How is a nasal hump removed with a rhinoplasty?
Nasal surgery, or Rhinoplasty, is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic surgeries, and correcting a hump is one of the most common goals for the procedure. Many people like the look of a flatter or more concave shape to the nasal bridge.
Depending on the severity of the bump, it is possible that this can be a fairly simple procedure. If the hump to be eliminated is small, the cartilage and bone at the top of the nose can be filed down, reshaping the profile of the nose to create the patient’s desired look.
However, it is not uncommon to require a slightly more involved procedure. If a surgeon were to remove a larger bump in this manner, a flat roof would be created on the bridge of the nose. This undesirable result is avoided by fracturing and reshaping the nasal bones so that they are closer together, eliminating the flat top. This process is called osteotomy, and is performed by cutting the bone with a tool called an osteotome, a very small, sharp bone-knife. Once the bones are cut, they can be repositioned easily.
Swelling, bruising, and occasionally some minor bleeding are common during recovery from the removal of a nasal bump. Swelling typically lasts a few weeks. After a few days, bruising around the nose and eyes will begin to subside, and around this time you can begin to wear concealer to cover it up as well. A splint will generally be worn for the first week or so to help the nose heal in the desired new shape.
You will begin to see the results within a couple of weeks, but it is important to remember that healing takes time. You will see the full results by around a year post-surgery.
Ask Dr. Becker a question or arrange an appointment for a nose surgery consultation by calling 856-589-NOSE (6673).