A new approach to smiling deformity: cutting of the superior part of the orbicularis oris

A diagnosis of an aesthetic smiling deformity, which is functional rather than anatomic, is essential for provision of the best treatment in rhinoplasty. Smiling deformity consists of three elements: (a) the nasal tip tending to retrodisplace and rotate inferiorly; (b) the lower part of the upper lip moving superiorly; and (c) a horizontal groove occurring in the midphiltral area. An active depressor septi and orbicularis muscle can accentuate a drooping nasal tip and shorten the upper lip during smiling. Downward movement of the nasal tip and a sharper nasolabial angle usually are aesthetically unpleasant. During the study period (January 2000 to January 2004), the authors identified 38 patients with smiling deformities, 16 of whom underwent dissection and transposition of the paired depressor septi during rhinoplasty. The remaining 22 patients experienced hyperactivity of both the depressor septi and orbicularis muscles, as diagnosed by a descending nasal tip and a shortened upper lip at animation. These patients underwent a modification of the depressor septi and orbicularis muscles. No relapse was evident up to 2 years postoperatively. Repositioning of the depressor septi nasi muscle improved only mild cases. However, modification of the orbicularis and depressor septi muscles was a valuable adjunct to rhinoplasty for moderate and severe forms of smiling deformity. The new approach for smiling deformity provided an aesthetically pleasant appearance for the patient both at rest and when smiling.