The levator nasolabialis (also called levator labii superioris alaeque nasi — the longest named muscle in the body) simultaneously elevates the upper lip and dilates the nostril. Elvis Presley's characteristic sneer was produced by dominant unilateral levator nasolabialis contraction.
| Origin | Frontal process of the maxilla — below the medial orbital rim |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Skin of the nasolabial fold, ala of the nose, and upper lip |
| Nerve Supply | Facial nerve — buccal branch (VII) |
| Blood Supply | Angular and superior labial arteries |
| Actions | Elevates the upper lip and nasolabial fold; Flares the nostril — alar elevation component; Deepens the nasolabial groove during smiling |
|---|
Levator nasolabialis is targeted in nasolabial fold botulinum injection to reduce nasal flare and upper lip elevation. Overtreatment produces upper lip ptosis and restricted nasal breathing. In rhinoplasty, the levator nasolabialis origin on the maxillary frontal process is released during open approach dissection to allow nasal tip deprojection.
Produces simultaneous upper lip elevation and nostril flare — the Elvis sneer muscle.
Excessive levator nasolabialis activity producing prominent nasal flaring during smiling, treated by targeted botulinum injection to reduce the nasal component while preserving upper lip elevation.
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