Intrinsic nasal muscles and their electromyographic evaluation after external septorhinoplasty

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. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:332-8.)