After a dorsal hump is removed, can the hump grow back?

Hello and thank you for your question. For a residual bony prominence after surgery, I don’t recommend having rasping performed under local anesthesia. This will usually make the nose look better for 1-2 months and then it will actually get much worse long-term afterwards, with contour irregularities developing. This is because the skin of the dorsum is extremely thin. A much better approach is to do a formal revision with rasping and placement of a dorsal onlay fascial graft to help smooth the dorsum. 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

Swelling may make it hard to know if hump completely removed. After a few months, usually about 3, all swelling is resolved and dorsal lines should be smooth. If feel a slight bump, you may need additional rasping in the area.