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Hanging Columella: It hangs all the time even when I smile, it makes it more apparent.

I have a hanging columella. It hangs all the time even when I smile. It makes it more apparent. Thats the only thing I want to change about my nose. Could I get by with tip plasty or should I try the non surgical botox filler for the hanging columella? I have included a pic of me smiling an a side pic of my nose. I love the side of my nose, no humps. I'm fine with the side its just the hanging columella. Can I get professional opinions please?

Doctor Answers 3

Hanging columella of the nose

January 12th, 2011
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It is difficult to say what would be best in your case because the photo is limited to 1 angle of view, small in size and out of focus when enlarged. What appears as a hanging or protruding columella (strip of skin between the nostrils) can be due to an actual protrusion of this area or retraction of the outer rims of the nostrils or some combination of these 2 processes. The difference is diagnosed on a side view by measuring the distance of the rims and outer edge of the columella from the mid-axis of the nostril. They should each be 2mm with a total distance between outer edge of nostril rim and outer edge of columella being 4mm.

I suspect in your case the issue is more protruding columella than it is retracted nostril rims. In that case the recommended treatment is cutting back the lower or caudal edge of the septum the requisite number of millimeters to achieve the final total 4mm goal.That in and of itself can be done open (with an incision on the columella) or closed (all incisions inside the nose). No amount of botox or filler can reduce this "hang".

On the referenced web page the lower set of photos shows a slightly hanging columella that I reduced.

Aaron Stone, MD


Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

January 12th, 2011

Hanging columella of the nose

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is difficult to say what would be best in your case because the photo is limited to 1 angle of view, small in size and out of focus when enlarged. What appears as a hanging or protruding columella (strip of skin between the nostrils) can be due to an actual protrusion of this area or retraction of the outer rims of the nostrils or some combination of these 2 processes. The difference is diagnosed on a side view by measuring the distance of the rims and outer edge of the columella from the mid-axis of the nostril. They should each be 2mm with a total distance between outer edge of nostril rim and outer edge of columella being 4mm.

I suspect in your case the issue is more protruding columella than it is retracted nostril rims. In that case the recommended treatment is cutting back the lower or caudal edge of the septum the requisite number of millimeters to achieve the final total 4mm goal.That in and of itself can be done open (with an incision on the columella) or closed (all incisions inside the nose). No amount of botox or filler can reduce this "hang".

On the referenced web page the lower set of photos shows a slightly hanging columella that I reduced.


Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty for Hanging Collumela

February 21st, 2011
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A hanging collumela can certainly be improved with a rhinoplasty procedure and is a common request from my patients.  You should consult with a surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty in order to evaluate your entire face and explore the possibilities.  

Web reference: http://www.drsteiger.com/procedures/nose/rhinoplasty.html

Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Jacob D. Steiger, MD
Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 67 reviews

February 21st, 2011

Rhinoplasty for Hanging Collumela

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

A hanging collumela can certainly be improved with a rhinoplasty procedure and is a common request from my patients.  You should consult with a surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty in order to evaluate your entire face and explore the possibilities.  

Learn more: http://www.drsteiger.com/procedures/nose/rhinoplasty.html

Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Jacob D. Steiger, MD
Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 67 reviews

Hanging columella

February 20th, 2011
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This isn't a great photo to plan your surgery, but yes the correction is very possible.  There are many techniques that can raise a hanging columella while preserving the rest of your nose.  Consult your board certified plastic surgeon.

Web reference: http://www.doctormeade.com/plastic-surgery-procedures/rhinoplasty/

Ricardo A. Meade, MD
February 20th, 2011

Hanging columella

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

This isn't a great photo to plan your surgery, but yes the correction is very possible.  There are many techniques that can raise a hanging columella while preserving the rest of your nose.  Consult your board certified plastic surgeon.

Learn more: http://www.doctormeade.com/plastic-surgery-procedures/rhinoplasty/

Ricardo A. Meade, MD

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.