What is the difference between an alar retraction and hanging columella ?

Hanging columella is the central portion of the nose that attaches the tip to the upper lip in the midline. If it is hanging or long or curved then columellar reconstruction can help.

Alarplasty:
Alarplasty is a very fine and quick procedure that can narrow the nostrils and reduce the flare to soften the appearance. It has other names as well like ‘Weir Excisions’ or ‘Nostril Reduction’. However, it is important to note that asymmetry of nostrils is common and cannot be corrected with alarplasty. Visit the alarplasty website to learn all about it.
Click on the video link below to see the details.
Regards
Dr. J

An alar retraction can be found naturally, but it is often seen in patients who have had rhinoplasty that had too much cartilage removed from the sidewalls of the nose. This is corrected by better supporting the sidewall of the nose. A hanging columella comes from an overabundance of the caudal septum for the most part. This can be trimmed during rhinoplasty to correct it.

Both of these conditions may lead to excessive nostril show. In general, nostril retraction or lifting, may occur to a nostril if too much cartilage is removed during rhinoplasty. A low hanging columella may be more likely to be congenital or associated with a long nasal septum. Thank you! Dr Joseph

That's a great question because they are different but can look similar and occur together. Alar retraction is the edge of the nostril raised up to high. It is often from prior rhinoplasty. A hanging columella is where the part between the nostrils, the columella hangs down too much. Both can create too much nostril show from the side. The hanging columella is easier to treat.

What is the difference between an alar retraction and a hanging columella? The ala is the nostril. An alar retraction usually refers to a high notch in the Alar rim. The columella is the structure between the two nostrils consisting of skin and underlying Cartlidge . when this structure hangs too low it is called a hanging Columella. Both an alar retraction and a hanging columella can cause too much of the side of the columella to be visible in the profile. A patient may have one or both of these issues