The Effect of Depressor Septi Nasi Cutting on the Nasal Tip

Abstract

Objective: The nasal tip is an important aesthetic feature of the face and its surgery is the most interesting and challenging part of a rhinoplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cutting the depressor septi nasi muscle on the nasal tip rotation and projection. Method: This clinical trial was carried out from 2008 to 2010 in Imam Reza hospital of Tabriz. Forty primary rhinoplasty patients who required nasal tip modifications underwent rhinoplasty including cutting of depressor septi nasi. The nasal tip rotation and projection and patient satisfaction were evaluated before and 6 months after the operation. Results: The mean age of patients was 24.10 ± 5.37 years with male to female ratio of 13/27. Following rhinoplasty including depressor septi nasi muscle cutting, nasal tip rotation and projection, and patient satisfaction were improved in 58%, 70%, and 85% of patients, respectively ( P < .001 for all). Conclusion: Rhinoplasty by cutting and repositioning of depressor septi nasi muscle has effectively improved the nasal tip rotation and projection and patient satisfaction.