Columella

Columella refers to the vertical piece of tissue at the base of the nose that separates the two nostrils; it is composed of skin, soft tissue and the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages and contributes to tip support, projection and the overall balance of the nose. Its shape, thickness and angle relative to the upper lip help determine how the nose looks in profile and frontal views, and normal anatomical variation is common.

Clinically, changes to the columella—such as excessive height, retraction, asymmetry or scarring—can affect both appearance and nasal breathing and are often addressed during rhinoplasty or nasal reconstruction. Surgical planning may include techniques to support or reshape the columella (for example grafts or sutures) and patients should be counseled about healing, possible scarring, and the potential need for revision if aesthetic or functional goals are not met.