Columella very straight, any way to fix? (Photos)

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from a revision rhinoplasty.. Maneuvers for your surgery would include nasal tip deprojection, columellar onlay graft, among other maneuvers. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your message and for sharing your observations. From what you’ve described, it sounds like you have a very refined and well-balanced result. This is something that is truly a success in the world of rhinoplasty! When both the aesthetic and functional outcomes are positive, a revision is rarely recommended, and pursuing perfection isn’t usually beneficial.
That said, your comment about the columella appearing unusually straight brings up an important opportunity to talk about what contributes to a result feeling “natural.” While a straight columella can seem ideal, sometimes it may signal something more subtle. In some cases, it may be that the columella is slightly over-projected, which can create the impression of added length between the base of the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum.)
This is where lip lift surgery may become relevant. Despite its name, a lip lift isn’t about enhancing the lips themselves. It’s a delicate, structural procedure that reduces the height of the philtrum, slightly decreases nasal projection, and helps restore balance between the nose and mouth area, especially in the context of rhinoplasty.
Procedures like tip rotation can also draw attention to the philtrum or columella in a way that wasn’t visible before surgery. When that happens, the shift is not necessarily due to any flaw in the rhinoplasty, but to the natural interplay between features. A surgeon who understands both procedures is best positioned to recognize this balance and adjust accordingly.
It’s also worth noting that pursuing more procedures does not make a result less natural. In fact, combining smaller, well-considered procedures often results in a more harmonious and understated outcome. Natural-looking results are often the product of thoughtful refinements, not minimalism for its own sake.
Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge the stability of your outcome. Straight cartilage, when achieved in rhinoplasty, is structurally reliable and less prone to shifting over time. Cartilage that has a natural curve, bend or deviation often attempts to revert to its original shape, a concept known as cartilage memory, so when straightness is achieved and maintained, it’s something to be valued!
We hope this brings some clarity and offers perspective on how subtle shifts in structure can influence overall facial balance.