Hello, I was wondering if what I have is hanging columella only, or if I have that plus alar retraction. I'd like to know whether hanging columella surgery alone can improve the appearance of my nose, so it looks less "bottom heavy" and my nostrils don't show as much as they do now, or if I will have to resort to both procedures to achieve a good result. Regards
March 29, 2017
Answer: Do I have excess columellar show plus alar retraction? From the limited photographs, there is a significant hanging columella present, and moderate alar retraction. Treatment for alar retraction usually involves a composite skin graft composed of both skin and cartilage harvested from the ear and placed on the inside of the nostril to bring the alar rim down. A columella-plasty involves trimming back excess columellar skin and cartilage. A closed rhinoplasty approach can accomplish these goals, but it's very important to choose the right surgeon because this is a very difficult procedure to perform correctly. For many examples of both procedures performed in our practice, please see the link and the video below
Helpful
March 29, 2017
Answer: Do I have excess columellar show plus alar retraction? From the limited photographs, there is a significant hanging columella present, and moderate alar retraction. Treatment for alar retraction usually involves a composite skin graft composed of both skin and cartilage harvested from the ear and placed on the inside of the nostril to bring the alar rim down. A columella-plasty involves trimming back excess columellar skin and cartilage. A closed rhinoplasty approach can accomplish these goals, but it's very important to choose the right surgeon because this is a very difficult procedure to perform correctly. For many examples of both procedures performed in our practice, please see the link and the video below
Helpful
March 29, 2017
Answer: Columellar show, alar retraction or both? You are on the right track. As you know, the columella is the skin and cartilage between the nostrils and it divides the right nostril from the left nostril. The ala is the side wall of the nostril. How much nostril you see on the profile view depends on the position of the ala and the columella. Sometimes the columella hangs down too much and you can see it not only on the profile view but also on the front view. Sometimes you are born with a hanging columella or a retracted ala, or it can be a consequence of prior surgery.In your case, I see alar retraction and mild columellar show. I also think the shape of the cartilages in your nasal tip accentuates the columella. I would consider addressing both. It can be a useful tool to do a simulation for you to discuss how much the ala or the columella is contributing to the current shape of the nose and too realistically see what results you could get.Hope this is helpful.
Helpful
March 29, 2017
Answer: Columellar show, alar retraction or both? You are on the right track. As you know, the columella is the skin and cartilage between the nostrils and it divides the right nostril from the left nostril. The ala is the side wall of the nostril. How much nostril you see on the profile view depends on the position of the ala and the columella. Sometimes the columella hangs down too much and you can see it not only on the profile view but also on the front view. Sometimes you are born with a hanging columella or a retracted ala, or it can be a consequence of prior surgery.In your case, I see alar retraction and mild columellar show. I also think the shape of the cartilages in your nasal tip accentuates the columella. I would consider addressing both. It can be a useful tool to do a simulation for you to discuss how much the ala or the columella is contributing to the current shape of the nose and too realistically see what results you could get.Hope this is helpful.
Helpful
