Could a Retracted Columella From Surgery 4 Months Ago Change in Appearance Over Time?

Question

I have a slight retracted columella after a revision was done to fix it 4 months ago. Cartilage from my ear was placed for a strut graft. It still looks tucked under. Could this still change as my tip swelling goes down since it was open approach? My doctor mentioned doing a plumping graft if it did not change at 6 months. How successful is this procedure?

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Without seeing your nose, it's hard to say if your columella would change after 4 months. It may evolve further as your nose continues to heal. It's still fairly early in the healing process, though, so I'd recommend a conservative approach and continue watching the area to see if it changes further.

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Great Question.  First, I would absolutely give this some time.  You are right that you will see changes over months if not a couple of years when you are considering tip refinement.  Second, you have to trust your qualified experienced plastic surgeon.  That individual knows more about your nose at this point than anyone.

	Having said that, I suspect your columella likely needs a bit more volume.  Ear cartilage works great.  Sometimes there is a bit of settling that can occur and blunt the angle between the upper lip and columella.  Plumping grafts are awesome and will likelyl support that tip in a way that the columella strut (and more likely batten graft) is more visible and effective.

	Thanks for such a great question.

	Dr. Hobgood.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling of the nasal tip can mask some of the final result. As for a retracted columella, this can be the result of several things and may require different procedures to correct this depending upon the cause.

Samson Lee, MD · Answer

With an open approach the infratip lobule and bottom part of the nasal tip likely has significant edema, as this resolves it may make the columella "look" less retracted although the columella itself is unlikely to "plump" out more at this point. Depending on how much scar contracture there is, a plumping graft should help, I would give it more time before making that determination.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

If you still have significant tip swelling the columellar retraction you describe may improve.  Sequential  photographs help to monitor that improvement and decide when and if a plumping graft is necessary.

Could a Retracted Columella From Surgery 4 Months Ago Change in Appearance Over Time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Yes it may

Answer: Yes it may

Answer: Treatment of Columellar Retraction

Answer: Treatment of Columellar Retraction

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Could a Retracted Columella From Surgery 4 Months Ago Change in Appearance Over Time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Yes it may

Answer: Yes it may

Answer: Treatment of Columellar Retraction

Answer: Treatment of Columellar Retraction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.