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

Question

Bone regrowing? Callus? I had mine removed but feel a hard bump in the same spot/side of dorsal hump

Mohamed Elmaraghy, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

I have definitely seen a dorsal hump grow back after rhinoplasty surgery! It is more common if the hump was simply rasped down to minimize it, as opposed to nasal bone osteotomies or fracture. It can however occur after any type of rhinoplasty if there is significant bony callus deposition.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

After a dorsal hump removal, it's generally rare for the hump to "grow back" as the removed bone and cartilage don’t regenerate. However, it's possible to feel a small hard bump due to post-surgical swelling, scar tissue formation, or a callus forming along the bone edges as they heal. In some cases, bone remodeling or scar tissue may lead to a minor irregularity that feels similar to a hump. If the bump persists or causes concern, a follow-up with your surgeon can help determine if it's part of the healing process or if further treatment is recommended.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,

What happens is patients can see the nose with swelling and then patients think they see the bump again. It is important to pick a surgeon that sees everything and is very technical.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

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.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is unlikely for a nasal hump to grow back. However the healing process continues for a year at least and the scar tissue can cause the bone or cartilage to move and give the appearance of a small nasal bump (not a full blown dorsal hump). This can be easily shaved down in office under local anesthesia.
Regards
Dr. J

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When somebody has a nasal dorsal hump, it is typically composed of cartilage and bone. When this cartilage and bone is removed, it does not grow back. You may be noticing a residual bump as your swelling is resolving after your procedure. Certainly bring this to the attention of your surgeon. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

You probably head the surgery a couple months ago so it is very early to decide if there is still bone or hump on the dorsum.You should be patient to see your final result, your nose will probably get a better shape by time.Best luck!

Thanapoom Boonipat, MD · Answer

Yes it can grow back especially if traumatic methods such a rasping are utilized. The better method would be piezo surgery to remove the bump.

Onur Ergun, MD · Answer

probably the camouflaging cartilage paste or squashed cartilage has been resorbed since. Bone wont regrow and callus will reside after a few months.

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

Answers (10)

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