If a bump is shaved, does the tip need to lifted to avoid the nose looking "longer"?

Question

I heard when the bump is shaved the nose could look longer without the tip being lifted. Is this true?

Sam P. Most, MD · Answer

The answer to this is that yes, it often does.  It will depend of course on the individual's facial proportions, especially in profile.  In these cases, it is often suggested that a small amount of tip rotation (upward) would help with aesthetics.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty for an attractive nose YOU like is what you need. Don't worry about how the surgeon does it but rather does he do noses YOU like!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If the pre-existing nasal tip is droopy, it will need to be lifted in order to balance  all of the nasal components. If the tip of the nose is in an adequate position, no tip surgery is required. The dorsal hump is composed of both bone and cartilage which must be shaved down and over to remove it. Osteotomies are then required  to be placed in the nasal bones to close the open roof created from the hump removal. For many examples and more information, please see the link and the video below

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

In most instances, changing one aspect of the nose requires changes elsewhere to achieve balance in a 3-dimensional view.  I recommend consulting with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon who will accurately examine your nose, create a simulation based on what your nose could look like after surgery, and develop a plan tailored to your individual needs.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

When the nasal bump is shaved, it can change the overall profile appearance of the nose.   The best recommendation is to consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you with achieving the results you seek. 3-dimensional computer imaging can help you visualize what you may look like afterwards and serve as an important communication tool with your surgeon.  This can help you determine whether your tip needs to be lifted or not.

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

When a bump is removed it effects the balance of the rest of the nose. A simple shave would not require additional tip work. However, if the bump requires more than a rasp (shave) then often the tip will need to be adjusted to the height of the bridge of the nose. This means that the tip will sometimes need to be brought closer to the face (decrease the height or projection of the tip) and/or lifted and rotated. When you consult with a plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty they should be able to manipulate the pictures during the visit so you can see how taking the bump down effects the rest of the nose and make changes to the tip so you can understand how it will look.

George Sanders, MD · Answer

When the bump is removed from a nose, it actually makes the nose look shorter, as though the tip has been lifted. Look through some before and after surgery photo galleries to confirm this for yourself! No additional surgery is required!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

The simple answer to your question is NO lowering a hump should not make the nose longer but wheher a hump reduction alone would give you the best result possible would require an examination aided by digital photography.  So see some experts in the field that use this technique.Dr. Corbin

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many Rhinoplasty Surgeries, over the past 30 years.  Once a dorsal hump, especially if it's a large one, is removed quite the opposite is likely.  The nasal tip often looks like it has been rotated upward making the nose appear shorter, not longer.  The nose looks long when the tip is de-rotated (points down) and short when the tip is rotated upward at a higher angle.  Non smiling photos of your nose form the front, side and base view (looking up at the nostrils) would help in the evaluation and allow accurate predictions of how your nose would look with the dorsal hump removed.Hope this helps.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Removal of the hump does not necessarily make the nose look longer. Tip position is always considered when planning rhinoplasty surgery to ensure that that is proper balance between all parts of the nose after surgery. You need a thorough evaluation to discuss the goals of your operation.

If a bump is shaved, does the tip need to lifted to avoid the nose looking "longer"?

Answers (12)

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