Everything to know about hump nose surgery

If you have been reading our previous articles on nose surgery, you would know that we have been emphasizing on your nose, being the most prominent feature of your nose, and how it can play a role in your appearances.

With your nose as the center of attraction of your face, a hump or bump on your nose, is not gonna score you brownie points. And also, not many people can pull off that hump nose look, so don’t even try. And even for those who can, trust me, they’ll look even better without the hump.

Because well, humped noses make you look unfriendly and strong (not in a good way). Its hardly even aesthetically pleasing actually. But thankfully, treating it is not complicated. So let’s find out how!

What is a hump nose?

The shape of your nose, especially your nose bridge, impacts the aesthetics of your face. And in particular, your side profile. A hump nose is a nose with a protruding bump in the center of the nose bridge, and the hump is especially obvious when viewed from the side. This hump could be genetic or caused by a previous injury to your nose which did not heal correctly.

A hump on the top of your nose bridge is usually bony, whereas a hump lower down consists mostly of cartilage. But sometimes, getting your hump removed is not all. In many cases, especially for Asians, nose bridge enhancement and tip plasty is performed at the same time to aesthetically enhance their noses. Because, why not, right?

What is the golden ratio for Korean noses?

By now you should know that our nose is the most prominent feature on our face, and our nose tip, the focal point on our face.

In order to find out if you need hump nose surgery or any other additional rhinoplasty procedures, check whether your current nose is already optimal for your face below.

Optimal nose ratio for women:

• Ideal ratio between the forehead-eyebrows, eyebrows-nose, and nose-chin is 1:1:1.
• Optimal ratio between the length of eyes and width of nose is 1:1:1.
• Inner corner of eyes and corner of nose should be vertically aligned.
• Outer corner of eyes and corner of nose should be diagonally aligned.
• Ideal angle for the “sunken” area at the top of nose (nasofrontal angle) is 120°~140°.
• Optimal angle between the nose and upper lip (nasolabial angle) is 95°-110°.
• Having a supratip break (subtle indentation just above nose tip) is considered attractive for a woman’s nose.
• Slightly curved nose bridges makes women look more feminine.

Optimal nose ratio for men:

• Ideal ratio between the forehead-eyebrows, eyebrows-nose, and nose-chin is 1:1:1.
• Optimal ratio between the length of eyes and width of nose is 1:1:1.
• Inner corner of eyes should be vertically aligned with corner of nose.
• Outer corner of eyes should be diagonally aligned with corner of nose.
• Ideal angle for the “sunken” area at the top of nose (nasofrontal angle) is 140°~150°.
• Optimal angle between the nose and upper lip (nasolabial angle) is 90°-105°.
• Straight nose bridges makes men look more masculine.

How is hump nose surgery in Korea done?

Generally, it is not complicated to correct a humped nose. Because it’s just about shaving off the bump and carving out a smooth nose bridge. If you are worried about the results, you can start with other alternatives to hump nose surgery as well.

What are the methods used for hump nose surgery?

There are 2 methods used for short nose correction rhinoplasty – open method and closed method.

As always, the open rhinoplasty approach is most preferred because it enables the surgeon to have full visibility of your nasal structures which allows for greater precision in reshaping your nose. In short, more accurate results.

1. Open rhinoplasty

The open approach involves a cut across your columella (the narrow strip of skin separating your nostrils). This method allows the surgeon full access to your nose, and enables for major or complex reshaping. Hence, a high chance of achieving your desired results.

2. Closed rhinoplasty

The closed approach involves incisions inside your nose, so there’s no obvious scarring. However, this method limits the surgeon’s access of your nose. Hence, major or complex reshaping is not possible. It is suitable only if minor work is required.

How long does the surgery take?

Hump nose surgery in Korea usually lasts 1~2 hrs, and is performed under local anesthesia so you will not feel any pain.

When can I see results?

Major swelling and bruising for rhinoplasty lasts up to 1 week but accurate results are visible after 1 month. Final results can be seen after 1 year. Also, you will need to wear an external splint on your nose to support the shape of your new nose. But it will usually be removed after 7 days, so no worries!

Do take note that the success of your hump nose surgery not only lies in the hands of your surgeon but also how you well you recover after surgery. So learn how to properly care for yourself during the recovery period by reading our article on nose surgery aftercare and post-op instructions.

Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.

How long should I stay in Korea?

Hump nose surgery in Korea is not considered a major surgery so hospitalization is not required. But do stay until your stitches are removed. And go shopping in the meantime!

Stitch removal

Stitches are usually removed 7 days after surgery.

Cautions on stitch removal

If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, your wound might reopen, causing an infection. And if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation.

Sometimes, due to time constraints, you might consider having your stitches removed at the local hospitals in your home country. Although that is possible (but not recommended), it depends on how well you have been healing and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.

Alternatives to hump nose surgery

The other alternative to hump nose surgery is nose fillers.  Dermal fillers injected above and below the hump can reduce its protruding appearance by filling up the gaps. However, such procedures are temporary and its results typically lasts from 6~12 months only.

Still, it could be a good way to see how much your appearance can change without the hump. And if you are unhappy with the results, give it some time and the fillers will dissolve itself. Otherwise, you can get injections to dissolve those fillers as well.

What other surgery complements hump nose surgery?

Sometimes, getting a nose job alone might not be sufficient to achieve the looks that you want!

1. Eyelid surgery

More often than not, double eyelid surgery and/or canthoplasty is combined with rhinoplasty to further enhance your looks.

2. Philtrum reduction surgery

If you have a long philtrum, you might need a philtrum reduction surgery. However, do note that philtrum reduction surgery should be done 6 months after your nose job.

Conclusion

Having a protruding hump on your nose does considerably affect our facial aesthetics, in all truthfulness. With your nose being the focal point of your face, having a hump can attract attention to your nose, in a bad way. Fortunately, removing that hump is not complicated, but it does require a highly experienced plastic surgeon to be able to achieve good results. Because if done badly, it can cause breathing issues. Therefore, choose your surgeon wisely!

Also, once that hump is shaved down, the nose bridge will look lower than before. As a result, many get nose bridge enhancement and tip plasty at the same time, especially if you do not have a high nose bridge to start with. Because, why not?

Nevertheless, regardless of a low or high nose bridge, getting rid of the hump on your nose, will already make your face more aesthetically pleasing, for sure!