Are there alternatives to a columella strut that can support a thick skinned nose tip?

Question

Hi, I am 26 year old female and i had a consultation with a doctor who wanted to use a strut in my nose to bring tip support. But as understood by patients who had a strut , it makes the nose stiff as well as less dynamic and sometimes you feel it.Heceforth , i dont want to get this strut. What other things can be done to support the tip of a thick skin nose? I have a bit of a hanging columella and would hate the stiff sharp look a strut provides.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

The important question is, What are you trying to change about your nose? This one photo seems to show a nose with a tip that projects strongly forward away from the face, and the tip sits lower than many people might prefer. You didn't say what you don't like about your nose, but would elevating the tip and bringing the nose back closer to your face be part of a desired change. A strut wouldn't help either of those two changes to happen.
I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)
And remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that I discussed here--bringing a nose closer to the face and making a meaningful tip elevation--require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. For most noses, it's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon.  And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

Celal Alioglu, MD · Answer

Hello you need make a small projection of your nose little need to up tip of the nose and make a straight your septum

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

That said, we use columellar strut grafts in nearly everyone. It's a matter of your surgeon's personal preference, and how he was trained. In my opinion, columellar strut grafts are excellent for adding structural support to the nasal tip. They may click occasionally, but this is an easy office fix when it occurs. C-struts do not cause the nasal tip to become immobilized as a septal extension graft may cause. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You don’t need a columellar strut. If your bridge is lowered enough your tip will have enough projection. I haven’t used a columellar strut in years  In mist people they make no sense  I know they are all they rage now but it’s not necessary in most cases.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

There are several other options.  You don't look like you necessarily need a columellar strut to me in any case.  Among the other methods are suture techniques, septal extension grafts, cap grafts, etc.  But, importantly, don't worry about the technique.  Focus on finding a doctor whose results you like then let them do their thing.

Are there alternatives to a columella strut that can support a thick skinned nose tip?

Answers (9)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Yes - you don't necessarily need that

Answer: Yes - you don't necessarily need that

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

Are there alternatives to a columella strut that can support a thick skinned nose tip?

Answers (9)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Yes - you don't necessarily need that

Answer: Yes - you don't necessarily need that

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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