An anatomical study of the nasal superficial musculoaponeurotic system: surgical applications in rhinoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To give a unifying description of nasal muscles and ligaments corresponding to anatomical and surgical findings such as the dermocartilaginous ligament described by Pintanguy in 2001.


METHODS
In 30 fresh cadavers of white individuals, nasal dissections were performed, divided into 3 different approaches: from radix to nasal tip, from nasal tip to radix, and from midline to lateral. The anatomical and surgical planes of dissection were followed to isolate the nasal superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Correlations between the nasal SMAS and the nasal framework were noticed. In 9 specimens, the left nasal wall was resected for histologic examination.


RESULTS
The nasal SMAS consists of a unique layer, and it divides at the level of the nasal valve into deep and superficial layers. Each layer has medial and lateral components. The dermocartilaginous ligament corresponds to the deep medial expansion. Both the deep and the superficial medial expansions correspond to the lowering ligaments of the nasal tip; the cephalic rotation of the nasal tip is allowed by their cut. The histological examination showed that the deep lateral expansion is composed of fat.


CONCLUSIONS
This description of the nasal SMAS explains the relationship between the nasal muscles and ligaments, including the dermocartilaginous ligament described by Pitanguy. Furthermore, it is helpful to surgeons during rhinoplasty.
Saban
Yves
Y
Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, Clinique St Antoine, Nice 06000, France. yves.saban@wanadoo.fr
Andretto Amodeo
Chiara
C
Hammou
Jean Claude
JC
Polselli
Roberto
R
D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012225:Rhinoplasty