Columella swollen or botched? Will this go away? (Photo)

Question

I am 6 months post rhino revision and I am worried about how protruding my colmella is. Will this go away?

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

While your nose is projected well, there does appear to be a little fullness of the columellar. I always have patients wait a full year for any swelling to go down. If it doesn't, a minor revision may improve things so be sure to discuss it with your surgeon.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.From the photo you provided it looks like you have what we call ''hanging columella''. This can be corrected only with a revision rhinoplasty surgery.
Best regards!Prof. Dr. Selcuk Inanli

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thanks for your question. At 6 months, there is still time for swelling to improve. It can often take greater than 12 months in many revision cases. Bumps at the columella could be soft tissue swelling or prominent cartilage if grafts were placed. I often encourage patients to monitor for any changes which may be swelling. Compressions and steroids (carefully done) can help. If after 12 months the area is still present, discuss options with your surgeon to see how improvements can be made. Hope this is useful!

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @ereeen. Thank you for sharing your photo. It's common for the columella to appear more prominent  during the early stages of healing. I would recommend waiting a full year before considering another revision rhinoplasty.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Somebody's nose holds on to swelling for the longest at the nasal base after rhinoplasty surgery. This time can be longer when revision surgery with grafting has been performed, and your columella is at the very bottom of your nose. For a more definitive answer, please consider visiting your surgeon. I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Columella swollen or botched? Will this go away? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Your columella may in fact be swollen 6 months after revision rhinoplasty.

Answer: Your columella may in fact be swollen 6 months after revision rhinoplasty.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Columella swollen or botched? Will this go away? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Your columella may in fact be swollen 6 months after revision rhinoplasty.

Answer: Your columella may in fact be swollen 6 months after revision rhinoplasty.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.