Columellar Show
Pronunciation: kol-um-EL-ar
The visible portion of the columella (the strip of tissue separating the nostrils) seen on lateral facial view, used as an aesthetic and surgical planning reference.
Full Definition
Columellar show describes the amount of columellar tissue visible below the nasal tip on lateral profile view, typically measured in millimetres. In aesthetic rhinoplasty and non-surgical nose reshaping, an optimal columellar show of 2–4 mm is generally considered aesthetically favourable, while excess show may indicate a hanging columella or tip ptosis. Editors working on rhinoplasty outcome papers or non-surgical rhinoplasty treatment protocols must ensure the term is used consistently and not conflated with 'alar-columellar relationship,' which is a broader morphological descriptor. The correct form is two words, not hyphenated ('columellar show'), and the adjective 'columellar' relates to the columella, not the 'columella' of other anatomical structures. Editors must verify that lateral photographic standardisation is referenced whenever columellar show measurements are reported.
Usage
Usage note: Write as two unhyphenated words: 'columellar show.' Verify photographic standardisation protocol is referenced when measurements are reported.
In Context
- "Post-rhinoplasty lateral photographs demonstrated a columellar show of 3 mm, within the accepted aesthetic norm." — Surgical outcome assessment report
- "The editor noted that 'alar show' had been used where 'columellar show' was clearly intended, and queried the author for clarification." — Manuscript editorial query