Does Columella Drop After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I am currently 9 days post op. I naturally have a lot of swelling that needs to resolve itself. Right now I feel like my columella was lifted too high. I don't like that I have a flat appearance to the bottom of my nose. I'm wondering if the columella will drop as healing goes on? Thank you!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. However, nine days after surgery is far too early to determine what your nose will look like once the healing process is complete. It can take up to one year - even longer for some patients - for swelling to go down completely and the final outcome to become evident. In the meantime, you should be seeing your surgeon regularly for follow-up visits at this time, so be sure to address any concerns at your next appointment.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The columella should drop after rhinoplasty depending what the surgeon did to it during surgery. It takes 6-12 months, so try to be patient.

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH · Answer

DearNosey

	The result of your rhinoplasty will take  many months to become clear.  

	Reassure yourself that you are taking care of your nutrition and allowing the best healing.  

	Remind yourself that your nose will be changing and healing for many months. 

	Discuss your concern with your surgeon, and do your best to be patient.

	Best wishes.

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

It is way too early to judge. Was the procedure open or closed. Please send pictures to better evaluate your problem

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

After rhinoplasty the columella does not drop, though the ala (nostril) may rise a bit. It is a worry that the nose is flat on the bottom the first week out. If you had computer imaging you might have an idea of the 'goal' of the procedure. Time will tell how things sort out.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

It is way to soon for you to be making judgements and worrying. Ask your doctor where he expects it to be after swelling resolves.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

At 9 days after your nose surgery it is way too soon to draw any conclusions regarding the appearance of your nose and columella. It would take months for the ultimate appearance to finalize.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is early to be concerned about your rhinoplasty result.  Be sure to ask your surgeon about your concerns.That said, it is quite common for the tip and columella to drop after rhinoplasty and it takes several months to do so.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

As we said yesterday, when you wrote after 8 days, it is impossible to predict your final result within 7-10 days. Your nose will change as healing progresses but it is difficult to predict the final position of the columella without knowing exactly what was done during your operation. Ask your surgeon, who you trusted to operate on your face, what you should expect. Best of luck!

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Most likely, if your Columella appears flat, at even 9 dyas post op Rhinoplasty, this is unlikely to change much IMHO. If however, the nasal tip appeared over-rotated thus exposing the Columella, at this early post op stage...that might change a bit in the next several months. You should discuss this with your Rhinoplasty Surgeon.

Does Columella Drop After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)