Dorsal Hump Nose: How to Fix a Bumpy Nose

What is a Dorsal Hump?

A dorsal hump is a visible raised area on the nose bridge. It is also referred to as the dorsal nose bump and is formed due to certain irregularities in the underlying nose cartilage or bone. This irregularity can occur due to genetics, where the characteristic could have been passed on from the parent or as a result of an injury inflicted on the nose.

Depending on the size, dorsal humps can be grouped under mild, moderate, or severe. While mild bumps on the nose bridge are barely noticeable, moderate humps are more round. The severe dorsal humps present themselves as angular and more prominent lumps on the bridge of the nose.

Usually harmless, the condition seldom causes any major medical issue; however, it can make some conscious of how it makes them look.

What Causes a Dorsal Hump Nose?

Nasal dorsal humps are caused by genetics, an impact on the nose, an overgrowth of the cartilage or bone in the nose, or other congenital conditions.

Genetics play a predominantly large role in the cause of this condition. So, if either one of the parents has had a hump on the nose, the child is more likely to develop the condition. Sometimes, the hump may not be evident during childhood. However, as you get older, the raised bridge becomes prominent as the face shape changes.

Apart from genetics, impacts such as physical trauma can also cause the upper lateral cartilage to detach or break away from the nasal bone leading to a visibly bumpy nose. One may also have an overgrowth of the nasal bone or cartilage or a similar congenital condition leading to prominent bumps and a raised nasal bridge.

Cosmetic Surgery

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, reduces the shape and size of the nose for health and aesthetic purposes.

How Can I Fix a Bumpy Nose?

If you are concerned about how to get rid of a bump in nose bridge, this hard bump on nose can be fixed temporarily through non-surgical methods. Simple contouring makeup can provide a smooth look to the nose. For better results, non-surgical dermal filters involve hyaluronic acid injections that cover up the small to moderate nose bumps by adding volume.

An alternative to the above methods is permanent surgical procedures like rhinoplasty or septoplasty, which aims to reshape the nose and cartilage. A certified surgeon conducts it as per the nature of the bump. Surgical methods are a more effective, permanent solution to cure dorsal humps.

What is Dorsal Hump Nose Surgery?

A lump on bridge of nose can be resolved surgically through rhinoplasty or septoplasty.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is reshaping the nasal bone or cartilage through trimming or grafting as required. It not only modifies the shape or size of the nose, but it also can work on other profile aspects such as hooks and wide nostrils.

Rhinoplasty for men and women could be either open or closed, depending on the requirement. Open rhinoplasty is performed with the nose skin lifted for complete access, while closed rhinoplasty makes hidden incisions inside the nostrils to provide the surgeon access to the nose through the nostrils. The result of the surgery can depend on an individual's healing ability. Proper aftercare and follow-ups are required to monitor recovery. Rhinoplasty before and after results can vary from person to person depending on their specific structure and the prominence of the original hump.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical modification to the nose that’s achieved by straightening the deviated septum to give a symmetrical nose. Apart from improving cosmetic appearance, the procedure also tackles problems concerning breathing and sleep apnoea. Septoplasty, when combined with rhinoplasty, is a key element to some dorsal hump removal procedures in which there is a deviated septum. This combined procedure is known as a septorhinoplasty.

Recovery can be faster than rhinoplasty, and everyday activities can resume in a week with the proper aftercare.

Both procedures are undertaken under general anaesthesia. When considering how to remove nose bumps, it is vital to consult a qualified plastic surgeon who will evaluate the condition and recommend the best course of action.

What Are the Benefits of Dorsal Hump Nose Surgery?

Among the two most significant advantages of nose bump removal surgery are aesthetics and functionality.

For aesthetics purposes, the benefits include:

Aesthetically, the surgery aims to minimise visible lumps and make a smoother nose line.
It also can enhance the facial shape, align the nose with the rest of the face, and lessen the prominence of bumps.

Functionality purposes:

Surgical techniques can help cure a nasal blockage due to a hump, improving functionality. It eases breathing by maintaining a clear airway.
It can treat sleep apnea by reducing nasal obstructions.

Non-Surgical

Non-Surgical Rhinoplastys

Non-surgical rhinoplasty uses dermal filler to non-surgically augment the shape of the nose.

What Are the Non-Invasive Dorsal Hump Nose Treatments?

Non-invasive dorsal hump nose treatments include non-surgical rhinoplasty (dermal fillers) that are quick and have short recovery times. There are also other methods such as contouring with make up that temporarily minimise the appearance of dorsal humps.

Dermal fillers:

Dermal fillers are suited for small to moderate-sized humps and use hyaluronic acid fillers injected along the bump on the side of the nose bridge to add volume.
It generates a smoother line and reduces the bump.
This solution can last up to 6-12 months.

Makeup:

Contouring makeup can significantly camouflage the bump on the nose bridge.
Using darker tones on the bridge's sides and lighter shades in the centre might make the hump appear softer and less noticeable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dorsal hump impact my breathing?

Yes, a dorsal hump can have an impact on breathing in some cases. Depending upon the nature of the hump, it can either block the airway directly or be a cause for triggering chronic sinusitis. Under such conditions, it is common to experience congestion and sleep apnea. It is therefore necessary to consult an ENT or specialist who can diagnose the underlying problem and explore options best suited to treat the condition.

Why is my nose bridge painful?

A trauma on the nose can lead to a break or deviation in the septum, causing pain, swelling, or inflammation in the nasal bridge. Also, sinus inflammation around the nasal bridge can cause pain and facial pressure. It can be accompanied by congestion and even headaches in severe cases. Nasal polyps can also cause nose bridge pain.

Can a dorsal hump go away naturally?

No, a dorsal hump won’t go away naturally. However, with age and related changes in cartilage structure, their appearance can be minimised to a certain extent. Complete disappearance over time without invasive or non-invasive procedures is mostly rare.

Can a dorsal hump grow back after surgery?

No, dorsal humps do not grow back after rhinoplasty or septoplasty surgery. Both of these surgical procedures are permanent when it comes to altering and reshaping the nose. However, if the surgery was performed during younger years when the shape of the nose is in a developmental stage, the hump can appear later on, though mildly. Surgeries done in adulthood rarely result in the reoccurrence of the hump.

If you think you need a revision rhinoplasty, speak to your surgeon who can guide you on what to do next.

How long is recovery from dorsal hump nose surgery?

The recovery duration of rhinoplasty is 6-12 weeks. It depends on several factors, such as the individual's healing ability, existing health conditions and care. Initial swelling and bruising are common in the first week, but most patients can return to normal activities within a week or two with the proper care.

Thus, follow-up appointments are required to ensure that proper post-surgery care is provided. Patients are often told to avoid strenuous activities and strictly adhere to post-operative care recommendations to promote optimal healing and reduce problems. Furthermore, following regular skincare routines helps minimise inflammation and swelling around the nasal bridge, resulting in a smoother appearance.

What are the risks of dorsal hump nose surgery?

Surgical procedures carry certain risks even though they are usually safe. Infection at the site of the surgery, adverse anaesthetic reaction, heavy bleeding, and some scarring are the most common risks. Breathing problems and septal perforation are a few other possible side effects of rhinoplasty in certain patients.

A comprehensive pre-operative assessment with a trained surgeon who can provide a personalised solution is vital. This will help to drastically reduce any risks and ensure a smooth procedure and speedy recovery. Patients should discuss any concerns they may have with their surgeon before and after surgery to mitigate risks and heal faster.

Why is there a bump on the side of my nose?

If there’s a bump on side of nose bridge, it’s likely due to an excess of cartilage or bone on the nasal bridge. You’ll need to speak with an expert surgeon who can assess the best course of action.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Face & Eyes

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure which fixes concerns caused by a deviated septum.

Surgery For Men

Rhinoplasty for Men

Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure with men who are concerned that their nose does not fit with the proportions of their face.

Injectables

Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers add volume, definition, and structure to the lips, cheeks, jaw, and more.

Injectables

Non-Surgical Rhinoplastys