Dorsal Hump Reduction

Dorsal hump reduction is a facial plastic surgery technique that straightens and smooths the contour of the nose. The dorsal hump is a bulge in the bridge of the nose, usually caused by an imbalance of bone and cartilage. It can be hereditary or due to trauma, such as a broken nose. Many people feel self-conscious about having a dorsal hump because it affects the overall appearance of their face.

A surgery to correct a dorsal hump, or a bump on the bridge of the nose, is one of the most commonly sought-after rhinoplasty procedures. At Wolin Plastic fill out an inquiry form on our website to connect with our scheduling staff.

Changing the Nasal Contour

The reshaping of the nasal bridge is one of the most frequently requested facial alterations in aesthetic medicine. It’s also a key component in a standard rhinoplasty procedure. In fact, with over 200,000 procedures performed every year, it’s consistently ranked in the top three most popular plastic surgeries in the United States. ⁽¹⁾ However, if little needs to change with the tip and nostrils, patients can choose a dorsal hump reduction procedure as a standalone solution to improve nasal appearance.

Dorsal hump reduction is an example of the versatility of the rhinoplasty. Variations of the surgery like this can simultaneously provide aesthetic and medical benefits. Because the nasal tissues can be altered with great precision, patients can achieve a more aesthetic nasal profile, and breathe more easily through the nose where there was previous airway obstruction! ⁽²⁾

No two noses are identical and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nasal surgery. will evaluate your unique anatomy and discuss your goals before recommending the best treatment plan for you. There are two approaches to dorsal hump reduction: open and closed.

Open Technique

The open technique involves making an incision across the columella (the tissue that separates the nostrils) which allows the surgeon to have better access to the underlying bone and cartilage. This technique is typically used when more extensive changes need to be made, such as reshaping the entire nasal structure or altering the tip of the nose.

This method also allows the surgeon to access the entire area, making it an ideal choice for those with more extensive bumps. Through this access, bone can be altered as well as cartilage, if desired. The open technique can also be combined with other rhinoplasty procedures such as septoplasty or tip refinement, creating a more comprehensive result from one surgery.

Closed Technique

The closed technique uses endonasal incisions, or incisions made inside the nose, to surgically remove the hump. This approach is best for patients who have a smaller hump and want a more conservative result. The endonasal incisions allow the surgeon to reduce the size of the bump, without having to make any external incisions, providing results that look and feel natural. As this technique does not involve any external incisions, this approach is ideal for minor corrections, such as reducing the size of a less conspicuous dorsal hump.

Benefits

The benefits of undergoing a dorsal hump reduction are numerous. Patients will enjoy the following:

If you are interested in learning more about dorsal hump reduction, please contact us at (480) 945-8440 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wolin. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss the best approach for you.

Personal Consultation

If you are considering a dorsal hump reduction, the first step is to meet with Dr. Wolin for a personal consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Wolin will evaluate your medical history and nasal structure, and discuss your goals and expectations. He will then recommend the most appropriate technique for your situation. Patients who wish to address other areas of the nose may benefit from combining their dorsal hump reduction with another rhinoplasty procedure.

Preparation

Once your surgery is scheduled, you’ll receive detailed preoperative instructions. Following these instructions diligently will ensure that your procedure goes smoothly and that you enjoy a quick recovery and the very best results possible.

Dorsal Hump Reduction Procedure

On the day of your dorsal hump reduction procedure, you’ll arrive at our office having already followed your preoperative instructions. You’ll be given local or general anesthesia and/or sedative to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Depending on the technique used, Dr. Wolin will begin by making an incision across the columella or inside the nose. He will then work to reduce the size of the hump by filing down the bone or reshaping the cartilage. If necessary, he can also address any irregularities or asymmetries in the nose. The hump will be reduced in size and the nose will appear to be more proportional to the rest of the face.

How Much Swelling Will There Be?

One of the most common questions with nasal surgery is related to the amount of swelling a patient will experience. After your dorsal hump reduction, we’ll provide you with a splint or wrap to support the nose and keep it secure while it heals. Swelling and bruising are normal in the first few weeks after your procedure. As every person heals differently, the amount of swelling will vary depending on the individual. There are many ways to reduce swelling, however, and Dr. Wolin will be happy to provide clear, written aftercare details to limit it.

Recovery & Results

A majority of patients are pleased with the results of their initial nasal surgery. During your recovery, we recommend keeping your head elevated above your heart when resting to help reduce swelling. Patients are advised not to apply ice to the area as it can disrupt proper blood flow. However, you can easily manage discomfort with the medication that Dr. Wolin has prescribed. You’ll return for follow-up appointments so that he can monitor your healing. Work can be resumed after two weeks, unless your job is strenuous or physically demanding. Please avoid rigorous activities for the next several weeks until instructed otherwise. Downtime for a dorsal hump reduction varies depending on the technique used. With the open technique, recovery is usually one to two weeks. With the closed technique, recovery is usually shorter, around one week.

How Soon Will I See My Final Results?

It may take up to 12 months to see the final results of your dorsal hump reduction surgery as tissues in the nose need more time to settle than any other facial feature. Once your nose has healed fully, you’ll notice a straighter nasal profile with a less prominent dorsal hump with improved symmetry and a more balanced profile

Cost of Dorsal Hump Reduction in Scottsdale, AZ

The cost of your procedure will depend on your personalized treatment plan laid out by Dr. Wolin. Special considerations are given to each individual, as every nose is different. Contact our office in Scottsdale today to schedule a consultation for your dorsal hump reduction. Dr. Wolin can address any questions you have about the procedure so that you can make a confident, well-informed decision, and start looking forward to your results! To book a one-on-one appointment, call our office at (480) 945-8440.

Read more about surgical and non-surgical procedures at Wolin Plastic Surgery Center on our website. And don’t forget to add us on Facebook and Instagram.

FAQ

References

1. Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/
2. Hohman MH, Vincent AG, Anderson SR, Ducic Y, Cochran S. Avoiding Complications in Functional and Aesthetic Rhinoplasty. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(04):260-264. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1721762