Is it possible to just shave down the bone in rhinoplasty instead of breaking my nose? Would that make it less painful?

Hello alessandra12,Thanks for your question.If you have a mild hump than you can rasp it down gently and probably avoid having the nasal bones broken.If the hump is larger, you typically get a gap in your nasal bones known as an "open roof" when you rasp down the extra bone.  The "open roof" leaves a divot in your nasal bone when left open.  Closing this requires that the nasal bones be broken surgically and then pressed together to close the "open roof."  Pain for most patients is mild to moderate and is typically described as a pressure.  Narcotics are used typically only for a few days after surgery.  The only real postoperative issue that arises from breaking the nose is the raccoon eye bruising that you see.  Just shaving down the hump rarely causes bruising.I hope this made sense?Thanks,Dr. Shah

In theory, yes, this is possible. However, in most cases when the bridge needs to be reduced an "open roof" is created. The open roof needs to be closed with osteotomies. In terms of pain following rhinoplasty it is typically mild to moderate in nature and osteotomies contribute to only a small amount of additional pain. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

There are many surgical components that may be involved when a rhinoplasty is performed. However, not every nose needs all of these components to achieve the desired outcome. The treatment of the nasal bones and the bridge of the nose must be individualized to each patient's anatomy and goals. The best approach is to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to determine which approach would work best in your situation.

A small dorsal hump can be corrected without osteotomies (breaking the bones), but sometimes these are necessary to prevent what is called an "open roof deformity".  Imagine a triangle that has the tip cut off.  The triangle is then open to the air above.  The nose cannot be left like this, so osteotomies are needed on the side of the triangle to allow the walls to fall inward, closing the "open roof".  Your facial plastic surgeon will be able to analyze your nose, and predict which surgical maneuvers will be the most effective in achieving the result that you desire.Best Wishes

Yes, it is possible to shave down the nasal bone in performing the Rhinoplasty procedure. A surgeon's approach depends upon your health, desired look and current nose. We at the Clevens Center always suggest you consult a board certified facial plastic surgeon to
receive the highest quality knowledge, treatment, care and skill available. A consultation provides you the opportunity to relay your
concerns and desired outcome to the surgeon while the surgeon can assess your
health profile and discuss his/her pertinent advice.

Dear alessandra12,



Actually, no. If you think about the profile of
the nose looking from the ground up, when you shave down the nose it is like
taking the apex off of a triangle. That would leave the nose very broad and
flat looking. The bones have to be broken then to restore the apex of that
triangle now in a smaller shape.



I hope this has been helpful.



Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Yes, you can have the nasal bones have down. However, most of the time the dorsum of the nose becomes flat and the bones need to carefully infracted to reduce the flatness.

Yes , possible and certainty done for a very small bump or hump on the nose but anything more significant will require the bones to be moved a bit for all the reasons explained previously. Good luck!

 The dorsal hump is composed of both bone bone and cartilage and can be shaved down during the rhinoplasty procedure. Once the dorsal hump has been shaved down, it leaves the nose with an open cap, open roof, flat top nose during the surgery. Osteotomies of the nasal bones are then absolutely required to narrow the bridge line and close the open roof deformity. While the osteotomies create swelling and bruising across the cheek, they did not create very much additional pain with the procedure, as long as there is no packing placed on the inside of the nose by your surgeon.  For many examples of hump removal with osteotomies, please see link and the video below

It is possible, but only to a small amount and it would not correct a significant bump. If you only need subtle improvements of the dorsum, than it can be done.