15 years post rhinoplasty. Now have hanging columella. Can I get this fixed without going through rhinoplasty again? (photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty about 15 years ago for a very large bump on my nose. It all went fine and looked ok but I now have a hanging columella & wondered if I could get this fixed without going through rhinoplasty again, simply because I cannot afford it.

Sophie Ricketts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

It's definitely possible to fix issues such as a 'hanging columellar' after a rhinoplasty without having to go through something as significant as a full rhinoplasty. From the photos, it looks like your columella could be improved by trimming the lower edge of the septum to lift the columella. It is definitely worth a chat with a plastic or ENT surgeon who specialises in rhinoplasty to work out your best option. I'm certain that the costs would not be as significant as your initial surgery.

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

This should be a relatively simple thing to fix and it can probably be done under local anaesthetic. It does depend on what the underlying cause is. If you have issues with your septum, the procedure may be a little more complicated and may even require a rhinoplasty. You need a full assessment by a qualified, experienced surgeon that you understand these options in a bit more detail.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

It is fairly easy to fix a hanging columella. It can be done under local anesthesia in the office.

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

It depends on what you mean by rhinoplasty . This could be corrected without performing a "full" rhinoplasty, if that's what you mean.  This is definitely correctable without making external incisions.  Make sure you see an expert in septoplasty and rhinoplasty.  Good luck

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
The simple answer to your question is yes, the hanging columella and/or retracted ala can be improved.  However, the solution is surgical.  It is not as extensive as most rhinoplasties but it does require a procedure.  I recommend a re-consult with your original surgeon first to determine what the needs are based on photography and physical examination.
Best of Luck,

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photographs, your columella could likely be raised with either an angulated caudal septal trim or medial crural footplate trim.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The hanging columella can be addressed with a columella-plasty which involves removal of excess skin and cartilage in that area.  It can be performed under either local or general anesthesia as a stand-alone procedure.  For many examples, please see the link and the video below

Frank Scaccia, MD, FACS · Answer

if just soft tissue mucosa needs to be resected then this can be done under local.  If something else is causing this that is more involved such as a deviated septum then sedation or gen anesthesia will be necessary

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A hanging columella is often treated by trimming a portion of the caudal septum.  this can be done as an office procedure.

Ashok Govila, FRCS, MCh, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Emma,
Yes,you do have over hanging columella and this can  be fixed by a small surgery very much unlike a rhinoplasty.
We are placed in Dubai but I am sure you can find someone locally.
I wish you all the best.
Professor Dr. Ashok Govila
  
FRCS (Glasgow), MS, FAIS, M.Ch. Majestica Cirúrgia Plástica,
 Consultant Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon, 
  
British Board certified Rhinoplasty surgeon and author

15 years post rhinoplasty. Now have hanging columella. Can I get this fixed without going through rhinoplasty again? (photos)

Answers (11)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Can you fix a hanging columella after primary rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Can nose picking following rhinoplasty effect scar tissue formation in the nose tip or supratip?

Does cold air help minimize swelling of the nose?

Would rhinoplasty fix my side profile? (Photo)

Gore-tex rhinoplasty recovery issues (Photo)

Wondering if I continue to massage scar tissue on my nose years after a rhinoplasty if it will continue to go down?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS