How easy is it to file down a small bony bump that's on one side of the nose only?

Question

Generally, I really like my nose--but there seems to be some extra bone growth on the hump of the nose and below the eye on the left side only. When I touch the bridge of my nose, I can feel that the bump is significantly smaller on the right side. This asymmetry leads to a crooked appearance. How invasive (and expensive) is it to equalize the bump? I don't want to walk away with a radically different nose. I just want the top half of my nose to look more symmetrical.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The hump you are referring to is typically made of both cartilage and bone.  Unfortunately you can't just rasp this entire area.  A rhinoplasty in which the dorsum is exposed and the cartilage is reduced, followed by either rasp or osteotome reduction of the bony portion would be recommended.

Douglas L. Vander Woude, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question - and photos.  Generally, when reducing a nasal "hump" the nasal bones are made smaller along with the cartilage so that the top of the nose is smooth and symmetric.  From what I can see in the pictures, I would likely recommend a reduction of the dorsum with osteotomies to achieve the result that you would be happy with.  For most in your situation, that is considered a standard rhinoplasty.  The cost for such a procedure varies by location.  Good luck, you should have a great result.

How easy is it to file down a small bony bump that's on one side of the nose only?

Answers (2)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

How easy is it to file down a small bony bump that's on one side of the nose only?

Answers (2)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Columella scar not lined up and alar base scar depressed (Photo)

Being exposed to the sun and high temperature. Would it do any damage to my nose?

Where is the L strut? (Photo)