Columella correction is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the columella, which is a part of the nose located between the nostrils at its base. Often, this operation is performed in conjunction with other types of rhinoplasty.
You can watch our videos about columella correction YouTube.
Short surgery information
Surgery Time: 20-30 minutes
Type of Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia
Hospitalization: 1-2 hours
Return to Normal Life: The next day
Clinic Visits: 2-3 times
Stitches Removal: 7th day
Why patients consider columella correction?
-
Congenital reasons: Some individuals may have a prominent or drooping columella due to the structure of the nasal septum or the positioning of columella cartilage.
-
Consequences of previous nose surgery: Incorrectly performed rhinoplasty or nasal trauma can sometimes result in a prominent columella. This may be related to excessive cartilage removal or subsequent tissue scarring.
Who is a candidate for the surgery?
An ideal candidate for columella correction typically possesses the following characteristics:
-
Prominent or drooping columella: People with a noticeably protruding or drooping columella that affects the appearance of their nose, especially in a side view.
-
Lack of serious medical contradictions: Ideal candidates should be in good overall health without medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
-
Realistic expectations: It’s important for patients to have realistic expectations regarding the results of the operation and understand that columella correction can improve their appearance but won’t achieve perfection.
Why South Korea?
South Korea annually conducts the most cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally because only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons. Korea’s medical equipment and facilities are on par with those in the USA and Germany, placing it in the top three countries with the best clinic technical infrastructure.
All rhinoplasty surgeries are performed in accredited clinics authorized to work with foreign patients and have in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons performing procedures for our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in rhinoplasty and perform no more than 2 surgeries per day. Fill out the form to calculate your treatment cost, receive a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for the operation.
Book a consultation with our clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can reserve a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us via any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Preparing for rhinoplasty in South Korea
-
Fasting: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
-
Medications: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol should be avoided only within 3 days before the operation.
-
Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. If you are a smoker, the doctor may recommend quitting smoking before the operation. Some doctors may refuse to perform surgery on smoking patients due to the high risk of complications. It is also unsafe to be around smoking relatives and friends or in public places designated for smoking.
-
Medical history: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Mention any medications you have been taking recently. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
-
Consultation with the surgeon: Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of the desired outcome. Most clients from CIS countries desire a thin, straight, and slightly upturned nose (referred to as a “half-moon” shape among doctors). If you want a different shape, be sure to inform the coordinator.
-
Medical tests: If you have had tests less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, all necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.
-
Transportation: Arrange for someone to take you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.
-
Prepare essentials: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.
The procedure for correcting the columella
The surgery to correct the columella is simple and does not require the modification of nasal cartilage or bone structure. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision on the columella, removes excess tissue, and reattaches the two parts.
What to expect after rhinoplasty
After the surgery is completed, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the effects of anesthesia.
In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may feel a chill, which will quickly pass. There is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable.
There is minimal pain on the first day, as it is alleviated by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery.
There are no specific contraindications after the surgery. It is considered a very mild type of rhinoplasty, and if you do not combine it with other forms of nose correction, you will not experience serious swelling, hematomas, or the need for extensive nose care.
All you will need to do is apply healing ointment to the small suture and sleep on your back for the first two weeks after the surgery.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Recovery process
Immediately after the procedure: After your rhinoplasty procedure, a small medical tape will be applied to the incision, but there will be no packing or silicone plates inside the nose. You can leave the clinic within 1-2 hours after the surgery if you’re feeling well.
Days 1-2: Try to sleep with your head elevated and handle your nose gently. You may experience slight swelling during this time.
Days 3-7: Swelling begins to subside. Avoid sports and activities that require bending your head down. On the 6th-7th day, the surgeon will examine you and remove the stitches.
Days 7-14: Swelling continues to reduce, and you can gradually return to your normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery.
Days 14-21: Return to your normal life, and swelling becomes less noticeable to others.
Days 21-30: Your nose may occasionally swell, depending on which side you slept on. The swelling may shift from left to right and vary from day to day; this is normal.
Days 31-60: The incision on the columella almost completely disappears, and you’ll start to forget about the recent surgery. You can gradually begin light physical activities.
1 year after the operation: Full recovery is expected one year after the operation.