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

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.

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.

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

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.

 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

Only and inperson examination of the inside and outside of your nose will tell what problems you have. Photos are helpful but cant tell me what is going on inside your nose.

Dear listlesspandaAn exam would be needed to properly assess whether the ridge is due to your septum, your bone , or other cartilage abnormality.  Often a crooked or deviated septum can appear as a bump or a turn on the outside of your nose.  The best way to evaluate for this is to have a proper exam in which the nose can be examined on the inside and outside.  Other issues such as turbinate obstruction can also cause your nose to feel blocked. Discuss your cosmetic and functional concerns to your plastic surgeon. Good luck and hope this helps!Dr Narasimhan 

listlesspanda, A deviated nasal septum can be suspected with the deflection of the external nose especially if there are symptoms of nasal obstruction.  A diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum is bested on physical examination and can be confirmed with a CT Scan.  Some insurance companies require radiographic confirmation of the findings on physical exam and will not cover a septoplasty if there is not supporting diagnostic studies even though the best way to make the diagnosis is on examination.  From the appearance of your nose in the photographs I highly suspect that you have a septal deviation. If functional and cosmetic concerns exist they should both be addressed at the same time with a Septorhinoplasty.