Hello! So I like everything about my nose except for my hanging columella. I really don’t care to change anything else other than that so I definitely don’t think undergoing a full rhinoplasty is necessary. So I was wondering - is it possible to just lift my hanging columella? And if so - what kind of procedure/post op would that entail? Recovery included :) thank you!!!
The appearance of a hanging columella can be due to a long septal cartilage, retracted nostril rims or both. If it is solely due to the septal cartilage removing a few millimeters of cartilage from the bottom via an incision inside the nose will give you what you are looking for.
A hanging columella can be treated with an isolated procedure. However most patients require more than just treatment of that region. You would have to be seen in person to be properly evaluated.
This is not a simple procedure as it has several potential causes. It will usually require that you also do some alteration of your septum and your nasal tip. This is usually done with an open approach to rhinoplasty . Of course, one needs to see and examine you to fully access the cause and hence the treatment. Please see a board certified PS who has expertise in Rhinoplasty
Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Unfortunately without photographs or an in-person examination to assess your full nasal appearance it is difficult to offer definite advice. In most cases an open approach is needed to address your septum and nasal tip cartilages so be sure to seek out an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss.
Dear Sabrina,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. In general, yes, it is possible to correct only a hanging columella. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
Aloha and thanks for your question. Without good photos, it's hard to give specific answers to your question. However, it is possible to address a hanging columella without significantly changing other structures. I would recommend you see an experienced Surgeon Certified by The American Board Of Plastic Surgery[ABPS] and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) for an in-depth consultation to review your options. Mahalo, Dr Dieffenbach
The appearance of a hanging columella can be addressed with a targeted, closed rhinoplasty. Photos would help to determine the best game plan, depending on whether this appearance is truly related to excess septum versus true nostril retraction. Recovery is typically rapid for such a targeted procedure and pain relatively mild. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person exam.