Aims: Thorough knowledge of an Indian nose is vital for performing aesthetic Rhinoplasty. Hence the present study was taken up with the aim to determine dimensions of nasal columella and columellar index of Tamil ethnic group; and also to statistically analyse gender wise difference in findings

Settings and Design: The present cross­sectional study, approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, was done on Tamil speaking medical students of Velammal Medical College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Methods & Material: Of total 142 medical student population, 106 Tamil speaking medical students participated. Consenting Tamil speaking students were included. Individuals with noticeable facial disfigurement and with history of previous facial surgery were excluded.

Statistical Analysis used: Unpaired t test

Results: The present study reports mean values for nasal columella width, length and index as 6.63mm, 13.8mm, and 48.6 for males; 5.61mm, 13.53mm and 41.9 for females; and 6.84mm, 13.65mm and 45 for the whole group.

Conclusion: The present study infers that nasal columella width greater than 5.9 mm belongs to male, and lesser than 5.9 mm belongs to a female; and nasal columella index is greater than 48 in males, and lesser than 45 in females. Nasal columella length findings were inconclusive.

Keywords: Otolaryngology; Columellar Length; Columellar Width; Columellar Index; Aesthetic Rhinoplasty.