A dorsal hump is a bump made of cartilage or bone that resides on the bridge of the nose. Although it’s often difficult for someone standing in front of you to see, the bump is typically quite visible when looking at your profile. Dorsal hump noses vary in size and prominence, but they’re common and benign. You may not like your bump, but it won’t cause any breathing problems or other medical issues.
The most common reason people develop a dorsal hump nose is genetics. The trait is particularly common in people of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean descent, although some parts of Europe and Asia also yield this trait. In some cultures, dorsal humps are considered desirable, especially in men.
Injury can also create a dorsal hump. If you break your nose and it heals poorly or improperly, you could become the new owner of a dorsal hump. In other cases, the bump on your nose may appear as you age. Aging doesn’t cause a dorsal hump, but as your skin loses elasticity and gravity pulls on it, the bump may start to look more pronounced. Weakening cartilage at the tip of your nose can cause it to droop, as well, which may create the appearance of a dorsal hump.
Found at the top or middle of the nose, a dorsal hump is an outward bump or bulge that sits on the bridge of the nose. It’s more prominent and much easier to see when looking at your profile. Dorsal humps alter the flow from the top of the nose to the tip, disrupting what is a smooth transition in other people. A dorsal hump can make your nose appear:
As much as you may want your dorsal hump to go away, it just won’t do so on its own. These bumps are made of bone and cartilage, making them a structural component of your nose. Only surgical treatment can remove the hump, but you can camouflage it and reduce its appearance without surgical intervention.
A dorsal hump won’t go away by itself, but you can get rid of it with the help of a skilled plastic surgeon. If you prefer not to have surgery, you can still temporarily disguise your dorsal hump. Let’s take a look at the options.
Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, provides permanent removal of your dorsal hump. It is the only permanent solution.
During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will shave down the bone causing your nose bump, smoothing and recontouring the area. Once removed, bone and cartilage won’t grow back. At Mia Aesthetics, we take a personalized approach with every patient. This means that we offer a customizable surgery, wherein we can remove your dorsal hump and make additional tweaks to your nose if you wish.
If you aren’t ready to commit to surgery or just prefer to avoid it altogether, we can still help. Injecting dermal fillers near the dorsal hump plumps the area around it, creating a smoother and more evenly contoured appearance. The bump will reappear in 12 to 18 months as your body metabolizes the filler, so you will need ongoing treatment to keep your dorsal hump hidden. This trick doesn’t tend to work for very large bumps, but it can help you if you have a small or moderate hump.
Some people camouflage their dorsal hump with makeup. With the right contouring and application techniques, makeup can do a surprisingly good job of hiding your bump. There are many tutorials online that can teach you this skill. If you prefer more personal help, many cosmetic stores will help you choose the right products and teach you to apply them. You’ll have to reapply your makeup daily, of course, but it is the least expensive and invasive way to hide a dorsal hump.
Although we would love to help everyone, some people aren’t good candidates for dorsal hump correction. You are a good candidate for eliminating (rhinoplasty) or hiding (dermal fillers) your dorsal hump if you:
Remember that a dorsal hump nose is not a medical issue, and you don’t need to “fix” it. Many people are bothered by and self-conscious about their hump, however, and for them, correcting this bump on their nose offers many benefits. These benefits include:
Rhinoplasty is a common procedure that is widely performed. It is considered quite safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. You will experience bruising, swelling, and potentially black eyes after surgery, but these are normal and expected side effects. Every surgery comes with potential risks, and it’s important that you understand them. But the odds of experiencing problems after a bump removal are quite small.
If your dorsal hump bothers you or makes you feel self-conscious, you may wish to consider rhinoplasty. Many people consider surgery when dermal fillers have proven inadequate for their hump or when they tire of the ongoing maintenance fillers require. Other patients opt for surgery because it offers a permanent solution. We encourage you to schedule a free virtual consultation to learn more about your options and get personalized advice.