Hanging Columella Rhinoplasty
Conveniently located to serve West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Wellington, & Boca Raton.
Hanging columella rhinoplasty is a specialized facial plastic surgery procedure that addresses a drooping or elongated columella, which is the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. This condition can lead to excessive nostril show and an unbalanced nasal appearance. Dr. Patrick Cleveland offers this procedure at his West Palm Beach practice, helping patients achieve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing nasal profile.
The appearance of a hanging columella can be congenital or result from a previous nose job. Dr. Cleveland’s expertise in rhinoplasty ensures that he can address various underlying causes while minimizing risks and complications. His personalized approach ensures optimal results for each patient, focusing on their individual needs and goals.
Causes of a Hanging Columella
The columella may hang due to several reasons. Congenital factors like an elongated caudal septum or overdeveloped medial crura can make the columella prominent. It can also be acquired from the trauma of an unsuccessful previous rhinoplasty, as this can weaken support structures and create this condition.
Understanding the underlying cause of a hanging columella is crucial for devising a suitable surgical plan. Dr. Cleveland thoroughly assesses each patient’s nasal anatomy and medical history to determine the best course of action, ensuring a successful outcome and a balanced nasal appearance.
What Causes Excessive Nostril Show
Excessive nostril show can result from a hanging columella or alar retraction, which is the inward or upward pulling of the nostril rims. These conditions can negatively impact a person’s facial harmony and confidence. Addressing excessive nostril show involves determining the underlying cause and employing the appropriate surgical techniques to correct it.
Anatomy and Aesthetics of the Columella
The columella is a crucial component of nasal anatomy and aesthetics. Its shape, size, and position can significantly impact the overall appearance of the nose, specifically its relationship to the nostril rim on profile view. A well-proportioned columella usually leaves 2-4 mm visible below the alar margin from the profile.
A hanging columella disrupts this balance, leading to an unattractive nasal appearance. Dr. Cleveland’s expertise in facial plastic surgery ensures that he can address these aesthetic concerns while preserving or enhancing the patient’s natural features.
Alar-Columellar Discrepancy
Alar-columellar discrepancy refers to the imbalance between the position of the alar rim (nostril edge) and the columella, often resulting in excessive columellar show or nostril exposure. This condition can be caused by a hanging columella, alar retraction, or both. Understanding which to fix is crucial in obtaining a beautiful, natural looking result and restoring facial harmony. When Alar retraction is present a graft must be used to strengthen the nasal sidewall and push the nostril margin back down. Dr. Cleveland employs various surgical techniques to correct this discrepancy, tailoring his approach to each patient’s unique needs and anatomy.
Addressing Tip Ptosis
Tip ptosis is the downward drooping of the nasal tip, often resulting from weakened cartilage support structures or an overly long septum. This causes the nasal tip cartilages to droop, frequently leading to a hanging columella. Dr. Cleveland’s expertise in rhinoplasty ensures that he can address tip ptosis using advanced cartilage grafting techniques and septal modifications such as a caudal extension graft, columellar strut, or tongue in groove sutures. Choosing the correct technique for each nose provides patients with an aesthetically pleasing and functional nose.
Surgical Techniques for Correction
Dr. Cleveland employs various surgical techniques to correct a hanging columella, such as septal shortening, articulated rim grafts, medial crura overlay, electro-sculpting, or grafting for improved tip support. The chosen techniques depend on the underlying cause, patient’s nasal anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Frequently rhinoplasty with a closed approach can cause deformities of the nasal base leading to bowing or twisting of this bridge of tissue. In these cases revision rhinoplasty with the open approach is needed to provide the necessary visualization of the problem allowing Dr. Cleveland to correct it.
By carefully selecting the appropriate surgical technique, Dr. Cleveland ensures optimal results while minimizing risks and complications. His extensive experience in facial plastic surgery guarantees that patients receive the highest level of care and expertise during their hanging columella rhinoplasty.
What to Expect After Your Hanging Columella Rhinoplasty
Following the surgery, each patient will have a nasal splint over the bridge in place to support and protect their nose during the initial healing phase. Some swelling and bruising is normal, but this will subside within the first week or two. Dr. Cleveland will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Dr. Cleveland practices Rapid Recovery Rhinoplasty as he knows fitting the operation into your busy schedule and avoiding the stigma of having surgery is important to many patients. This helps the vast majority of patients recover quicker and get back to their normal life after 1-2 weeks.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Hanging Columella Rhinoplasty recovery time varies depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. Most patients can return to work and light activities by 1 week. However, it is essential to avoid strenuous activities for 2 weeks and contact sports and ball sports for at least 6 weeks to ensure proper healing. Though it is true (as you have probably read online) the final results may take up to a year to become fully realized, for most patients the results at 1 week are still an amazing improvement and after a few weeks as the remaining swelling dissipates your nose continues to look better and better.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from other patients who have undergone Rhinoplasty with Dr. Patrick Cleveland. Their stories can provide valuable insight into the process and outcomes of the procedure.
Is Hanging Columella Rhinoplasty Painful?
Dr. Cleveland performs a nasal block so when you wake up from surgery you are not in any pain. As this wears off the discomfort during the recovery process is generally mild to moderate and can be managed with Tylenol or prescribed pain medication. Dr. Cleveland also pre-medicates his patients with anti-inflammatory medication to stay ahead of any pain and minimize swelling. Most of the discomfort patients experience is from congestion rather than from pain. Dr. Cleveland and his team will provide guidance on managing any discomfort during the healing process.
Does My Nose Need to Be Packed?
Dr. Cleveland does not use nasal packing for his patients ever. This is an uncomfortable practice and instead he uses absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed from your nose. In a small number of cases he may use thin internal splints, which are more comfortable and can be easily removed during the post-operative visit.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Functional Rhinoplasty
Selecting a double board-certified surgeon who is fellowship trained in facial plastic surgery with extensive experience in rhinoplasty is crucial for achieving optimal results. Dr. Cleveland’s expertise, personalized approach, and dedication to patient satisfaction make him a top choice for those seeking hanging columella rhinoplasty in Palm Beach County.
Financing Options for Rhinoplasty
At Patrick Cleveland Facial Plastic Surgery, we understand that cost can be a concern for patients considering rhinoplasty. We offer various financing options to help make this life-changing procedure more accessible. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in finding a suitable financing plan that meets your needs and budget.
Schedule Your Hanging Columella Rhinoplasty Today
Dr. Cleveland is one of the top rated rhinoplasty surgeons in South Florida, and one of the only that was fellowship trained by the leaders of the field in Manhattan. He has been internationally recognized for his expertise and invited to speak to surgeons from around the world. If you believe that Hanging Columella Rhinoplasty may be the right choice for you, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patrick Cleveland in Palm Beach county. A consultation with him will provide valuable insight into your options and a deeper understanding of all facets of your nose and the rhinoplasty experience. He will carefully assess your needs and goals, providing expert guidance and personalized care to ensure the best possible outcome and once you decide you are ready for surgery, he will be there to give you the nose you always hoped for.