Nose tip concern
Hanging Columella Correction in Gangnam, Seoul
a cleaner nostril line.
A hanging columella is when the strip of skin and cartilage between the nostrils hangs too low, showing a lot of it from the side. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo adjusts the cartilage and septum beneath it so the nostril line looks smooth and balanced.
- 01 1:1 consultation with the operating surgeon
- 02 3D CT scan & virtual simulation before surgery
- 03 Structure-first design with your own cartilage
- 04 English-friendly support via WhatsApp
What is a hanging columella?
A hanging columella is a columella that sits too low compared with the nostril rims, so more than about 2–4 mm of it shows from the side. It is caused by long or curved tip cartilages, a long caudal septum, or grafts placed too low in a previous surgery.
Correction trims or repositions the lower septum and tip cartilages, and occasionally adjusts the nostril rims, to restore a balanced side view.
| Surgery time | About 1.5–2.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Approach | Open or closed, depending on the tip |
| Splint & stitches | Removed after about 7 days |
| Stay in Seoul | About 7–10 days |
| Final result | 6–12 months (the tip settles last) |
Signs you may relate to
- From the side, a lot of the area between your nostrils shows
- Your nostril line looks like a gull wing
- The columella seems to hang below the nostrils
- The base of your nose looks heavy from the side
- A previous surgery left the columella too low
A hanging columella and a retracted nostril rim can look similar. Dr. Yoo checks which one is the real cause before planning.
How a hanging columella is corrected
- STEP 01
Diagnose
Columella and nostril rim positions are measured from the side.
- STEP 02
Adjust the septum
A long caudal septum is trimmed conservatively.
- STEP 03
Reshape cartilage
Curved tip cartilages are trimmed or repositioned.
- STEP 04
Balance
Rims and columella are aligned for a smooth side view.
Hanging columella recovery
Typical timeline only. Healing varies with the procedure, skin thickness and materials used.
- Day 1–3 Swelling and some bruising; the tip feels firm and numb.
- Day 7 Splint and stitches removed; most patients are cleared to fly after this check.
- Week 2–4 Visible swelling fades and daily routines resume.
- Month 1–3 The tip still feels firm; avoid pressure, heavy glasses and impact.
- Month 6–12 Tip definition fully settles, especially with thicker skin.
Hanging Columella in Seoul: your questions answered.
What is a normal amount of columella show?
From the side, around 2–4 mm of columella visible below the nostril rims is usually considered balanced.
Is this the same as alar retraction?
No. In alar retraction the nostril rim is too high; with a hanging columella the columella is too low. Sometimes both are present.
Will there be a visible scar?
Most work is done inside the nose. If an open approach is used, the small scar under the columella usually fades well.
Can it be combined with tip surgery?
Yes, it is often corrected as part of tip plasty.
How long until the final result?
The lower nose settles over several months, with final refinement up to a year.
Plan your hanging columella consultation in Gangnam, Seoul.
Address
8F, 18 Gangnam-daero 94-gil
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Getting here
Near Gangnam Station
Line 2 · Shinbundang Line
Hours (KST)
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00
Sat 10:00–16:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays
Contact
