Nose tip concern
Retracted Columella Correction in Gangnam, Seoul
a smoother nose–lip angle.
A retracted columella sits too far back, so the base of the nose looks sunken and the nose seems to blend straight into the upper lip. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo adds cartilage support at the base so the nose–lip angle looks smooth and natural.
- 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 retracted columella?
A retracted columella is one that is set back or hidden behind the nostril rims, giving an acute nose–lip angle and little columella show from the side. It may be natural, linked to a short septum, or follow septal surgery.
Correction uses cartilage grafts, such as a columellar plumping graft or caudal septal extension graft, to bring the columella forward and down.
| 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, almost no columella shows
- The base of your nose looks sunken
- The angle between nose and lip looks sharp
- Your upper lip seems to start right under the tip
- The problem appeared after septal or nasal surgery
A retracted columella is often part of a wider problem, such as a short or contracted nose, so the whole nose is assessed.
How a retracted columella is corrected
- STEP 01
Assess
The columella, septum and nose–lip angle are measured.
- STEP 02
Harvest
Septal, ear or rib cartilage is prepared depending on the amount needed.
- STEP 03
Graft
A plumping graft or septal extension brings the columella forward.
- STEP 04
Refine
The tip and nostril rims are balanced with the new base.
Retracted 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.
Retracted Columella in Seoul: your questions answered.
Can filler fix a retracted columella?
Filler can sometimes give a small temporary improvement at the base, but cartilage gives a longer-lasting result.
Is this related to a short nose?
Often. A short or contracted nose can pull the columella back, so both are corrected together.
Which cartilage is used?
Septal cartilage is preferred; ear or rib cartilage is used when septal cartilage is limited.
Will it change my smile?
The upper lip may look slightly different while swelling settles, but the aim is a natural nose–lip transition.
How long is recovery?
Most patients fly home after about a week; the base settles over several months.
Plan your retracted 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
