A dorsal hump is typically a combination of excess bone in the upper third of the nose and excess cartilage in the middle third. Through rhinoplasty, these structures are precisely reshaped to create a smoother profile. Once the bone and cartilage are surgically adjusted, the results are permanent, though it takes several months for the skin to fully settle over the new shape.

A primary goal of specialist rhinoplasty at Berkeley Square Medical is to avoid the "operated-on" look. We avoid aggressive shaving that leads to a scooped appearance. Instead, we focus on precision lowering of the bridge to maintain a strong, natural-looking profile that remains proportional to your other facial features.

Aesthetic beauty must never come at the expense of respiratory function. When a hump is removed, it can narrow the internal nasal valve. To prevent this, we often use "spreader grafts" or preservation techniques to reinforce the airway. This ensures the nose remains structurally sound and functions well after the profile is refined.

Modern techniques have evolved beyond traditional "rasping". We utilise advanced preservation methods and precise instrumentation, such as ultrasonic (Piezo) tools where appropriate, to reshape the bone with extreme accuracy. This minimises trauma to the surrounding soft tissue, leading to less bruising and a more predictable recovery.

Most patients can return to work or light social activities within 10 to 14 days, once the initial protective splint is removed. While the improvement in your profile is visible immediately, minor residual swelling, particularly around the bridge, will continue to subside. The final, high-definition result typically matures over a 12-month period.

This depends on the size of the hump. Small humps consisting mainly of cartilage can sometimes be lowered without "osteotomies" (breaking the bone). However, for most significant humps, the nasal bones must be precisely moved to "close the roof" of the nose, ensuring the bridge does not appear wide or flat from the front after the hump is removed.

A non-surgical option uses dermal filler to add volume around a small hump so the bridge looks straighter, but it adds material rather than removing the bump and the effect is temporary, usually several months. For a genuine, permanent reduction of the bone and cartilage, surgical dorsal hump removal is the only option. Mr Shoaib will advise which approach suits your nose at your consultation.

At Berkeley Square Medical, dorsal hump removal (also called dorsal hump reduction or nasal hump removal) is part of a rhinoplasty and is charged as a single, fixed, all-inclusive fee of £8,950, including any cartilage grafts, with finance and payment-plan options available.

For the right patient it can be, though whether it is worth it is a personal decision. Removing a dorsal hump gives a straighter, more balanced profile, and because bone and cartilage are removed the result is long-lasting, but a rhinoplasty is still surgery with a recovery period and, like any operation, some risk. Individual results vary, and your suitability and realistic outcome are assessed at your consultation with Mr Shoaib.

Yes. A dorsal hump on the nose is most reliably removed with surgery (dorsal hump removal rhinoplasty), which reshapes the bone and cartilage of the bridge for a lasting result. Very small or borderline bumps can sometimes be softened temporarily with a non-surgical approach, though this adds volume around the hump rather than removing it. Mr Shoaib will advise which is appropriate for your nose at your consultation.

As with any rhinoplasty, possible risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, infection, bleeding, a small residual or new irregularity, asymmetry, and, less often, breathing changes or a need for revision surgery. Serious complications are uncommon. Mr Shoaib explains the risks relevant to your nose in full at your consultation, and individual results vary.

Lowering the bone and cartilage is a permanent reduction, so the hump does not simply grow back. Early swelling can look like a small hump for several months, and occasionally a small callus or minor irregularity can form as healing finishes. Preservation techniques carry a recognised risk of the hump returning, which is why the technique is chosen for your nose. Results vary.

It should not. Removing a hump opens the top of the bridge, so Mr Shoaib narrows and closes it during the same operation, aiming to keep the front view balanced. The aim of planning it this way is a nose that looks straighter from the side without looking wider from the front, though individual results vary. This is discussed and imaged at your consultation.

Most patients find it is not painful. They describe a blocked, tight feeling and some tenderness over the bridge for a few days, which is usually well controlled with simple over-the-counter pain relief. The splint comes off at around day 7. Everyone differs, and your care team guides you throughout.

A hump you are born with usually becomes noticeable in the teenage years as the nose finishes growing; one caused by an injury can appear at any age. At Berkeley Square Medical, rhinoplasty is for adults aged 18 and over, once facial growth is complete.