Can columellar strut septum extension be removed and tip sutured smaller?

Question

I had a bad rhinoplasty experience a year ago where unknowingly a strut graft was put in my nose extending the length and which inhibits my smile (unable to hardly lift upper lip). I now have a longer nose with a very bulbous tip... Can the graft be removed and tip sutured smaller?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The answer is probably so.  The strut may or may not be necessary based upon inherent tip support.  In almost all of these that I perform, the strut is not necessary.Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds  
of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the 
 plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a   
sense of who can deliver the results. 	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a number of reasons why the tip of you nose can look larger or more bulbous after rhinoplasty. Part may be due to cartilage grafts used but for a more specific answer, a personal exam where the nose can be examined and touched to help determine the causes is necessary.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty for bulbous tip and removal is strut can be done to refine your tip and support tip without a strut.

A. Joshua Zimm, MD · Answer

Yes, your columellar strut can be removed if necessary.  We don't have any photos to analyze, so it's not possible to comment on specific recommendations.  Since it has been a year, at this point if you are still unhappy with your result, you should consider an evaluation/consult with a surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty and is comfortable doing revision rhinoplasty.  Best of luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is very possible to remove your columella strut or perhaps shorten it. Best to be seen in person to be properly evaluated. Good luck.

Arthur N. Falk, MD · Answer

Unfortunately without photos it is difficult to comment on specific conditions, however revision rhinoplasty can be performed. A strut graft in principle may not be the problem as much as how the grafting has been executed. Generally in all open rhinoplasties a strut graft is employed to maintain nasal tip projection and counter contracture which is a normal part of wound healing. Additional grafts may have been incoorporated which are contributing to your concern. Contact a revision rhinoplasty specialist to get some assistance with your concern.

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided any photos which would have helped to evaluate your situation accurately. In general, if you are unhappy with some aspects of your prior surgery and it has been a year since your rhinoplasty, contemplating a revision is not unreasonable.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Your strut may be removed and the tip may be narrowed.  See a surgeon with experience in rhinoplasty since revision surgery is more difficult.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Bruce K. Barach, MD (retired) · Answer

if you are not pleased with the changes at a year after surgery, it is reasonable to ask your surgeon about a revision or see someone else for a second opinion. can't say much about your particular situation without more info/records, photos, and an inperson exam.

Can columellar strut septum extension be removed and tip sutured smaller?

Answers (9)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Does my crooked smile have anything to do with the way the tip of the nose sways to the right with my smile?

New bump on the nasal bridge 2 months after rhinoplasty, what is it?

2 different questions - How soon after septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and turbinoplasty can I use saline spray? Nasal irrigation?

Will going back to work 9 days after my rhino negatively effect me in terms of swelling and risk?

Can rhinoplasty and lip reduction be done at the same time, how long until recovery And can I do otoplasty all at once too?

Is it possible to have a deviated septum without breaking your nose?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS