How a nasal hump is corrected
A nasal hump is a bump in the middle of the bridge. The correction methods, recovery, and why the tip is assessed together with the hump.
A nasal hump is a bump in the middle of the bridge that shows in profile. Both bone and cartilage usually contribute, so correction takes both into account.
What is a nasal hump?
Part of the bone and cartilage of the bridge rises and appears as a ridge in profile. How it looks depends on the size and position of the bump, the length of the nose and the height of the tip.
Causes and anatomy
A hump is often inherited or develops during growth, and sometimes follows an injury or previous nose surgery. The approach may differ depending on whether bone or cartilage is the main part of the bump.
Surgical method
The prominent bone and cartilage are refined to smooth the line of the bridge. Reducing the bump can make the nose look lower, so the balance between bridge and tip may be adjusted at the same time. Whether to adjust the tip as well is decided by harmony with the whole face.
Recovery
Swelling and bruising may follow, and a splint may be worn if the bone was reshaped. When the splint and stitches come off and when you return to daily life vary. Typically the splint and stitches come off at around 5–7 days, and washing and light daily activity are possible after about 2–7 days.
Precautions
Protect the nose from knocks during recovery, and resume glasses, washing, saunas and so on as advised. Smoking, alcohol and some medications can affect healing.
How it differs from related procedures
Hump correction focuses on the bridge, tip plasty on the tip's shape. The tip is sometimes refined at the same time to keep the whole profile line consistent, so both areas are assessed at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it enough to just shave the hump down? Reducing only the bump can leave the bridge line or its balance with the tip looking off. A natural line comes from considering the whole profile.
Is there more swelling when bone is reshaped? Swelling and bruising can be greater when bone is involved, and the course varies. Major swelling usually subsides over 1–2 weeks.