8 months post rhinoplasty - columella feels quite stiff (Photo)

Question

I had my surgery Sept 22 (Rhino and Septoplasty) so Im currently about 8 months post op. Really happy with my side profile but from the front when I smile my columella feels quite stiff and I get a crease between my nose and lip. I also feel like my nostrils end up higher than my columella. I have noticed that my nose has changed quite abit lately so I’m wondering if this may be due to swelling and if the columella takes longer to soften especially after having septoplasty? When I first came

Christian Conderman, MD · Answer

Hi!
The horizontal line on the upper lip is where a muscle inserts (depressor septi nasi muscle) that connects the nasal septum to the upper lip and can lower the position of the nasal tip with smiling. The stiffness of your columella is not unusual after nasal surgery and especially so if you had a caudal septal extension graft placed to stabilize the position of your tip. This will soften with time but I've had patients report that their tip and columella feel stiff for 18-24 months after surgery. Hope that helps!

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.I have evaluated your case from the photos you provided. It looks like the cartilage is sticking out from the tip. The columella is hanging and as you mentioned the nostrils look higher.I recommend you to get it checked with your surgeon.
Best regards!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Since the base of the nose holds on to swelling for the longest, and since your columella is at the base of your nose, some of this stiffness may in fact go away with time. Best person to answer this question with expertise would be your Surgeon. I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

8 months post rhinoplasty - columella feels quite stiff (Photo)

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8 months post rhinoplasty - columella feels quite stiff (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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