A humped nose is a common external deformity of the nose that can be congenital or caused by trauma. A humped nose is characterized by the bridge of the nose being curved upwards. A humped nose is corrected with the help of septorhinoplasty.
Below you will find further information and selected specialists for the correction of a humped nose.
A humped nose is a deformity of the nose. The bridge of the nose is curved upwards (convex) with a humped nose. A humped nose is a common external deformity of the nose. It is often accompanied by other deformities, e.g. a humped nose or a humped nose with tension.
The deformity can affect both the upper bony and the lower cartilaginous part of the nose. Both the cartilaginous and the bony nose often contribute to the hump. If, on the other hand, the cartilaginous part of the nose, including the tip of the nose, is lowered in comparison to the normal bony bridge of the nose, this is referred to as a "pseudo-hump" of the nose.
A humped nose (left) can be considered a beauty flaw by some people, so they have a humped nose correction performed © vladimirfloyd | AdobeStock
A humped nose can be congenital or caused by trauma. A pseudo-hump as a result of cartilage loss, on the other hand, is almost exclusively caused by
Nasal deformities generally occur in combination, so that a pure humped nose is rare. First and foremost, the cosmetic appearance is disturbing and is the primary reason for seeking treatment.
In combination with changes to the inner nose, e.g. a crooked nasal septum, there are many possible symptoms, including
A humped nose can be caused by cartilage or bone or a combination of both © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
The diagnosis includes functional diagnostics of the nose, known as rhinomanometry. It serves to objectify the flow of air through the nose.
The most important part of a thorough diagnosis of a humped nose is a careful clinical examination of the nose. This involves inspecting the inside and outside of the nose in order to identify the relevant pathologies. Based on this, an individual treatment and surgical plan can be drawn up.
Preoperative photo documentation of the humped nose must be taken.
The correction of a humped nose is performed surgically as a so-called septorhinoplasty.
Depending on the findings and the surgeon's indication, an open or closed rhinoplasty is performed.
In open rhinoplasty, the skin is cut at the bridge of the nose. The surgeon then makes further incisions in the nasal entrance to expose the entire nasal skeleton. In the next step, he can perform the correction.
This surgical technique results in a small external scar in the middle of the columella. It is usually not cosmetically noticeable.
In contrast, with the so-called closed technique, all incisions or access points are made inside the nose. This allows the surgeon to reach the corresponding regions of the nose. The disadvantage of the closed technique is the somewhat limited anatomical overview.
The removal of the nasal hump is generally associated with a complete detachment of the bony nose from the midface. This means that the nasal framework is completely mobilized.
The removal of a hump leaves a so-called "open roof" on the bridge of the nose: a widening of the bridge of the nose due to the two nasal flanks now standing apart. In order to bring the nasal flanks back together at their tip, it is necessary to completely detach the bony nasal skeleton from the midface using a chisel.
Finally, the fracture lines are usually covered with thin cartilage against the skin, smoothing and leveling the bridge of the nose.
Rhinoplasty can be combined with correction of a crooked nasal septum if necessary.
Postoperatively, a tamponade is applied for 2 days for internal splinting of the nose. The patient is also given a bandage consisting of a plaster bandage and plaster cast, which is left in place for around a week. The bandage is intended to stabilize the surgical result and enable better healing.
Avoid contact sports for around six weeks after the rhinoplasty. Otherwise, injuries could jeopardize the complete healing and stability of the nasal framework.
A humped nose can usually be corrected in a single surgical step. Revision surgery is required in 5 to 15 percent of cases, depending on the initial findings.
