When I push on my columella up with a finger, it feels like there is no tissue in the hanging part of the columella.

The precise way to fix your hanging columella depends quite a bit on your specific anatomy. It isn't a one size fits all approach. The technique used would dictate the recovery time, etc.

It is a problem that usually isn't very difficult to address and sutures can be used to secure the medial crura cartilages (that help make up the columella) in a more upward position.

A hanging columella is improved by trimming the membranous columella and cartilaginous columella.  The angle of cartilage removal can turn up the nose or turn down the nose depending upon the desired effect.  If the cartilage is already retracted, then it will be only membranous removal.  This could be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.  The sutures are dissolvable and remain intact for approximately 1 week after the surgery.  

To do photo imaging with your own photo, download our iPhone app free of charge.  Just enter "Seattle Plastic Surgery with Dr. Portuese" as search terms.  Once downloaded, you can simulate rhinoplasty by changing the amount of columella show.