Electromyographic and Electroneurographic Changes in Internal Nasal Muscles After Endonasal and External Rhinoplasty

Background: Anatomical structures of the nose (including muscles) are elevated, sutured, or reshaped during rhinoplasty. Electromyography and electroneurography are the objective electrophysiologic tests performed for the direct measurement of nasal muscle function. Objectives: The authors investigate the predictive values and functional status of nasal muscles during voluntary facial and nasal movements following open and closed rhinoplasty. Methods: In 48 patients who underwent rhinoplasty, surface electrodes were placed to preoperatively and postoperatively measure nasal muscle function with electromyography and electroneurography. Results were analyzed according to whether the patient had undergone open or closed rhinoplasty. Results: Electroneurography amplitudes were decreased postoperatively on both sides, in both groups. This increase was statistically significant (p < .001). Electromyography-recorded amplitude of nasal muscle contraction tension significantly decreased postoperatively in response to all voluntary movements in two cases in the closed rhinoplasty group (6.6%) and in two cases in the open rhinoplasty group (11.1%). In essence, the activity strength of the nasal muscles decreased postoperatively for some patients. The mean differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p = .280). Conclusions: The data showed no meaningful difference in injury to the nasal muscular layer between open and closed rhinoplasty.