Do I have a retracted columella? Picture all the way to the left is my original nose, middle rendering, and right nose after rhino. It looks like my columella has been chopped off. Can you please confirm is this is a retracted columella? Is this an easy fix? Can this be fixed with a closed rhinoplasty or does it have to be open? Also, if this is the only thing that has to be fixed, do i have to wait at least 6 months for the revision or can it be before?
May 13, 2022
Answer: Yes Without knowing exactly what was done during your rhinoplasty, it is difficult to tell you exactly why you have the columella shape that you do. The most common reason would be over resection of the anterior septum. However, there are other reasons (displaced strut grafts, instability at the junction with the nasal spine, septal necrosis, etc). This can generally be fixed with a closed technique and graft placement if it was an over resection. However, I would wait a full year before attempting further correction or you could run into problems. Some people heal faster and everything softens up faster, but a year is definitely safe. This way you can be at your final result and make sure there aren't other things you may want to have addressed at the same time.
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May 13, 2022
Answer: Yes Without knowing exactly what was done during your rhinoplasty, it is difficult to tell you exactly why you have the columella shape that you do. The most common reason would be over resection of the anterior septum. However, there are other reasons (displaced strut grafts, instability at the junction with the nasal spine, septal necrosis, etc). This can generally be fixed with a closed technique and graft placement if it was an over resection. However, I would wait a full year before attempting further correction or you could run into problems. Some people heal faster and everything softens up faster, but a year is definitely safe. This way you can be at your final result and make sure there aren't other things you may want to have addressed at the same time.
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May 13, 2022
Answer: Retracted columella? Hi and welcome to our forum! From your pre and post surgical photos, it appears that you demonstrate a retracted columella. However, you ask if you have to wait 6 months, suggesting that surgery was not performed too long ago. Following rhinoplasty, there will be significant swelling which will camouflage the operative result. The nasal tip is notorious for taking the longest time to heal. While healing, swelling may distort the delicate nasal structures. In our practice we delay revisional surgery for a period of at least one year, longer if the area if still firm. If the columellar retraction persists, it can be corrected with a small nasal cartilage graft. Continue follow up care with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes...
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May 13, 2022
Answer: Retracted columella? Hi and welcome to our forum! From your pre and post surgical photos, it appears that you demonstrate a retracted columella. However, you ask if you have to wait 6 months, suggesting that surgery was not performed too long ago. Following rhinoplasty, there will be significant swelling which will camouflage the operative result. The nasal tip is notorious for taking the longest time to heal. While healing, swelling may distort the delicate nasal structures. In our practice we delay revisional surgery for a period of at least one year, longer if the area if still firm. If the columellar retraction persists, it can be corrected with a small nasal cartilage graft. Continue follow up care with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes...
Helpful 1 person found this helpful