Would I benefit from cutting the depressor septi muscle? (photos)

Dear cheese1993You are correct that the depressor septi muscle plays a role in the drooping of tip when you smile. Unfortunately, just dividing the muscle does not completely prevent the drooping when smiling. It often involves a strut graft to support the tip and prevent its descent. The graft is often harvested from the nasal septum. I know that you stated that you don't want cartilage removed. Although I understand that, it is often good to have a discussion about why you don't want cartilage removed and what options you have. Sometimes you may have incomplete information about the impact of cartilage removal or repositioning. Consultation with an experienced and Board certified surgeon may help you make an informed decision. 

I agree that severing the depressor septi muscle can help eliminate the tip drooping that occurs when smiling.  This can be done via an intraoral approach if you are not having anything done with the tip or dorsum.   The alar base reduction may also be a beneficial procedure if you feel you have excessive alar width.  You have to weight the risks which include scarring at the alar base. 

I dont think that only treating the Muscle will be enough, but this can easily be known with the use of Botox. Visit your Plastic Surgeon and ask for it, this will give you an idea of the result.

When the depressor septi ligament is present, a simple release prevents the tip from drooping when smiling. Releasing the depressor septi ligament would have no bearing on the width of the nose when smiling, only the droopiness.

From your photos, you appear to have ptosis of the nasal tip with a narrowed middle vault and tension on the upper lip. The "plunging" nasal tip usually has several issues that contribute to the animation deformity. Simply dividing the depressor septi muscle would have little effect on correction of the nasal tip ptosis and animation concerns.A septal strut with rotation of the tip as well as trimming the caudal border of the septum would help with the tip anatomy. The nasal spine is usually prominent in this situation and would need to be trimmed in order to lengthen the upper lip. The cephalic border of the lower lateral cartilages may need some trimming to allow rotation of the tip.The middle vault needs to be widened slightly and may need small spreader grafts. Nasal osteotomies to narrow the bony vault can also help narrow the base to a degree, which will help with the animation concerns.

Hello and thank you for your question.  Cutting the depressor muscle is NOT the answer to your problem.  You have a tip that plunges because your tip angle is about 90 degrees.  Rotating the nasal tip is what solves this optical illusion.  An alar base reduction will help to keep your nose from spreading but will not get rid of the plunge.  Please go to a surgeon who really understands this "deformity" as it is very misunderstood.  The problem is more complex than previously thought.  On my website you can find a lot more information or if you can, try to access either of my 2 articles on the Plunging Tip Illusion in Rhinoplasty.Aaron Kosins, MDPlastic & Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Usually treatment of one area affects another with rhinoplasty.  With muscle treatment, tip support is often done which further decreases.  Tip support will somtimes change alar base relationship.  You should be evaluated by a board certified surgeon that does frequent rhinoplasty.  Photos could be morphed to give you and the surgeon the best way to proceed.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon