How Often Do Doctors Get Hump Reduction Requests?

Question

I recently had a rhinoplasty done about two months ago. The doctor did a fine job on everything I requested. My nagging concern relates to my hump.

	Before the surgery, the hump wasn't a big issue for me, as I was more concerned with the tip and bone structure (I had previously broken my nose). As I mentioned, these were all taken care of perfectly, but the hump is now annoying me a bit. It is a bit more apparent now because the bridge is thinner and not hidden by all that cartilage. I decided not to completely remove the hump initially because I felt it would feminize my nose and remove some genetic characteristics. I'm not so sure now.

	After the surgery, the doctor told me that I was one of the few who request a reduction of the hump, as opposed to a removal. Would this apply to you guys as well? I examined various before/after cases of hump rhinoplasties and many were described as hump reductions, rather than removals. The doctors would leave comments such as "moderate reduction of hump" or "conservative reduction". There were quite a few cases of these, so is my doctor just the exception? Thanks for your time and hope to hear from you guys!

Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS · Answer

You are only 2 months into the healing process and after a Rhinoplasty with "hump reduction" there still may be swelling and scar tissue increasing the hump size.  That being said, changing the nasal width and tip can make the hump look bigger.  There is really no difference between hump reduction and removal - it's all a matter of proportions.  This is why I believe morphing is such an important tool for communicating with patients.  Obviously, your expectations related to your nasal hump were different than your surgeon's.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Jay,
Prior to rhinoplasty it is most important to have very clear communication between patient and surgeon.  It sounds like you and your surgeon were fairly clear about your desired goals.  The "hump" is relative to the surrounding nasal structure and anatomy.  As the nose is sculpted, the hump is gradually brought down.  It is always better to err on the side of conservation of the "hump" as it is much easier to remove a little more than to have to add or augment the dorsum of the nose. 
There is nothing to do about your hump at this point.  You should be patient and stay close to your surgeon over the next 4 to 10 months.  You may be very pleasantly surprised by the shape of your nose as it continues to heal during the first year after your surgery.  
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

The over reduced nasal humps of many years past is not as popular a choice for nose. Many patients, particularly male patients, like to have natural elements in the nose to make it very difficult to determine whether a rhinoplasty was performed.
	
		There is actually an art to hump reduction and the location of the placement of the hump. If the hump is placed too low on the nose, it can actually make the face look less attractive. Remember the goal in rhinoplasty is to make the face and nose more attractive.
	
		I actually have patients who want hump reversals and desire replacement of their dorsal humps, which can be done and still make the face look more attractive. A well placed hump can actually photograph and film quite well.
	
		I think computer imaging can be a valuable resource for communication. Ideally, details such as how your profile, tip, and shape of nose would be covered by your surgeon so that you feel confident in the proposed direction of your nose. Here you can preview changes to your nose and then determine ahead of time what you like and don't like. I give my patients a series of images so that they can think about this in great detail and then let me know what direction they would like to go.
	
		It sounds like you like your overall look but are not sure about your hump. I would advise waiting before attempting to do anything about your nose. As is often the case, less is often more.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Hump reduction with regards to a rhinoplasty can be either a complete removal or a conservative removal.  This relates to communication between the patient and the surgeon.  The patient&rsquo;s wishes, goals, and desires need to be addressed prior to the surgery so that there is no lack of communication.  Some patients desire a strong profile while others desire only a small hint of a bump, and other patients, do not want the bump whatsoever.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Hump reductions or removals are really the same thing. This is often accomplished by shaving it down with special files in the operating room. If you are unhappy and want the hump taken down, then discuss this with your doctor.

How Often Do Doctors Get Hump Reduction Requests?

Answers (8)

Answer: Depends on the patients desire.

Answer: Depends on the patients desire.

Answer: Hump reduction and removal are the same

Answer: Hump reduction and removal are the same

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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How Often Do Doctors Get Hump Reduction Requests?

Answers (8)

Answer: Depends on the patients desire.

Answer: Depends on the patients desire.

Answer: Hump reduction and removal are the same

Answer: Hump reduction and removal are the same

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.