I want to get rid of the dorsal hump on my nose - would surgery be worth it? (Photos)

Question

I have been interested in a Rhinoplasty for a while. I spoke to a surgeon and he said that with my narrow nose, I risk having a Michael Jackson type result when I'm finished. My goal is to get rid of the dorsal hump. But I don't know if the risk is worth it and no one has been able to give me an idea of what I could expect as a successful result.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Ultimately, only you can decide whether surgery feels worth it, and that decision often comes down to how much this concern affects you. Is it something you notice and think about frequently, or only occasionally? If addressing it would provide a meaningful boost in confidence, that’s an important consideration.

When performed thoughtfully and conservatively by an experienced surgeon, removing a dorsal hump can absolutely be done in a way that looks natural and balanced—especially in someone with a narrow nose. A “Michael Jackson–type” result is not an inevitable outcome and is typically associated with overly aggressive or poorly planned surgery rather than rhinoplasty itself.

I would recommend consulting with a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who offers photo simulation. This allows you to visualize a realistic outcome and better determine whether the potential change aligns with your goals before making any decisions.

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Reducing the size of the dorsal hump is a reasonable goal in your case. After reducing the hump, your surgeon may or may not reposition the nasal bones. This maneuver is often necessary to reestablish a normal appearing contour (termed "closing an open roof") but may narrow the dorum slightly. Regardless, hump removal without excessive narrowing can likely be accomplished in your case. I recommend seeing a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon in person to discuss this further. At the time of consultation, the surgeon should morph imaging with you to simulate the goal surgical. This will help set expectations for what can be accomplished.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos.   In addition to your nasal bump, your nasal tip lacks projection relative to your dorsum.  Trying to make lowering your dorsum the only way to get a balanced nasal appearance, may result in a small nasal appearance and may not be in your best interest.  My suggestion would be this:  Yes, lower your dorsum some, so it is in line with the level of your radix, plus increase slightly your nasal tip projection with a septal extension graft, so your nasal tip level better matches your nasal dorsum and slightly widen your nose with spreader grafts.  I believe addressing these 3 areas would achieve a more bounced nasal profile for you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You do have a narrow nose but actually reducing the dorsal hump will make the nose look less narrow because it is decreasing the anterior projection. You appear to be an excellent candidate for a rhinoplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You are at no risk of having a 'Michael Jackson' nose from a single surgery. Any experienced surgeon would address your narrow midvault with spreader grafts created from septal cartilage. Your cosmetic result would be reviewed prior to surgery using photo morphing software.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

It is absolutely fine to have rhinoplasty done to reduce the dorsal hump. The surgeon who gave you the Michael Jackson risk was probably not comfortable performing rhinoplasty. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty expert for consultation because there are things that can be done during surgery to maintain good structure and support of the nose so the risk of problems is negligible.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, among other maneuvers. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, you seem to be excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. It would be very difficult to make your nose look like MJ’s in the hands of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in rhinoplasty. Good luck.

Asu Deniz Burhanoglu, MD · Answer

With proper rhinoplasty planning, the dorsal hump can be reduced while preserving the natural proportions of the nose and face. The goal is not to over-narrow the nose, but simply to correct the hump in a controlled and natural way. When performed with this approach, a “Michael Jackson–type” appearance is not expected.

I want to get rid of the dorsal hump on my nose - would surgery be worth it? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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