Facial Muscles: The Secret Behind Nose Crinkles

what muscles crinkles your nose

The human face has about 20 main facial muscles, which are essential for chewing and making facial expressions. One such muscle is the nasalis muscle, which covers the dorsum of the nose. The transverse part of the nasalis muscle wrinkles the nasal skin and compresses the nasal aperture, hence its other name, compressor naris. The wrinkles of the nasal dorsum are mainly caused by the nasalis muscle. Nasal wrinkles on the dorsum of the nose can be treated with botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections into the nasalis muscle.

Characteristics Values
Name of the muscle that crinkles the nose Nasalis muscle
Number of facial muscles 20
Function of the nasalis muscle Wrinkles the nasal skin and compresses the nasal aperture
Alternative name for the nasalis muscle Compressor naris
Parts of the nasalis muscle Transverse part and alar part
Transverse part function Wrinkles the nasal skin and compresses the nasal aperture
Alar part function Widens the nasal opening
Blood supply to nasalis Superior labial, septal and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery, and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery
Neuromodulators to prevent nose wrinkles Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau

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The nasalis muscle

The alar part of the nasalis originates from the maxilla overlying the lateral incisor and attaches to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton. It widens the nasal opening, drawing the nares and posterior part of the columella down and laterally, resulting in the widening of the nares and elongating the nose. It may also "flare" the nostrils. The alar portion of the nasalis can be treated with BoNT-A to slim the flair of the alar.

Wrinkles on the dorsum of the nose, often referred to as "'bunny lines," are frequently treated with the injection of botulinum toxin type A into the nasalis muscle. However, individual differences exist, and the wrinkles may be caused by the contraction of the nasalis muscle, the LLSAN muscle, or both.

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Transverse and alar parts

The nasalis muscle is a paired facial muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose. It has two parts: the transverse part and the alar part.

The transverse part originates from the maxilla, which is the bone of the upper jaw, attaching superolateral to the incisive foramen. Its fibres then course superomedially, expanding into a thin aponeurosis at the bridge of the nose. Via this aponeurosis, the muscle inserts at the dorsum of the nose by blending with its counterpart from the opposite side. The transverse part of the nasalis muscle compresses the nasal aperture, hence its other name, compressor naris.

The alar part of the nasalis muscle comprises the nostrils. It originates from the maxilla, just superior to the lateral incisor. After a short superoanterior course, it inserts into the skin of the ala, superior to the lateral crus of the major alar cartilage. Here, some fibres blend with the transverse part of the nasalis muscle. The alar part widens the nasal opening, and its action is assisted by the depressor septi nasi muscle.

The nasalis muscle is innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). Blood supply to the nasalis comes from the superior labial, septal and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery, and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.

The transverse part of the nasalis muscle is responsible for wrinkling the nasal skin. When this muscle contracts, it can cause wrinkles on the nasal dorsum, often referred to as "bunny lines." These wrinkles can be treated with botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, which relax the muscle and prevent it from wrinkling the overlying skin.

In summary, the transverse and alar parts of the nasalis muscle are responsible for compressing and widening the nasal aperture, respectively. The transverse part is also involved in wrinkling the nasal skin, which can be addressed with cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections.

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Botox treatment

The nasalis muscle is responsible for crinkling the nose. It is a paired facial muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose. The transverse part of the nasalis muscle wrinkles the nasal skin and compresses the nasal aperture, while the alar part dilates the nostrils.

Before undergoing Botox treatment, it is recommended to consult with a board-certified physician injector to ensure that the injections are placed correctly and to determine the predominant muscles involved in wrinkle formation. This can be done through a dynamic evaluation of facial muscles using 3D skin vector displacement analyses, which can visualize the effect of each muscle in creating wrinkles.

Botox injections can be administered to relax the nasalis muscle and soften or eliminate wrinkles. This non-invasive treatment option is often preferred over more aggressive treatments such as skin resurfacing or rhinoplasty, which do not address the underlying cause of wrinkles.

In addition to Botox, other treatments such as microneedling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and chemical peels can also help to minimize nose wrinkles and improve skin texture. However, it is important to note that while skincare products and topical treatments can lessen the appearance of wrinkles, they may not fully erase them. A good anti-aging skincare regimen, including ingredients like retinol and SPF, can help prevent and minimize the appearance of wrinkles over time.

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Bunny lines

"Bunny lines" are a colloquial term for the diagonal wrinkles that form on both sides of the nose, just below the bridge. These wrinkles are not harmful and are quite common, often becoming more pronounced when an individual smiles or laughs. Bunny lines are caused by repeated facial movements, such as scrunching or wrinkling the nose, and are a natural part of the ageing process. The constant contracting of the nasalis muscle, which runs along the side of the nose, is particularly responsible for the formation of these lines.

As individuals age, their skin loses elasticity due to decreased collagen and elastin production, making it harder for the skin to recover from creases caused by facial expressions. Other factors that contribute to the early development of bunny lines include sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, and a lack of proper skincare routine. While bunny lines are a natural occurrence, some individuals may seek to minimise their appearance. It is recommended to be conscious of repeated facial expressions that may cause bunny lines and try to avoid them as much as possible. Additionally, certain skincare ingredients, such as retinol, and home remedies, such as gentle facial massages with carrier oils, can help diminish the appearance of these lines.

For those seeking more significant interventions, botulinum toxin type A, commonly known as Botox, can be injected into the nasalis muscle to relax and smooth out the wrinkles. This procedure is minimally invasive and provides immediate results that last for approximately three to four months. However, it is important to be cautious and not overuse Botox, as it can lead to overcompensation by other facial muscles, resulting in further wrinkles. Other non-surgical treatments that can be combined with Botox include lasers, microneedling/PRP, and fillers, which can provide long-term results.

In summary, bunny lines are common wrinkles that form on the sides of the nose due to repeated facial expressions, particularly the contraction of the nasalis muscle. While these lines are natural and harmless, individuals can minimise their appearance through conscious avoidance of certain facial expressions, skincare routines, and, in more significant cases, minimally invasive procedures like Botox injections.

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Synergistic muscles

The nasalis muscle is a paired facial muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose. It is innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). The transverse part of the nasalis muscle wrinkles the nasal skin and compresses the nasal aperture, hence its other name, compressor naris. The alar part dilates the nostrils as it pulls the ala laterally, thus it is also called dilator naris posterior.

The corrugator supercilii muscle, depressor supercilii muscle, procerus muscle, and nasalis muscle are synergistic. The procerus is the most superior of the nasal muscles. It lies superficially to the other muscles of facial expression. It originates from the nasal bone and inserts into the skin of the lower medial forehead. The depressor septi nasi muscle assists the alar part of the nasalis in opening the nostrils.

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) muscle and others contract together, while the antagonist, the frontalis muscle, relaxes and lengthens. The wrinkles of the nasal dorsum are mainly caused by the nasalis muscle and the LLSAN muscle. Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections can be used to relax these muscles and eliminate dynamic wrinkles.

The human face has about 20 main facial muscles that are essential for chewing and making facial expressions. These muscles are located throughout the face, including the ears, mouth, forehead, nose, and eyes. They run underneath the skin from the scalp down to the neck.

Frequently asked questions

The nasalis muscle is responsible for wrinkling the nose. It is made up of two parts: the alar part (wings of the nose) and the transverse part. The transverse part is responsible for wrinkling the skin on the top of your nose.

The nasalis muscle is a facial expression muscle that conveys emotions such as anger, confusion, and disgust. It also helps widen the nostrils, which can be useful when we need to constrict our nostrils to keep water out.

Bunny lines or nose wrinkles are caused by the contraction of the levator labii superioris and the transverse portion of the nasalis muscle. To prevent wrinkles, it is recommended to avoid overdoing facial expressions that cause the nose to wrinkle, such as nostril flaring. Other methods to prevent wrinkles include gentle facial massages, applying collagen or retinol creams, drinking more water, and facial yoga exercises for the nose area.

Yes, the nasal muscles are considered an extension of the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which includes other facial musculature. The procerus muscle sits between the eyebrows and can help flare the nostrils. The depressor septi is a depressor muscle that pulls the tip of the nose downwards.

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