What is this bump on the right side of my nose? What procedure would improve this? (Photo)

I understand that this is very upsetting to you. The attached photo is distant, low-resolution and taken with the head turned, so the right nasal sidewall is not clear enough to determine whether there is a true bump. A shadow, normal bone/cartilage contour, skin lesion, old injury, or nasal deviation can look similar in this view.

No procedure should be chosen before the cause is established. A rhinoplasty surgeon should examine the nose and review standardized close frontal, profile, three-quarter and basal photographs. A small bony irregularity might be treated with conservative contouring, while cartilage asymmetry, deviation or a skin problem would require a different approach—or no surgery. Avoid filler as a quick fix until the anatomy and skin have been assessed, because it can camouflage rather than remove a prominence and has important vascular risks around the nose.

Based on your singular photo, you appear to have a somewhat crooked nasal appearance. If you are referring to a bump between your right nostril and cheek, this may be scar tissue, if there was previous trauma in that area. Without a better photograph or a history, it would be difficult to speculate. Please consider re asking a question with better photographs and more of an explanation. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, 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