Is it possible to increase the width of the columella? (photos)

Question

I hate that my columella becomes very narrow at the bottom of my nose at the base. It gives my nose a V shape. Is it possible to add width to the lowest part of the nose?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

I need to see better photographs in from different angles as described on my website and others to give you a proper answer. It appears you may have a hanging columella which needs to be raised and the columella adjusted in its shape. See a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does natural noses  that you like. Do not rely on imaging.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear noseynose12345,The goals that you are looking for are realistic and achievable through rhinoplasty, where the tip of your nose can be refined to give you what you are looking for.It is best to have an in-person consultation so we can examine you and show you morphs of what is possible. When you are ready, please visit my website and look at before and after photos and we can set up an in-person consultation and address your concerns.Best regards,Nima Shemirani

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Increasing the width of the columella may look rather weird and give an operative look. From the limited photos, it appears that there's a hanging columella already which should be reduced to minimize detectability.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the shape of the nose for breathing or appearance.The columella is the band of skin between your nostrils. As you go farther out, the area under the tip beyond your nostrils is your infratip lobule. When you look at someone straight-on, you are seeing their infratip lobule. The width of the infratip lobule may be adjusted. The ideal shape of the nostrils and infratip is a  "gull-in-flight" M with very soft curve. I like to use 3D computer simulation to get on the same page as my patients when I explain these concepts, before moving onto surgery. Safety comes first.

Michael Carlisle, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, it is possible. While this is an unusual request by itself without wanting to change other features of the nose, the short answer is yes. Placing a cartilage graft there for the purposes of balancing the width of the columella is possible and something I use frequently in selected patients. Usually changing several components of the nose (bridge, tip, nostrils, columella) are undertaken all at once to "balance" the nose appearance to give the most facial harmony.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

This is a somewhat unusual request by itself, however placement of a thick columella strut should widen your "footplates" at the base of your columella and thicken this area for you.  Seeing a board certified nose specialist will allow a full assessment of your nose and possible additional refinements for you.  Best wishes,
Jon A Perlman MD FACS 
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Extreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TV 
  
Best of Los Angeles Award 2015, 2016 
  
Beverly Hills, Ca

Is it possible to increase the width of the columella? (photos)

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Answers (6)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Why am I so ugly from the side? is it fixable? I think it's mainly the chin/nose. (photos)

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