Crooked Columella: What Are Your Treatment Options?
 

I have had a crooked columella for years, but within the last few years the symmetry is very noticable out of wack. My question is does a crooked columella mean that the septum is deviated? And what are my options for treatment: Rhinoplasty? Septoplasty? Is non-surgical rhinoplasty an option? All advice/suggestions are welcomed. Thank you.

It's hard to tell the specific issue with just pictures (ie a CT scan would be much more telling), but a deviated septum could be the cause. I'm not too sure about non-surgical rhinoplasty...but I personally wouldn't go that route for a perm. solution. If it's a septal issue, insurance will likely help out, and the surgery isn't that bad (I had septo/rhino/turbinate reduction four mths ago). I'd go to an ENT and have them check before going to a plastic surgeon...

Thanks for the info Kristen! I am scheduled to see an ENT this week. Also, was your septo/rhino/turbinate reduction the result of a deviated septum? And how much did your insurnace cover the procedure?

Glad you are going to an ENT. Plastic surgeons definitely get you the look you want, but sometimes can compromise nose function to get that look. The ENT will give you a look that you want plus be sure that your nose is functioning properly!

I broke my nose 3 times over the course of several years, but never had it fixed. All throughout college and for 3 years now post-grad, I have had terrible sinus issues. Literally every day I had pain/headaches. My CT showed a deviated septum (septal spur)/enlarged turbinates blocking almost all of my left side. The rhino was cosmetic, however. Insurance covered most of the septoplasty and turbinate reduction (probably about $600 out of pocket once the co-insurance was done) and the rhino was $1200 doctor fee, $500 anesthesia fee, and $600 hospital fee. I didn't have to pay the room reserve fee, drug fee, nor some of the doctor fees since I was having the septo/turbinate reduction. Hope this helps and definitely report back with what your doctor says! I see my ENT on Thursday for my 4 mth post-op checkup!

Kristen, your info is so helpful - thanks again! So my ENT appointment was quick and easy, she ordered a CT which I had done, so I go back on Monday so she can review it with me and we can go from there. I'll keep you posted!!

So how has your recovery been? Mild, moderate, extreme pain? Also, I'd love to see some before and after pics if you have any. Take care.

You're welcome! I'm going to guess you have a deviated septum, but you will know tomorrow! My recovery has been pretty easy. The first 2 days I had nose bleeds which were kind of gross, but the worst part was the constant feeling of congestion because I was stupid and forgot to ask if I could take decongestants! I could have, which would have made it much easier! My nose is still a bit sore, especially if I bump it. The tip of my nose is still swollen, but not nearly as bad as it was. Here is a before and after, 7 days post-op:

Before:

Attachment 321

After:

Attachment 322

Wow, your procedure turned out great. It looks really good! Yes, the ENT confirmed today that the septum is deviated. Now I'm trying to figure out my next step because she said the crooked columella is caused by cartilage and is a separate issue. So I want to talk with a plastic surgeon and see if they would be able correct both issues.

Not sure why my response didn't post the other day - but, wow your surgery turned out great, the results are amazing! I don’t even notice any swelling at all, I'm sure you must be please with the results?
So, turns out that yes I do have a deviated septum, but the ENT told me that the columella is a separate issue as it has something to do with the cartilage. So, I have scheduled an appt. with a plastic surgeon for what I assume will be a septorhinoplasty procedure. I see him next week. Hopefully as goes well, I let you know.

Thank you! Yes, I'm happy with the results!

My surgeon was actually an ENT/plastic surgeon. Did you check with your ENT to see if they could do the septo/rhino for you? It will save you money to go to an ENT and many of them know the nose better than a "normal" plastic surgeon. Can't wait to hear your updates!

Hi Kristen,

May I ask you the name of your surgeon please?