Columella lengthening surgery is a plastic surgery that improves the appearance of the nose by changing the nose structure. The columella is the part located below the nose tip that connects the upper lip and the nose tip, and determines the height and shape of the nose. For some patients with short or low nose structures, columella lengthening surgery can effectively improve the nose shape, making the nose tip more three-dimensional and the overall facial proportions more coordinated. However, like all surgical operations, columella lengthening surgery also has the risk of side effects and may cause sequelae. This article will discuss the possible sequelae of columella lengthening surgery and their prevention measures.
1. Principles and indications of columella lengthening surgery
The basic principle of columella lengthening surgery is to lengthen the columella through surgery to make the proportion between it and the nose tip more coordinated, thereby improving the shape of the nose. The surgery usually uses autologous cartilage or other materials to lengthen the columella, which can make the nose tip more upright and three-dimensional after recovery.
Key points: The core of columella lengthening surgery is to lengthen the columella, improve the height and shape of the nose tip, and enhance the overall harmonious beauty of the face.
The main indications include problems such as a short columella, a drooping nose tip, and unbalanced nose proportions. These problems often affect the overall beauty of the face. Patients usually hope to improve the shape of the nose through surgery to make it look more refined and three-dimensional. Columella lengthening surgery can not only enhance the appearance of the nose, but also improve the three-dimensional proportions of the face, bringing a more natural and harmonious effect.
Second, the sequelae of columella lengthening surgery
Although columella lengthening surgery can bring good aesthetic results, due to the complexity of the surgery, there are risks and sequelae. The following are some possible sequelae:
Risk of infection
Any surgical operation may cause infection, and columella lengthening surgery is no exception. During the operation, some trauma may be caused to the skin and soft tissues of the nose. If the postoperative care is not proper, it is easy to cause bacterial infection. Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, secretions, etc. In severe cases, it may affect the postoperative effect and even require a second surgery.
Key point: Postoperative infection may prolong the recovery period and even affect the effect of the operation, so postoperative care is crucial.
Scarring
The columella lengthening surgery involves incisions and soft tissue manipulation of the nose, so scars may be formed after the surgery. Although the scars of most patients are relatively hidden and difficult to detect, for patients with sensitive skin or special physical conditions, more obvious scars may be formed, which not only affects the appearance, but may also cause scar contracture, thereby affecting the shape of the nose.
Key points: Scar formation is a common problem in columella lengthening surgery. Special attention should be paid to incision care after surgery to reduce the risk of scar formation.
Asymmetric nose
During the operation, the doctor needs to accurately adjust the position and shape of the columella. If the operation is not performed properly, it may cause the columella to be elongated and asymmetrical, resulting in an imbalance in the shape of the nose. Even if the operation is successful, if tissue adhesion or cartilage displacement occurs during the recovery process, it may also cause nasal asymmetry.
Key points: Nasal asymmetry is a potential risk of columella lengthening surgery. Careful operation is required during the operation and regular follow-up visits are required after the operation to ensure the symmetry of the nose.
Over- or under-extension
The key to columella lengthening surgery is that the degree and length of lengthening need to be precisely controlled. If it is extended too much, the nose tip may be too straight or too long, giving an unnatural feeling. On the contrary, if it is not extended enough, the ideal effect may not be achieved. The patient still feels that the nose tip is low or the columella is short, affecting the overall effect after the operation.
Key points: The degree and length of extension need to be precisely designed according to the individual differences of the patient, and the postoperative effect needs to be adjusted according to the patient's facial characteristics.
Rejection reaction (except autologous cartilage)
If non-autologous materials, such as artificial fillers or allogeneic materials, are used to lengthen the columella, rejection reactions may occur. Rejection reactions can cause local redness, swelling, pain or other discomfort. In severe cases, the filler may need to be removed and a secondary operation may be required. Autologous cartilage is relatively safer and rejection reactions are less common, but doctors still need to carefully evaluate the choice of materials.
Key points: When using allogeneic or artificial materials, rejection is a potential risk, and it is recommended to give priority to autologous cartilage for lengthening.
Breathing problems
Since columella lengthening surgery may involve changes in the nasal structure, some patients may experience mild breathing difficulties or nasal congestion after surgery. This is usually caused by interference with the nasal tissue during the operation or postoperative swelling. With postoperative recovery, nasal patency will usually gradually recover, but strenuous exercise should be avoided during the recovery period to prevent excessive stimulation of the nose.
Key Points: Breathing problems are one of the common postoperative reactions of columella lengthening surgery. After surgery, you need to avoid strenuous exercise to reduce swelling.
III. Measures to reduce sequelae
Choose an experienced doctor
The effect of columella lengthening surgery is closely related to the technical level of the surgeon. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative complications and sequelae. The doctor needs to accurately design the surgical plan based on the patient's facial features and needs to avoid excessive or insufficient lengthening and ensure a natural and harmonious postoperative effect.
Key Points: Choosing a professional and experienced plastic surgeon can minimize the risks and complications after surgery.
Postoperative care and follow-up
Postoperative care is crucial. Good postoperative care can effectively reduce infection, scar formation and other postoperative complications. Patients should follow the doctor's advice, avoid touching the surgical site, keep the wound clean, and avoid rubbing the nose vigorously. At the same time, regular follow-up visits can help doctors detect abnormal conditions after surgery in time and take appropriate measures.
Key point: Proper postoperative care can effectively reduce complications such as infection and scarring, and ensure the effectiveness of the surgery.
Reasonable expectations of surgical results
Before surgery, patients should fully communicate with their doctors to understand the risks of the surgery, the recovery process, and possible effects. Reasonable expectations can help patients better face the postoperative recovery process and avoid having too high or too low expectations for the results.
Key Points: Adequate communication and reasonable expectations before surgery can help patients better adapt to the postoperative recovery process.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Columella lengthening surgery is an effective procedure to improve the appearance of the nose, but it also has certain risks and sequelae, including infection, scarring, asymmetry, breathing problems, etc. In order to reduce the occurrence of these sequelae, patients should choose experienced doctors to perform the surgery, actively carry out postoperative care and follow up on time. Through reasonable expectations and scientific postoperative care, postoperative adverse reactions can be minimized to the greatest extent and ideal aesthetic effects can be obtained.