What's the healing process like for getting tip projection with only a columellar strut? Is swelling as bad as an osteotomy?

Question

I'm considering getting a nose job, but I only want my nose to be more projected. From my research, it seems that septal cartilage augmentation and the placement of a columellar strut would be the simplest procedure for me. I'm black and I want a very subtle ethnic nose job. I want a procedure that will ideally leave no scarring and I really don't want more than one incision made on my nose.

Edwin Kwon, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally, performing an osteotomy will likely make you have more swelling in your nose initially.  However, the swelling tends to resolve from the top down meaning the tip is the last area where the swelling resolves.  Thus, manipulating your nasal tip after septal cartilage harvest only versus tip manipulation with osteotomies may not have much difference in the longer term in terms of how quickly the swelling resolves.

In regards to the incision, this depends on whether your surgeons performs your surgery via an open or closed technique.  The open rhinoplasty means you would have an incision through the columella, but this scar heals so well it is very difficult to see, even close up.

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

A columella strut is used to give tip support and prevent the tip from falling so much during smiling. To obtain projection, a tip graft is placed on the domes or tip cartilage angle. Osteotomy's are the most traumatic event while performing a rhinoplasty but when necessary to give the best results should be performed.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

African american rhinoplasty typically involves 4 different components. Some patients need them all, some only one or two. Here are the 4 components.
1.  Improvement of the bridge height with an implant.
2. Narrowing of the wide upper nose (bony part) with osteotomies.
3. Narrowing of the tip (Tip-plasty)
4. Narrowing of the nostrils (Alarplasty)

You only need step 3. It can be done with closed approach and there will be no incision on the outside.

Regards
Dr. J

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question but an examination or at least some photos are needed to give an accurate answer..  So go on some complimentary consultations with experts that use digital photography to show you what can be accomplished with your nose and how it might be done and then look at photos of similar patients and become fully informed about the desired procedure

Dr Corbin

What's the healing process like for getting tip projection with only a columellar strut? Is swelling as bad as an osteotomy?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tip projjectio

Answer: Tip projjectio

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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

What's the healing process like for getting tip projection with only a columellar strut? Is swelling as bad as an osteotomy?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tip projjectio

Answer: Tip projjectio

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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