Columella lengthening and rhinoplasty are two common nasal plastic surgery methods. Although they can both improve the appearance of the nose, their focus, surgical methods and indications are different. Understanding the difference between the two can help those seeking beauty make more appropriate decisions when choosing surgery. This article will discuss in detail the differences between columella lengthening and rhinoplasty, as well as their respective applicable populations and surgical key points.
1. What is columella lengthening surgery?
Columella lengthening surgery is a surgical method to extend the length of the columella (the part located between the nostrils, connecting the nose tip and the nose bridge) to improve the aesthetic proportions of the nose. Columella lengthening is mainly suitable for patients with short columella, overly rounded nose tips, and overly exposed nostrils. Through surgery, the length of the columella is appropriately increased, which can make the nose tip more obvious and improve the exposed part of the nostrils, making the overall face look more three-dimensional and coordinated.
Surgical method
Columella lengthening surgery is usually performed by:
Cartilage transplantation : Cartilage is extracted from behind the ear or ribs, processed, and transplanted under the columella to extend the length of the columella.
Autologous tissue expansion : Sometimes autologous tissue such as cartilage or dermis is used for local expansion to increase the length of the columella.
Columella extension prosthesis : Use prosthetic materials such as silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene to extend the columella.
Adapt to the crowd
People with short columella : People with short or insufficient columella often have exposed nostrils or unclear nose tips. These problems can be improved by lengthening the columella.
Those with overly round and blunt nose tips : Some people are born with blunt and flat nose tips that lack three-dimensionality. By lengthening the columella, the lines of the nose tip can be improved, making it more refined.
Those with an uncoordinated appearance : For those with an uncoordinated nose, columella lengthening can help improve the facial aesthetic proportions and make the nose and other facial parts more harmonious.
2. What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty usually refers to the comprehensive adjustment of the nose through surgical means to achieve the purpose of improving the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty can include the adjustment of the nose bridge, the shaping of the nose tip, the reduction of the nose wings, etc. Unlike the lengthening of the columella, rhinoplasty focuses more on the comprehensive improvement of the shape of the entire nose, not just the columella.
Surgical method
Rhinoplasty can be performed in several ways:
Rhinoplasty : By implanting silicone, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or autologous cartilage, the height of the nose bridge is raised to make the nose more upright.
Tip reshaping : Removing part of the cartilage or soft tissue to create a more three-dimensional and sharp nose tip.
Nose wing reduction surgery : For people with wide nose wings, surgery can reduce the size of the nose wing and improve the overall proportion of the nose by removing part of the soft tissue of the nose wing.
Rhinoplasty : This is a combination of the above mentioned surgical methods, with comprehensive adjustments to the nose to create a more coordinated and beautiful nose shape.
Adapt to the crowd
People with low nose bridge : For individuals with low or collapsed nose bridge, rhinoplasty surgery can effectively increase the height of the nose bridge and make the nose more upright.
Those with a nose that is too wide or too round : For those whose noses are too wide, too round or lack three-dimensionality, rhinoplasty can be performed through surgery to reshape the nose to make it more refined.
Those with asymmetrical noses : For individuals with asymmetrical noses, irregular nostril shapes, or uneven columella, comprehensive rhinoplasty can effectively improve these problems.
Those who have higher requirements for nose shape : For people who want to make all-round adjustments and improve the overall appearance of the nose, rhinoplasty surgery can customize the surgical plan according to personal needs.
3. The difference between columella lengthening and rhinoplasty
Although both columella lengthening and rhinoplasty involve improving the appearance of the nose, they differ in the following ways:
The difference in the extent of surgery
Columella extension mainly focuses on extending the length of the columella, improving the shape of the nose tip and the exposure of the nostrils. It is more of an adjustment for local problems of the columella.
Rhinoplasty is a more comprehensive adjustment of the nose, involving the shaping of multiple parts such as the bridge of the nose, the tip of the nose, and the wings of the nose. Local or comprehensive adjustments can be made according to needs.
Adapting to the differences in population
Columella extension is mainly suitable for those who have short columella, blunt nose tip or more exposed nostrils. The improvement effect focuses more on improving the proportion of the nose and making the nose more three-dimensional.
Rhinoplasty is suitable for patients who have problems with various aspects of their nose, especially low nose bridge, wide nose tip or large nose wings. It can provide comprehensive improvements and has a wider range of adaptability.
Complexity of surgery
The columella lengthening surgery is relatively simple, usually only requiring transplantation or filling below the columella, with less trauma and faster recovery.
Rhinoplasty usually involves adjustments to multiple parts of the body, may require a longer recovery time, is more traumatic, and has a more complicated surgical plan.
Durability of effect
The results of columella lengthening are generally long-lasting, but if prosthetic materials are used, they may need to be repaired or replaced over time.
If you choose materials such as autologous cartilage or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for rhinoplasty , the results are usually more lasting, but they need to be maintained based on your individual recovery and lifestyle.
IV. Postoperative Care and Recovery
Whether it is columella lengthening or rhinoplasty, postoperative care and recovery are very important. Good postoperative care can help reduce the occurrence of complications and speed up the recovery process.
Keep the nose clean : After the operation, the wound needs to be kept clean to avoid bacterial infection. You can use the antibiotic ointment and disinfectant recommended by the doctor for local cleaning.
Avoid strenuous activities : Avoid strenuous exercise and pressure on the nose after surgery to prevent postoperative morphological changes or complications.
Follow-up visits on time : You need to go to the hospital for follow-up visits regularly after surgery to ensure that the surgical site recovers well and that problems are discovered and dealt with in a timely manner.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Whether choosing columella lengthening surgery or rhinoplasty, patients should choose the appropriate surgical method based on their specific circumstances. Before choosing the surgery, be sure to have a detailed consultation with a professional plastic surgeon to understand the indications, effects and possible risks of the surgery, and develop a personalized surgical plan based on the doctor's advice. Postoperative care is also crucial. Scientific and reasonable care measures can ensure the long-lasting and stable results of the surgery.