Columella lengthening surgery is a plastic surgery to improve the aesthetics of the nose. It aims to improve the overall shape of the nose by lengthening the columella (the area between the nostrils and the nose tip). Especially when the columella is too short or too upturned, the length and shape of the columella play an important role in the appearance of the nose and the overall harmony of the face. The surgery improves the contour of the nose tip and enhances the three-dimensional sense of the face by adjusting the length and angle of the columella.
1. Indications for columella lengthening surgery
Columella lengthening surgery is suitable for the following types of patients:
Those with a short columella : A short columella will cause the nose tip to appear too upturned and the nostrils to be larger, affecting the beauty of the nose. By lengthening the columella, the shape of the nose tip can be improved, making it more natural and harmonious.
Those with a nose that is too high : For patients with a nose that is too high and unbalanced, lengthening the columella can help adjust the proportions of the nose and make it more coordinated with other facial features.
People with unbalanced facial proportions : In some cases of unbalanced facial proportions, columella lengthening surgery can improve the overall facial symmetry and harmony by adjusting the nasal shape.
2. Basic principles of columella lengthening surgery
The main purpose of columella lengthening surgery is to extend the length of the columella through surgery to make the shape of the nose tip more natural. The surgery usually uses the following methods:
Cartilage transplantation : A common surgical method is to transplant autologous cartilage or other available cartilage materials. Autologous cartilage (such as ear cartilage or rib cartilage) as a transplant material can ensure good biocompatibility and low rejection reaction.
Columella lengthening method : By making a small incision on the columella, cartilage or other materials are implanted into the base of the columella to achieve a lengthening effect. This method uses delicate operations to make the transition between the columella and the nose tip smoother and more natural.
Skin grafting : In some special cases, doctors may extend the length of the columella through skin grafting. This method is mostly used for patients with irregular columella shapes.
After the operation, the length and shape of the columella will gradually change and eventually achieve the ideal effect. Usually, the postoperative effect needs a recovery period of several months to stabilize. As time goes by, the shape of the nose will become more natural.
3. Surgical procedure of columella lengthening surgery
The columella lengthening surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. The operation time is generally 1-2 hours. The specific operation steps are as follows:
Preoperative planning : Before the operation, the doctor will communicate with the patient in detail to understand his or her needs and expectations, and conduct a detailed analysis of the nose. The doctor will design a suitable surgical plan and determine the length of extension and the choice of materials.
Local anesthesia : To ensure the patient's comfort during the operation, the doctor will perform local anesthesia. After anesthesia, the patient will not feel pain, but may feel a sense of pressure.
Incision design and cartilage grafting : The doctor usually makes a small incision through the inside of the nostril to avoid leaving obvious scars on the outside. After the incision, the doctor will extend the columella by grafting cartilage or other suitable materials.
Suturing and fixation : After the transplant material is implanted, the doctor will perform delicate suturing and fixation to ensure the stability of the nose shape. Absorbable sutures are usually used to avoid the trouble of removing stitches after surgery.
Postoperative care : After the operation, the patient needs to follow the doctor's postoperative care recommendations and avoid excessive squeezing or collision of the nose. Usually there will be slight swelling and bruising after the operation, which will gradually subside after a few days.
4. Effect and recovery of columella lengthening surgery
The effect of columella lengthening surgery usually gradually appears within a few months after surgery. The recovery process after surgery varies from person to person, and it usually takes 3-6 months to see the final effect. The recovery period after surgery is mainly manifested as:
Swelling and congestion : Slight swelling and congestion will occur in the nose after the operation. This is normal and the swelling will generally subside within 1-2 weeks after the operation.
Changes in nose shape : As recovery progresses, the shape of the columella gradually stabilizes, and the angle and shape of the nose tip become more natural. In the first few months, the transplanted cartilage or other materials will gradually fuse with the surrounding tissues, and the effect will gradually mature.
Fixation period : After surgery, it is usually necessary to wear a fixed nose pad or nose clip to help stabilize the nose shape and prevent unnecessary displacement.
During recovery, patients should avoid strenuous exercise or pressure on their nose, and should be careful to keep the surgical site clean to prevent infection.
5. Risks and complications of columella lengthening surgery
Although columella lengthening surgery is a relatively safe cosmetic procedure, it still has risks and complications. Common complications include:
Infection : Improper operation during surgery may cause local infection, resulting in symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain or suppuration. Postoperative care should be strictly followed according to the doctor's advice to keep the wound clean.
Cartilage Migration : In some individuals, the transplanted cartilage may shift, resulting in an unnatural nasal shape that requires further correction.
Scar hyperplasia : Although the surgical incision is usually located inside the nostril to avoid external scarring, some patients may still experience scar hyperplasia, which affects the appearance.
Excessive extension : If the nose is excessively extended during surgery, it may cause the nose to be inharmonious in shape or mismatched with other facial features, affecting the appearance. Therefore, preoperative design and the doctor's aesthetic judgment are crucial.
6. How to choose the right doctor for surgery
Rhinoplasty is a delicate surgery that requires a high level of technical skills. When choosing a surgeon, patients should pay special attention to the following points:
Doctor’s qualifications and experience : Choose a professionally certified and experienced plastic surgeon to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.
Preoperative consultation and design : The doctor should conduct detailed preoperative design based on the patient's specific facial features and needs to ensure the rationality of the surgical plan.
Postoperative follow-up and care : Postoperative care and follow-up examinations are crucial to the effectiveness of the surgery. Patients should choose a medical institution that provides complete postoperative follow-up services.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Columella lengthening surgery is an effective procedure to improve the shape of the nose. It is especially suitable for patients with short columella or high nose tip. The surgery can effectively improve the proportion of the nose, making it more natural and coordinated. When choosing surgery, patients should understand the indications, process, risks and recovery period of the surgery, choose experienced doctors to perform the operation, and actively cooperate with postoperative care to ensure ideal surgical results.