Do I have have a deviated septum, or just a nose hump? (Photo)

Question

I have a hump on my left side of my nose. And the "ridge" of my nose is crooked too. Is this due to a deviated septum? I'm not sure if I've had it from birth or an early injury (~age 10). I breathe equally well through my nostrils, but I can't breathe properly through my nose when I'm lying down, I snore, and my nose is always a bit clogged. What do you think is going on here, and do you have any pointers as to what I should ask a doctor if I finally decide to have it corrected?

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Without examining you in person, it is difficult to offer a definitive diagnosis. You ask for pointers...my best advice is to find a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty and describe your situation just as you did above. Do your research on him/her in regard to education, reviews, and before-and-after photos.  I wish you the best.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

While your photos are helpful, only an in person examination and a internal examination of your nose could tell you exactly what is the cause of your bumps.  That said, the position of your bumps, which are higher up your nose,  appears to be in the bony area of the nose.  There is cartilage beneath it which may contribute to the bump.  Whether your septum is deviated would require an internal speculum examination.

Michelle R. Yagoda, MD · Answer

Dear listless panda,The inside of the nose and the outside of the nose do not "communicate" in a developing baby.  Therefore, sometimes, the septum of the nose --- the part that divides the airway into two sides--- doesn't "fit" into the envelope of the nose.  If the septum is too tall, it will bend (or become deviated) to fit inside. Sometimes you can see that as a nasal "hump."  Other times, the "hump" can be related to the cartilages that make up the side walls of the nasal pyramid...and have nothing to do with a deviated septum.  The only way to be sure, it to have an evaluation by an ear, nose and throat doctor (Otolaryngologist) who is also a Facial Plastic Surgeon.  I would be happy to help you!All the best,Dr. Michelle Yagoda

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your breathing issue is unlikely related if you can breathe normally standing up.. As  for the bump it is likely bone and cartilage. An evaluation in person is key.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The photographs demonstrated a cartilaginous and bony dorsal hump which can be removed with a closed rhinoplasty approach. The deviated septum can only be diagnosed by looking on the inside of the nose. A deviated septum is caused by twisted bone and cartilage in the back of the nose is blocking air flow, and a septoplasty is performed to improve air flow through it. A septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose. For more information about the differences between a rhinoplasty and a septoplasty, please see the diagrams below on the video

Do I have have a deviated septum, or just a nose hump? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Bump

Answer: Bump

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Do I have have a deviated septum, or just a nose hump? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Bump

Answer: Bump

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

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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.