How to Correct a Dorsal Hump Nose

Camel hump nose—clinically termed dorsal nasal hump—is a common aesthetic concern characterized by a prominent convexity along the bridge of the nose, typically resulting from excess bone and/or cartilage in the nasal dorsum. This feature may be congenital, hereditary, or acquired following trauma or prior nasal surgery.

Correction of a dorsal hump is most reliably achieved through rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure that reshapes the nasal structure to improve both appearance and, when indicated, function. During open or closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon carefully removes or reduces the excess osseous and cartilaginous tissue under direct visualization. Bone is contoured using osteotomes or powered instrumentation, while the upper lateral cartilages and septal cartilage are refined with precision scissors or rasps. In many cases, controlled osteotomies (lateral nasal bone cuts) are performed afterward to narrow and realign the nasal pyramid, preventing an “open roof” deformity and ensuring smooth dorsal contouring.

Non-surgical options—such as injectable soft-tissue fillers—are occasionally used for minor dorsal irregularities or to camouflage subtle humps; however, they cannot reduce actual structural excess and carry risks including vascular compromise, asymmetry, and granuloma formation. These approaches are temporary and unsuitable for significant humps or functional impairment.

Patient evaluation requires comprehensive assessment—including facial proportions, skin thickness, nasal valve integrity, and breathing function—to determine candidacy and tailor the surgical plan. Preoperative imaging, discussion of realistic expectations, and shared decision-making are essential components of ethical, patient-centered care.