Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Rhinoplastic surgery is performed for
the improvement in the appearance of the nose,
but it should not cause any detrimental effect on
the intrinsic muscles. This study was conducted to
evaluate the influence of the external rhinoplasty
on intrinsic nasal muscles.
METHODS: Twenty-one patients were operated on
by external septorhinoplasty. Functions of the nasal
muscles were assessed by electromyography in
response to voluntary nasal movements in patients
before and after surgery.
RESULTS: Postoperative electromyographic activities
of the muscles were significantly less than preoperative
measurements for all movements.
CONCLUSION: Influence of the surgical incisions,
alterations of the sites of origin and/or insertion of
the muscles, and the postoperative healing process
can be incriminated for the decreased muscular
activity. Nasal muscle function requires a better
appreciation and respect for the achievement of
the best aesthetic and functional results. The nasal
valve reconstructive procedures should be applied
routinely to compensate for this inevitable muscular
involvement.
