Can my hanging columella be fixed non surgically?

Question

Can my hanging columella be fixed non surgically? I also have raised Ala. not sure if this a relevant but I am south Asian and have noticed this feature on other south Asian women as well

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your concerns. A hanging columella—where the tissue under the tip of the nose extends slightly downward—is a common feature, and variations like raised alae can also be part of your natural nasal anatomy, especially in certain ethnicities, including South Asian features.

Non-surgical options for altering a hanging columella are very limited. Injectable fillers can sometimes adjust the tip or balance certain contours of the nose, but they cannot truly lift or shorten the columella, and results are subtle and temporary.

Surgical techniques, such as a columella reduction or tip refinement, are the most reliable way to address a hanging columella. That said, many people choose to focus on other non-surgical enhancements first, like minor tip reshaping or filler adjustments to improve overall nasal harmony, which can sometimes create the appearance of a more balanced profile without surgery.

Your features are natural and beautiful, and understanding the limitations of non-surgical options is key to setting realistic expectations while exploring what’s possible.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty works well for a retracted columella, and but for a hanging columella. While some surgeons attempt to lower the ala with filler, the blood supply is extremely fragile in this area and I personally do not recommend it given the excessive risk. Surgical rhinoplasty would be a better option to address these concerns as it is effective, safe and permanent.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

That said, lifting of a hanging columella wood necessitate surgical rhinoplasty techniques in our experience. Please consider me asking your question with photographs. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The short answer to your question is Yes, but not necessarily in every case nor completely in some cases where it can help. A photo would have been very helpful in determining whether your particular case would be amenable to this form of treatment. In general, careful placement of a low viscosity, cohesive filler along the bases of the alae of the nose can help to mask the protruding, exposed columella. I have had gratifying results in treating this problem in this nonsurgical way in a number of patients. Treating this area of the nose is not to be left to the hands of inexperienced, novice injectors accustomed to using simple Restylane or plain Juvederm to fill smile lines This is a very advanced technique that should be left to the hands of an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler injector. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

No, you cannot fix the columella non surgically. Surgical columellar reduction is simple and quick and can be done under local anesthesia. 
Regards
Dr. J

Can my hanging columella be fixed non surgically?

Answers (5)

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