Could the hump on my nose be subtly filed down without resorting to an osteotomy? (Photo)

Question

My right 3/4 profile bugs me because the hump on the bridge of my nose if more protuberant from that point of view (but I like the left side). My surgeon told me that this could be filed down, but then it might not be symmetric since the right 3/4 will be straighter than the left. So is it possible to file down the whole hump "subtly" without resorting to an osteotomy? What would you suggest? I trust my surgeon but wanted to seek other advices since the middle of my face is somewhat important.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, it really depends on how much bone/cartilage will be taken down. If removal of the bone/cartilage leaves a flat wide appearance to the top, then you will most likely need an osteotomy to close the wide dorsum. If the contour after filing down the bone and contouring the cartilage is acceptable...then you may not need the osteotomy.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible to just shave down the bump on the nose. Think of the cross-section of the nose as a pyramid. The more the tip of the pyramid is shaved off, the wider it will appear.  That is how the front view of the nose behaves.  The larger the bump that is shaved down, the wider the front view of the nose appears. The reason for osteotomies (moving in of bones)  is often to counteract this widening effect of removing the bump. Dr. B

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The whole hump can be reduced without osteotomy but sometimes it can leave a flat dorsum. In that case you have no option but to do osteotomies to bring the nasal bones closer to get a narrow dorsum.regardsDr J

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Good morning and thank you for your inquiry. Filing always looks more natural than fracturing nasal bones, as long as an "open roof" is not left behind. The nose should be understated and conservative, always with an eye towards a natural result. Modern surgical tools and precision grafting can be employed to remove the bump yet preserve the nasal pyramid. Remember: aesthetically, less is more, particularly in a man.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The dorsal hump is composed of both bone and cartilage and must be shaved down surgically in order to remove it. Shaving down this dorsal hump will result in a "flat top" open roof deformity. Osteotomies will be necessary to close the open roof deformity.   For many examples of dorsal hump removal with osteotomies of the nasal bones, please see the link below

Could the hump on my nose be subtly filed down without resorting to an osteotomy? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Filing vs. hump removal

Answer: Filing vs. hump removal

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

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Could the hump on my nose be subtly filed down without resorting to an osteotomy? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Filing vs. hump removal

Answer: Filing vs. hump removal

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

Answer: Rhinoplasty for dorsal hump removal

Browse related questions

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.