
The nasalis muscle is responsible for flaring the nostrils. It is a facial expression muscle that conveys emotions such as anger, confusion, and disgust. The nasalis muscle has two parts: the alar part (wings of the nose) and the transverse part. The alar part originates from the maxilla, just above the lateral incisor, and inserts into the skin of the ala (wing of the nose). It pulls the ala laterally, widening the nostrils and causing the flaring effect. The transverse part originates from the maxilla above and lateral to the incisive fossa and covers most of the nose. It wrinkles the skin on the top of the nose and compresses the nasal aperture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Name | Nasalis Muscle |
| Parts | Alar part (wings of the nose) and Transverse part |
| Function | Controls nostril dilation, depresses the ala nasi (nostril wings) and wrinkles the nasal skin |
| Innervation | Buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Superior labial, septal, and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery; infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery |
| Botox Treatment | Botox injections can relax the muscle and reduce nostril flaring |
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What You'll Learn

The Nasalis Muscle
These two parts work together to move the nose to the sides, wrinkle it, and flare up the wings. The actions of the nasalis muscle occur prior to each inhalation to prevent the external nasal valve from collapsing and are more noticeable during deep breathing or emotionally driven situations.
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Transverse and Alar Parts
The nasalis muscle is a paired muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose and is responsible for nostril flaring. It comprises two components: the transverse section and the alar portion.
Transverse Part
The transverse part of the nasalis muscle is also known as the compressor naris. It originates from the maxilla, attaching superolaterally to the incisive foramen. Its fibres then course superomedially, expanding into a thin aponeurosis at the bridge of the nose. As the transverse muscle extends down the sides of the nose, it merges with its counterpart from the opposite side at the dorsum of the nose. The transverse part is responsible for compressing the nasal aperture and wrinkling the nasal skin. This wrinkling of the nose in an upward fashion is sometimes referred to as "bunny lines".
Alar Part
The alar part of the nasalis muscle is also known as the dilator naris posterior. It originates from the frontal process of 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 major alar cartilage. The alar part of the nasalis draws the nares and posterior part of the columella down and laterally, resulting in the widening of the nares and elongation of the nose. This action dilates the nostrils and depresses the ala nasi (nostril wings) laterally, allowing nostril flaring during breathing.
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Botox Treatment
The nasalis muscle is a paired muscle that covers the dorsum (ridge) of the nose and is responsible for flaring the nostrils. It consists of two parts: the alar (or dilator naris posterior) and the transverse (or compressor naris) parts. The alar part pulls the nostrils outward, widening them, while the transverse part compresses the nasal aperture and wrinkles the nasal skin.
Nasal flare, or flared nostrils, can be a cause of concern for some people, especially if it contributes to facial asymmetry or an unbalanced appearance. Nasal flare Botox is a non-invasive and painless cosmetic procedure that can address these concerns. Botox injections into the nasalis muscle reduce its ability to contract forcefully, resulting in softer and less noticeable nostril flaring. This procedure does not interfere with nasal passages or affect breathing.
It is important to note that Nasal Flare Botox provides only temporary results, typically lasting 4-6 months. Follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired results. The number of sessions required depends on individual factors such as the severity of nasal flaring and the desired outcome. However, noticeable improvements can usually be achieved with a single treatment.
After the procedure, it is recommended to avoid vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours to minimize the risk of swelling or bruising at the injection sites. Light activities are generally considered fine immediately after treatment. While Nasal Flare Botox is a safe procedure, there are potential risks and complications, such as allergic reactions, bruising, swelling, or asymmetry in eyebrows or eyelids.
If you are considering Nasal Flare Botox treatment, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare provider or a reputable clinic, such as CosmeDocs in London, to ensure you receive tailored guidance and safe treatment.
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Emotional Expression
The nasalis muscle is responsible for flaring the nostrils. This muscle is derived from the second pharyngeal arch and is innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII). It has two parts: the alar part (wings of the nose) and the transverse part. The alar part originates from the maxilla, just above the lateral incisor, and inserts into the skin of the ala (wing of the nose). It pulls the ala laterally, widening the nostrils and is therefore called the dilator naris posterior. The transverse part covers the dorsum (bridge) of the nose and originates from the maxilla, attaching above and to the side of the incisive fossa. Its fibres then expand into a thin aponeurosis at the bridge of the nose, with some fibres blending with the alar part. This part of the muscle wrinkles the skin on the top of the nose and compresses the nasal aperture, hence its other name, compressor naris.
The nasalis muscle is a facial expression muscle, used to convey emotions such as anger, confusion, and disgust. It is also used to increase nasal airflow during breathing, especially during deep breathing, and this function is more noticeable during emotionally driven situations.
The procerus muscle, which sits at the bridge of the nose, is also involved in emotional expression. When this muscle is activated, it pulls down the medial portions of the eyebrows, resulting in wrinkles over the bridge of the nose. This muscle is active during emotions such as anger, squinting, frowning, and concentration.
In some cases, individuals may seek to reduce the flaring of their nostrils, as it can unintentionally signal emotions such as anger or irritation. This can be achieved through Botox treatments, which relax the muscles responsible for nostril flaring, reducing contractions and making the nostrils less wide open.
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Facial Expressions
The nasalis muscle is responsible for flaring the nostrils. This muscle is a facial expression muscle, used to convey emotions such as anger, confusion, and disgust. It is composed of two parts: the alar part (wings of the nose) and the transverse part. The alar part has a greater influence on the skin of the wings, pulling them to the sides and opening the nostrils, while the transverse part wrinkles the skin on the top of the nose.
The nasalis muscle is derived from the second pharyngeal arch and is innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII). The muscle lies superficial to the nasal bone and lateral nasal cartilage, and is covered by the nasal skin. The transverse part of the muscle originates from the maxilla, attaching superolateral to the incisive foramen, while the alar part originates from the maxilla, just above the lateral incisor.
The actions of the nasalis muscle, including dilating the nostrils and depressing the ala nasi (nostril wings), enable the flaring of the nostrils during breathing and emotional situations. This muscle plays an important role in increasing nasal airflow, and its movements are particularly noticeable during deep breathing and in emotional states such as anger.
In some cases, individuals may seek to reduce the flaring of their nostrils, as it can cause the nose to appear larger and may send unintended signals of anger or irritation. A treatment option for this is Botox injections into the nostril muscles, which reduce contractions and make the nostrils less wide open.
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Frequently asked questions
The nasalis muscle, specifically the alar portion of the muscle.
The nasalis muscle is a facial expression muscle that allows you to move your nose to the sides, wrinkle it, flare up the wings, and widen the nostrils.
The transverse part of the nasalis muscle, also known as the compressor naris, wrinkles the nasal skin and compresses the nasal aperture.










































