What Is Dorsal Hump?
A dorsal hump is a noticeable bump on the bridge of the nose, typically caused by an irregular growth of bone or cartilage. While it is often a cosmetic concern, in some cases, a dorsal hump can affect nasal functionality, potentially impacting breathing or airflow. For some, a dorsal hump is a defining feature of their ethnic heritage and a source of pride, representing their cultural identity. However, others may feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with how it affects their facial harmony.
Its size can vary greatly, from a subtle elevation to a more prominent feature that significantly alters the nasal profile. Dr. Rizk, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in addressing dorsal humps nose jobs through advanced techniques. With his expertise and precision, Dr. Rizk can restore both function and aesthetics, reshaping your nose to complement your unique facial features.
Types of Dorsal Hump Nose
A dorsal hump itself is not a medical condition but rather a physical characteristic of the nose. There are two main types of humpback nose:
Traditional Humpback Nose
A traditional humpback nose features a noticeable bump or curvature along the bridge, often caused by excess bone or cartilage. This prominent feature can create an uneven or angular profile, which many individuals seek to smooth out for a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
A Saddle-Hump Nose
A saddle-hump nose features a noticeable dip or depression along the bridge, often giving the nose a “saddle” shape. This can create an uneven profile, where the middle section appears sunken compared to the surrounding areas. Many individuals seek corrective treatments to restore balance and enhance facial symmetry.
What Causes Dorsal Hump?
The appearance of a nasal dorsal hump can stem from genetics, injuries, or structural irregularities. Identifying its cause helps guide the most effective treatment, ensuring a customized approach to restore facial balance and confidence.
Genetics | Born With or Developed a Dorsal Hump
Several ethnicities around the world may be more prone to a dorsal hump as one of their facial characteristics, such as some Eastern and Northern European populations. For many people, this characteristic is a source of pride and connection to a culture or ethnicity. In some cases, a dorsal hump can also simply be passed down via genetics, regardless of ethnicity.
Injury or Trauma | Dorsal Hump Caused by Impact to the Face
Trauma or injury to the face, such as a broken nose, can cause bone and cartilage to heal unevenly, giving the appearance of a bump or hump. In more severe cases, some nasal trauma can also impact breathing, so it’s crucial to identify and fix the underlying cause of a nasal hump to rectify any issues and prevent future damage.
Medical Causes | Dorsal Hump Caused by Polyps, Boils or Infection
In some cases, polyps (painful growths), boils, or infections not only cause breathing issues and a great deal of discomfort for the person suffering from them, but they can also cause changes to the external appearance of the nose – such as a dorsal bump or hump.
Post-Surgical Changes
In some cases, previous nasal surgeries may inadvertently cause or fail to fully address a dorsal hump, leading to residual or new irregularities.
Dorsal Hump Removal In New York City.
A dorsal hump nose can be a source of insecurity for many people, but the good news is that it can be fixed. Many people opt for rhinoplasty surgery for dorsal hump removal, which involves reshaping and restructuring the bones in the nose as well as removing excess cartilage from around the area. For minor cases, fillers may also be used instead of surgery if deemed appropriate by your surgeon. No matter what type of treatment you choose, there are ways to fix or alter your dorsal hump so you can get back to feeling confident about your look.
Your Nasal Dorsal Hump Consultation
At your initial consultation with Dr. Rizk, he will examine your nose, facial profile, medical history and any symptoms, as well as understand your goals and expectations around your appearance and surgery. By determining what causes the dorsal hump, Dr. Rizk can manage this, if needed (for example in the case of a dorsal hump caused by a previously untreated broken nose), alongside creating a personalized treatment plan. He’ll soon have you on your way to looking and feeling happier and more confident with your appearance.
Your NYC Dorsal Hump Nose Job
Rhinoplasty to remove a dorsal hump or have a dorsal hump reduction is a type of plastic surgery that focuses on reshaping the bridge of the nose. It is usually performed to reduce size and shape irregularities to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and balance the facial profile. It also has functional benefits, such as improving breathing by removing any blockages caused by an uneven nasal structure, which may be an underlying cause of the nasal hump.
During this surgery, excess bone or cartilage may be removed from the bridge of the nose and reshaped for symmetry. Dorsal hump rhinoplasty can help you achieve your desired facial features and aesthetic goals, and under Dr. Rizk’s care, you’ll benefit from cutting-edge surgical techniques that reduce scarring, shorten recovery time and produce natural results that complement your overall look.
Dr. Rizk enhances this process with ultrasonic rhinoplasty, an advanced technique that uses ultrasonic energy for unparalleled precision in sculpting the nose. This method reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in a much easier and more comfortable recovery compared to traditional approaches.
Nasal Hump Correction Recovery
Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial swelling and bruising to subside, with full results visible in 6-12 months as healing progresses and tissues settle.
Dr. Rizk’s New York Patient Transformations
Explore our Rhinoplasty Before and After Gallery and see dorsal hump correction surgery results.
Meet Dr. Rizk
Dr. Sam Rizk, a double board-certified top-rated facial plastic surgeon in New York City, is a renowned expert in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty with decades of experience. Recognized for his innovative techniques, Dr. Rizk has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times and Allure magazine. His dedication to precision and artistry ensures personalized, natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s unique features while addressing their individual goals.
Ready to Correct Your Dorsal Hump?
Book Your Consultation Today with Dr. Rizk and take the first step toward a balanced, confident appearance!
Conditions Also Treated by Dr. Rizk
Droopy Nose
A droopy nose, where the nasal tip points downward, often worsens with age or smiling. It can affect facial balance and is commonly corrected through rhinoplasty for a refined look.
Upturned Nose
An upturned nose, characterized by a nasal tip pointing upward, can expose the nostrils excessively. It may create a disproportionate appearance and is often adjusted to achieve a more natural profile.
Bulbous Tip
A bulbous tip appears rounded or enlarged due to excess cartilage or soft tissue. This nasal shape can dominate the face, and rhinoplasty can sculpt a more defined, harmonious tip.
Dr Rizk In The Media
Dr. Rizk was voted by his peers as a Top Doctor in 2025 – For the 21th consecutive year!
Connolly Best Doctor
Dr. Rizk featured in Town & Country Magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak that will turn back time
Voted by peers to New York Magazine's 2013 Top Doctors
New Advances in Facelifting Techniques by Dr. Sam Rizk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dorsal humps have an impact on breathing?
In some cases where dorsal humps are caused by trauma to the nose, or by a medical issue such as polyps, these can have an impact on a patient’s ability to breathe.
Can a dorsal hump grow back after it’s been removed?
The results of a dorsal hump altered or removed through rhinoplasty are permanent. A dorsal hump will not grow back, however, another may form if the patient suffers from an impact to the nose or another medical condition such as nasal polyps or boils in the future.
Are there any risks associated with removing a dorsal hump through surgery?
Any surgical procedure carries risks, such as infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising or reaction to anesthesia. These can be managed by choosing an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon.
How much does a dorsal hump rhinoplasty cost?
The overall dorsal hump removal cost can depend on a number of things, such as whether other underlying issues are being rectified, or if other procedures are combined with the rhinoplasty. A full pricing overview will be given at your consultation.
Can a dorsal hump be removed without surgery?
Non-surgical fillers can temporarily camouflage a small dorsal hump, but permanent removal requires rhinoplasty. Dr. Rizk offers advanced techniques for precise and lasting results tailored to your goals.
Will removing a dorsal hump affect my breathing?
In most cases, dorsal hump removal improves both appearance and nasal function. Dr. Rizk ensures careful evaluation and surgical precision to address any structural concerns and enhance airflow if needed.
Is rhinoplasty a long-lasting procedure?
Yes, rhinoplasty offers long-lasting results. The reshaped bone and cartilage stabilize permanently. While natural aging or external factors may cause subtle changes, the overall improvements remain durable over time.
Awards & Certifications
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References
1Healthline. All About Dorsal Humps: Causes and Removal Options – Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Kathryn Watson. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/dorsal-hump.
2The Johns Hopkins Medicine. Asymmetrical Face: What Is It, and Should You Be Concerned? Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/nose-reshaping.
3NCBI. Component dorsal hump reduction: the importance of maintaining dorsal aesthetic lines in rhinoplasty – Rod J. Rohrich, Arshad R. Muzaffar, Jeffrey E. Janis. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deviated-septum/symptoms-causes/syc-20351710.
By Dr. Sam S. Rizk, M.D., FACS.
Dr. Rizk is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques. He performs a range of facial plastic surgeries at his New York practice.