Dorsal hump reduction is rhinoplasty surgery that smooths or lowers a bump on the bridge of the nose, and tip plasty (tip refinement) reshapes the nasal tip, for example to make a broad, bulbous or drooping tip look more balanced. The two are often planned together as part of rhinoplasty. The result depends on your nasal anatomy, and swelling takes months to settle. This guide explains how hump and tip surgery works, who may consider it, the risks and recovery. Rhinoplasty in Kerala is available at Newface, Chengannur.

Also read: Rhinoplasty in Kerala, Wide Nose Correction Surgery, Revision Rhinoplasty in India

What Is a Dorsal Hump?

The dorsum is the bridge of the nose. A dorsal hump is a bump along the bridge, formed by a prominence of bone and cartilage. It is a natural variation, it is not harmful, and it can also develop after an injury. Many people choose rhinoplasty in Kerala to reduce a hump so that the nose looks smoother in profile. Some people with a hump do not want it changed, and that is also a personal choice.

What Is Tip Plasty?

Tip plasty, or tip refinement, is a procedure to reshape the cartilages at the end of the nose. It may be done to refine a bulbous or broad tip, to change the angle of the tip (rotation), to improve a drooping tip, or to improve symmetry. It may also be done to give the tip better support. Tip plasty can be planned with a hump reduction so that the changes balance each other.

Who May Consider Hump Reduction and Tip Plasty?

Adults in good general and mental health who have realistic expectations may consider surgery. The result is limited by factors such as your skin thickness and the shape of your nose, so it is important to discuss what is achievable with the surgeon. A full assessment, with photographs of your nose from different angles, helps the surgeon decide if surgery is right for you and which changes are needed.

How Is Hump Reduction and Tip Plasty Done?

1. Assessment and planning: the surgeon examines your nose, discusses your goals and plans the changes.
2. Anaesthesia: usually general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with sedation in some cases.
3. Approach: incisions are made either inside the nostrils (closed approach) or inside the nostrils and across the tissue between them (open approach).
4. Hump reduction: the surgeon reduces the bump by removing or rasping down the extra bone and cartilage on the bridge. After this, the nasal bones may need to be repositioned so that the sides of the nose come together, and sometimes grafts are placed to support the bridge and keep the airway open.
5. Tip refinement: the tip cartilages are reshaped, repositioned or supported with stitches or grafts.
6. Closure and support: the incisions are closed, and a splint is usually placed over the nose to protect it as it heals.

Can Hump Reduction Affect Breathing?

The bridge and the nasal valves are part of the airway. If too much bone or cartilage is removed, or the supporting structure is weakened, it can narrow the airway and cause breathing difficulty. This is why surgeons plan to keep or rebuild the support of the nose. Some people have both a hump and a breathing problem, such as a deviated septum, and both can be addressed in the same operation after an assessment.

Recovery After Hump Reduction and Tip Plasty

• Splint and dressing: a splint stays on the nose for about a week, and is then removed by the surgeon.
• Swelling and bruising: expect swelling, bruising and some discomfort for the first weeks. Bruising usually settles in one to two weeks. Swelling, especially at the tip, can take months to settle.
• Activity: many people return to work after about a week or two, and avoid strenuous activity and anything that could knock the nose for several weeks, as advised.
• Final result: the nose continues to heal and settle for months, and the final shape may take up to a year to become clear.
• Follow-up: attend your follow-up visits, and contact your doctor if you have heavy bleeding, fever, or increasing pain or swelling.

Risks of Dorsal Hump Reduction and Tip Plasty

As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness, breathing difficulty, asymmetry or an uneven bridge, a tip that does not look as planned, changes in the bridge or tip over time, and the need for further (revision) surgery. Your surgeon should explain the risks before surgery. Results are not guaranteed and vary from person to person.

What Affects the Cost of Rhinoplasty in India?

The cost depends on the extent of the surgery, whether grafts are needed, the surgeon’s fees, the hospital, anaesthesia and follow-up. A surgeon can give you an estimate after assessing your nose.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

• Is surgery suitable for me, and what are the alternatives?
• What can I realistically expect from the result?
• What are the risks that apply to me, including for breathing?
• What does recovery involve, and how long will it take?
• What follow-up is included?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dorsal hump reduction?
It is rhinoplasty surgery that smooths or lowers a bump on the bridge of the nose by reducing the extra bone and cartilage.

What is tip plasty?
It is a procedure that reshapes the cartilages at the end of the nose to refine the tip, change its angle or improve its support and symmetry.

Can hump reduction and tip plasty be done together?
Yes. They are often planned together so that the changes to the bridge and the tip balance each other.

How long is the recovery?
A splint stays on for about a week, many people return to work after one to two weeks, and swelling can take months to settle. The final result may take up to a year.

Can hump reduction affect breathing?
It can if too much bone or cartilage is removed or the support of the nose is weakened, which is why surgeons plan to preserve or rebuild support. Your surgeon will explain this.

Information provided by: Dr. Mathew P C, [QUALIFICATIONS], Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Registration status: [REGISTERED]. [STATE MEDICAL COUNCIL / NATIONAL MEDICAL REGISTER] registration no.: [NUMBER].

This page provides general health information for education only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and does not promise or guarantee any result. Outcomes vary from person to person.

Newface, 8J4F+X7X, Hatchery Junction, Chengannur, Kerala 689122. Phone: +91 8330077198

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