Stiff, tight columella - does this look normal? (Photo)

Question

Hello. I am hoping you can give me some advice. I had my rhinoplasty 6 months ago (next week). Please see attached photos. My columella is extremely tight and stiff and my tip rock hard. I know the swelling can take around a year or more to resolve. My question is, will the tightness of my columella resolve? I feel that I have a lot of extra space between my lip and nose. My nose doesn’t when smiling/laughing. Als the bump in the circled photo, does this look normal?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You should find out if your had a cartilage graft called a columellar strut place during surgery. That would explain the stiffness. The strut can uften be removed without causing problems

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Gravity brings all of your residual swelling to the bottom of your nose after rhinoplasty surgery, so columella stiffness is common. This may slowly resolve over the next 6 months. Based on your before and after photos, I believe you have a pleasing nasal appearance. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

At six months post-rhinoplasty, stiffness in the columella and tip, as well as swelling, can still be part of the normal healing process, as final results often take 12-18 months to fully settle. The tightness in the columella may gradually resolve as swelling subsides and tissues soften. The space between your lip and nose could also be influenced by temporary tightness or swelling, which should improve over time.
Regarding the bump in the circled photo, minor irregularities or asymmetries can occur during the healing phase. These often smooth out, but if it persists or worsens, it might indicate scar tissue or graft movement, which can be addressed with your surgeon.
It’s best to discuss your concerns with your rhinoplasty surgeon to assess whether what you’re experiencing is within the expected healing timeline or requires further intervention.

Stiff, tight columella - does this look normal? (Photo)

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