Dorsal Hump Nose: How to Fix a Bumpy Nose

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.