I have what appears to be a deformity in my columella. I am a 31 year old male and have had this condition since birth. In addition to having a very defined "ridge" between the two sides of the columella, it also appears that the right side hangs, while the left side does not hang. Furthermore, the ridge between the two sides of the columella, it not straight - it sort runs diagonal between my nostrils. Is a correctable condition and what the process would involve? Thank you!
Answer: Yes it can be improved. But your surgeon has to proceed with caution... See the "Web reference" link, just below my response. I made some images out of the photos you submitted, to show and explain some important considerations in fixing your tip asymmetry.The main point is that, despite the wild asymmetry at the base of your nose, many features of your tip are very symmetric, and your surgeon must be careful not to harm those symmetries. Those asymmetric cartilages that separate your right from left nostril are the same cartilages that form the size and shape of the tip of your nose. Working on one will affect the other. For example, if the surgeon simply sews the two cartilages at the bottom of your nose to each other, to eliminate the dent, it will probably torque the cartilages and ruin the shape and symmetry of the tip of your nose as seen when someone is looking at you face to face. That dent should be addressed mostly by filling the dent in, probably with crushed cartilage stolen from your septum, and then, as I show in the Web reference link, by trimming the bottom of the left cartilage so that the very bottom of the nose looks more symmetric from the frontal view, and so that the profile view looks shorter and more even.You should understand that these changes require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle. Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Yes it can be improved. But your surgeon has to proceed with caution... See the "Web reference" link, just below my response. I made some images out of the photos you submitted, to show and explain some important considerations in fixing your tip asymmetry.The main point is that, despite the wild asymmetry at the base of your nose, many features of your tip are very symmetric, and your surgeon must be careful not to harm those symmetries. Those asymmetric cartilages that separate your right from left nostril are the same cartilages that form the size and shape of the tip of your nose. Working on one will affect the other. For example, if the surgeon simply sews the two cartilages at the bottom of your nose to each other, to eliminate the dent, it will probably torque the cartilages and ruin the shape and symmetry of the tip of your nose as seen when someone is looking at you face to face. That dent should be addressed mostly by filling the dent in, probably with crushed cartilage stolen from your septum, and then, as I show in the Web reference link, by trimming the bottom of the left cartilage so that the very bottom of the nose looks more symmetric from the frontal view, and so that the profile view looks shorter and more even.You should understand that these changes require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle. Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 24, 2016
Answer: Can my columella deformity be corrected? The cartilage of the nose exists to some degree as standard-- however there are some human beings who have nasal cartilage structure outside of the norm/ average. I see clearly your concerns. This can be addressed surgically. Certain other fine points of your nose may need addressing in order for the final result to be harmonious. It is a challenge for sure- so be sure you have the right Surgeon with years of experience.
Helpful
February 24, 2016
Answer: Can my columella deformity be corrected? The cartilage of the nose exists to some degree as standard-- however there are some human beings who have nasal cartilage structure outside of the norm/ average. I see clearly your concerns. This can be addressed surgically. Certain other fine points of your nose may need addressing in order for the final result to be harmonious. It is a challenge for sure- so be sure you have the right Surgeon with years of experience.
Helpful
February 23, 2016
Answer: Rhinoplasty candidate, some advices: Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.The harmony between facial parts makes us instinctively recognize the beauty... without knowing it, without defining it, just a perception that surprises and captivates us.In this regard, I suggest perform a Closed Rhinoplasty (without visible scars) to treat the tip, base and nasal bridge.With this procedure you get a delicate nose, better harmonize with your other facial features.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-
Helpful
February 23, 2016
Answer: Rhinoplasty candidate, some advices: Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.The harmony between facial parts makes us instinctively recognize the beauty... without knowing it, without defining it, just a perception that surprises and captivates us.In this regard, I suggest perform a Closed Rhinoplasty (without visible scars) to treat the tip, base and nasal bridge.With this procedure you get a delicate nose, better harmonize with your other facial features.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-
Helpful
February 23, 2016
Answer: Columellar strut graft Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, it is possible to perform a columellar strut graft. This will correct your asymmetry and the two ridges you see. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
Helpful
February 23, 2016
Answer: Columellar strut graft Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, it is possible to perform a columellar strut graft. This will correct your asymmetry and the two ridges you see. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
Helpful
February 24, 2016
Answer: Rhinoplasty to fix the columella A rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish fixing the cleavage and bifidity which exists between the left and the right lower lateral cartilages of the nasal tip. Suture techniques between the 2 cartilages and a cartilage graft can accomplish straightening and reducing the cleavage.
Helpful
February 24, 2016
Answer: Rhinoplasty to fix the columella A rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish fixing the cleavage and bifidity which exists between the left and the right lower lateral cartilages of the nasal tip. Suture techniques between the 2 cartilages and a cartilage graft can accomplish straightening and reducing the cleavage.
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