A visible bump or hump along the bridge of the nose — known clinically as a dorsal hump — is one of the most common nasal concerns patients bring to plastic surgeons. The hump can be subtle, visible only in profile or when the light hits the nose a certain way. It can also be pronounced, creating a strong profile contour that draws attention away from the patient’s other features. Either way, dorsal hump removal — sometimes called dorsal hump rhinoplasty — is a precise surgical refinement that trims and reshapes the excess bone and cartilage producing the hump, restoring a smoother, more proportionate nasal bridge. The procedure can be performed alone or as part of comprehensive rhinoplasty, depending on whether other nasal features need refinement. At Los Angeles Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, Dr. John Anastasatos performs dorsal hump removal with the surgical authority this technically demanding nose surgery specifically requires.

Dr. Anastasatos performs dorsal hump removal with the academic credentials this high-volume bone and cartilage reduction procedure rewards. He has presented at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Grand Rounds on advanced surgical techniques — teaching credentials at one of the leading medical institutions in Southern California. He has been an invited lecturer at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on advanced facial surgical techniques, with an invited 2026 return as featured speaker. With over two decades of facial surgical expertise in Beverly Hills since 2007, he is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and named by The Luxe Insider as one of the Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the World.

Understanding the Dorsal Hump

A dorsal hump is the visible projection along the bridge of the nose caused by excess bone and cartilage. The hump may be primarily bony (in the upper third of the nose), primarily cartilaginous (in the middle and lower portions), or a combination of both. Identifying the specific anatomic composition matters because surgical technique varies meaningfully depending on whether the hump is bone, cartilage, or both.

Dorsal humps typically result from one of two causes:

• Genetics — many patients inherit naturally prominent dorsal anatomy that has been with them since adolescence
• Traumatic Injury — sports injuries, accidents, or other physical impact can produce dorsal humps through bone displacement or callus formation during healing

Patients considering dorsal hump removal should make sure their plastic surgeon is fully aware of any trauma history to the nose. Trauma can affect the underlying anatomy in ways that impact surgical planning — including potential need for concurrent septoplasty if the septum was also affected, or changes in the bone structure that require modified surgical approach.

Dorsal Hump Removal Techniques

Several distinct techniques can address dorsal humps, with the right approach matched to the specific anatomy and the size of correction needed:

Non-Surgical Camouflage

For minor dorsal humps, non-surgical rhinoplasty with dermal fillers can temporarily camouflage the hump by adding volume above and below it, smoothing the apparent contour. This approach is ideal for patients who want to evaluate the aesthetic effect before committing to surgery, or who have very modest humps that do not justify surgical correction.

Closed Rhinoplasty

For mild to moderate dorsal humps, the closed surgical method removes the hump through incisions placed entirely inside the nostrils. There are no external scars from the procedure. This outpatient approach typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, with approximately one week of meaningful recovery before patients return to professional work and visible activities.

Open Rhinoplasty

For larger dorsal humps requiring extensive tissue removal — or when the hump removal will substantially alter the nasal structure — open rhinoplasty provides the surgeon with maximum visibility and precision. The incision is placed on the columella (the outer layer of tissue between the nostrils), with additional incisions inside the nostrils. Through this approach, the surgeon can directly visualize the underlying bone and cartilage for precise reduction.

Concurrent Spreader Grafts

In many dorsal hump removals, particularly larger ones, removing the hump can narrow the internal nasal valve and create breathing difficulty. Spreader grafts — small pieces of cartilage placed alongside the septum — restore appropriate internal width, preserve normal breathing, and prevent the post-surgical “pinched” appearance that can result from over-aggressive hump removal alone.

Recovery and Results

With either surgical technique, swelling and bruising peak during the first week and resolve progressively over 2-3 weeks. The splint placed at the time of surgery is removed at one week. Most patients return to professional work within 7-10 days, with strenuous activity restricted for approximately 4-6 weeks. Final settling of the result emerges over 6-12 months as residual swelling fully resolves and the nasal tissues stabilize over the new bony contour.

The result of dorsal hump removal is permanent. The bone and cartilage do not regrow, and the smoother bridge contour is the patient’s permanent nasal architecture going forward.

Ideal Candidates for Dorsal Hump Removal

Ideal candidates for dorsal hump removal share several characteristics:

• Elastic skin that can adapt smoothly around the newly diminished nose without producing visible irregularity
• Non-smokers — smoking impairs healing and increases surgical risk
• No serious health conditions that would impair recovery
• Realistic expectations about what dorsal hump removal can achieve
• Honest disclosure of trauma history to the nose, since prior injury affects surgical planning
• Specific concerns about the hump rather than wholesale dissatisfaction with overall nasal appearance

The consultation specifically evaluates these characteristics and determines whether a patient’s specific anatomy and aesthetic goals make them an appropriate candidate for the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dorsal Hump Removal

Will I have a visible scar?

Closed rhinoplasty produces no external scars — all incisions are inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty produces a small scar on the columella that typically heals to nearly invisible once fully matured. Most patients do not have visible external scars at conversational distance from either approach.

Will dorsal hump removal affect my breathing?

When performed appropriately — including the use of spreader grafts when needed — breathing is preserved or even improved. When performed incorrectly with over-aggressive hump removal and no structural support, breathing problems can result. This is part of why surgeon experience matters so meaningfully for this procedure.

Can the hump come back?

No. Once the bone and cartilage are surgically removed, they do not regrow. The result is permanent.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients return to private daily activities within 7-10 days. The splint is removed at one week. Strenuous activity resumes at 4-6 weeks. Final settling continues over 6-12 months as residual swelling fully resolves.

Can dorsal hump removal correct breathing problems?

Often, yes. When the dorsal hump is associated with septal deviation, concurrent septoplasty performed at the same time addresses both the cosmetic concern and the breathing problem. Insurance often covers the functional septoplasty component.

Will my nose look “pinched” after surgery?

Not when performed appropriately. Over-aggressive hump removal without structural support can produce a pinched or scooped appearance. Dr. Anastasatos’s surgical approach uses spreader grafts when needed to prevent this complication and preserve natural nasal architecture.

Why Choose Dr. Anastasatos for Dorsal Hump Removal

• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Grand Rounds Presenter: Teaching credentials at one of the leading medical institutions in Southern California.
• Royal Society of Medicine London Lecturer: International peer-recognition with invited 2026 return as featured speaker.
• Two Decades of Beverly Hills Practice: Sustained experience in nasal surgery since 2007.
• Both Open and Closed Approaches: Surgical technique matched to the size and specifics of each individual hump.
• Board-Certified, FACS, ASPS, and ASAPS: Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and full membership in the specialty’s most respected peer societies.
• Spreader Graft Capability: Specific technique to preserve breathing function and prevent pinched-nose results.
• Combined Cosmetic-Functional Surgery: Dorsal hump removal performed alone or with septoplasty when underlying breathing concerns coexist.
• Top 10 International Recognition: Named by The Luxe Insider as one of the Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the World.

Dorsal Hump Removal Consultation

In order to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for dorsal hump removal, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. During a consultation with Dr. John M. Anastasatos, you can ask questions about your options and receive personalized recommendations based on your specific anatomy. Dr. Anastasatos performs a comprehensive examination, evaluates whether your hump is primarily bone, cartilage, or both, and outlines the appropriate surgical or non-surgical approach. Dr. Anastasatos welcomes patients to the Beverly Hills office at 436 North Bedford Drive, Suite 202, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Contact Los Angeles Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation for dorsal hump removal today.