much easier to address this after an exam or viewing photos.

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your question. Depressor septi is a muscle that pulls the nasal tip down during smile. The muscle is typically divided to prevent the tip droop during rhinoplasty. This particular muscle starts in the bone above your top teeth and extends then to the septum of the nose. Sometimes while the surgeon is working on the nasolabial angle (the angle between the upper lip and nose), the muscle might be divided for access to allow other changes in the nose (like softening the nasolabial angle or  adding cartilage to support the nose).In regards to your question about how this affects the smile, cutting the depressor septal muscle decreases nasal tip droop during smile but should not affect your lips or the shape of your mouth and lips during smile. I wonder if this distinction is what your surgeon was intending to tell you.My recommendation is that you don't hesitate to contact your surgeon if you still have doubts about your upcoming surgery. I hope this helps! Good luck

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Releasing of the depressor  septi ligament is only performed when there is a dynamic tip that droops when smiling .  The depressor septi ligament can be released through   Either  closed or open rhinoplasty.   If you do not have a drooping tip with animation, the ligament does not need to be released.  For many examples of releasing the depressor septi ligament, please see that before and after smiling photos on our closed rhinoplasty Photo Gallery link below

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The depressor septi muscle is cut during rhinoplasty surgery in a patient whose tip droops when smiling. The need for this procedure can be evaluated with an examination or review of nasal pictures.

Cutting depressor septi muscle during open rhinoplasty.

Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

If I apply pressure on the bridge of my nose will it be low?

Nose Implant. It has been a week now, my nose bridge isn't visible. Is this normal? (Photo)

Should my nose move?

Rhinoplasty with no sutures?

Where should I get V-line & Rhinoplasty? How much would this cost? (Photo)

Will my insurance cover the removal of the nose hump or will it only cover correction of my deviated septum? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS