Can my columellar struts be removed?

If the caudal septum has been reduced and has caused shortening, extension grafts can be placed.Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Columellar struts are meant to counteract the forces that drop your nasal tip with time. I would not recommend removing the columellar struts. The decreased length of your nose is likely due to the resection of the septum. A picture of your nose would be very helpful in this case because there may be residual swelling contributing to the "removed" look of your nose and if this is the case time may be all that is needed to correct the problem. I would also talk to your surgeon about your concerns.

A columellar strut is not the culprit of having lost tip length. If anything one of their benefits is to try and prevent loss of tip projection. The removal of the caudal end of the septum is the culprit and this can be reversed by cartilage grafting for tip lengthening.

It is difficult to answer this without seeing you in person. It is impossible to answer this without pre and post op photos as well.

Thank you for your question. Of course you need to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.Columellar struts are important part of rhinoplasty and are designed to prevent collapse or drop of the nasal tip and to rotate the nasal tip upward. If they are removed I would expect the nasal tip to drop and the inferior portion of your nose might retrude more.Resection of the inferior septum can cause lessening of columellar show from the side.Filler injections or a cartilage graft can plump the columella and may improve the area of your concern.