0455 859 548A dorsal hump on the nose is one of the most common reasons people start considering rhinoplasty, whether surgical or non-surgical. It refers to a raised area on the nasal bridge, which can be made up of bone, cartilage, or a combination of both. While traditional rhinoplasty involves surgically adjusting the bone and cartilage to create a flatter nasal bridge, non-surgical rhinoplasty uses a volume-adding treatment to contour the shape of the nose externally. But can it actually fix a dorsal hump? That’s where understanding what non-surgical rhinoplasty can and can’t do becomes important.
What is non-surgical rhinoplasty, and how does it work?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a temporary, volume-adding substance to change the shape of the nose without surgery. It’s often performed in a clinic setting, with the treatment typically taking less than an hour. The aim isn’t to remove or reduce tissue but to balance the shape of the nose by adding volume in specific areas.
When treating a dorsal hump, the volume-adding material is often placed just above or below the hump to create a straighter bridge line. This can make the nose appear more even from the side profile. Since the actual structure of the hump remains underneath, the correction is purely optical. The hump is still there, but it becomes less noticeable because of the way the light reflects along the adjusted shape.
Can non-surgical rhinoplasty reduce the size of a dorsal hump?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty cannot physically remove or reduce a dorsal hump, as it doesn’t involve any alteration to bone or cartilage. Instead, it conceals the hump by adding volume around it. This is why it can only be used in certain cases – typically when the hump is relatively mild or moderate in size.
For example, if the hump is small, a slight addition of volume above the nasal bridge can smooth the transition and make the profile look straighter. However, when the hump is more prominent, the amount of volume needed to mask it would add too much height to the bridge overall, which can make the nose look larger from the front. In such cases, surgical rhinoplasty may be the more suitable option, as it allows the hump to be physically reduced rather than camouflaged.
What determines if you’re suitable for non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Suitability for non-surgical rhinoplasty largely depends on the structure of your nose and the type of changes you’re hoping to achieve. Those with a small or moderate dorsal hump, a relatively straight nasal bridge, and good skin quality are generally considered suitable candidates. It’s also important that there are no previous nasal surgeries or structural issues that might complicate treatment.
Your cosmetic doctor will assess the bridge, tip, and overall shape of your nose during a consultation to determine whether the treatment would work well for your anatomy. They’ll also discuss the limits of what can be achieved non-surgically.
How long do the results last?
The results of a non-surgical rhinoplasty are temporary. The volume-adding substance gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body over time. Most results last between nine and 18 months, though this can vary depending on the type of product used, how much was applied, and the individual’s metabolism.
Since the material is not permanent, the shape of the nose will slowly return to its original form once the effects wear off. Some patients choose to have repeat treatments to maintain the same appearance, while others may decide later on to consider a surgical approach for a more permanent change.
What happens during the procedure?
During the treatment, a topical anaesthetic is often applied to the area to minimise discomfort. The cosmetic doctor then strategically places the volume-adding substance in specific areas around the nasal bridge. Each placement is carefully controlled to ensure the added volume blends seamlessly with the natural contours of the nose.
Since the treatment doesn’t involve any incisions or bone adjustment, there is minimal downtime. Most patients can return to their normal routine soon after, although mild redness, swelling, or tenderness can occur for a few days. It’s important to avoid pressing or touching the treated area during this time to allow the material to integrate evenly.
What are the limitations of non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Although non-surgical rhinoplasty can help disguise a dorsal hump, there are clear limitations to what it can achieve. It can’t make the nose smaller, correct breathing issues, or change the internal structure of the nasal bones or cartilage. The treatment focuses purely on contouring and balance from an aesthetic perspective.
For those with larger dorsal humps or a significant curvature in the bridge, the technique may not be able to create a realistic balance. Adding enough volume to even out a pronounced hump could make the nose appear overly raised or wide. In such cases, a surgical rhinoplasty would be needed to physically remove or adjust the underlying bone and cartilage for a more proportionate result.
How does surgical rhinoplasty differ?
Surgical rhinoplasty directly alters the internal structure of the nose. To reduce a dorsal hump, the cosmetic doctor removes or reshapes sections of bone and cartilage along the bridge. This change is permanent and allows for more precise control over the size and shape of the nose.
Recovery from surgical rhinoplasty is naturally more extensive, involving a few weeks of swelling and bruising, but it provides long-term results that non-surgical methods can’t achieve. It’s often chosen by those who want to permanently address the shape of their nose rather than rely on ongoing maintenance treatments.
What should you expect after non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Straight after the treatment, mild swelling or redness is quite common but usually subsides within a few days. The treated area may feel slightly firm to the touch at first, though this will soften as the material settles into place. It’s usually advised to avoid glasses pressing against the bridge for the first week, as well as any strenuous activity that could cause trauma to the area.
Since there are no surgical incisions, there is no scarring involved, and normal activities can typically be resumed soon after. Your cosmetic doctor may schedule a review appointment to check how the treatment has settled and to determine if any minor adjustments are needed.
Is non-surgical rhinoplasty right for you? Book a consultation with Brisbane Cosmetic Physician, Dr Scott
If your goal is to disguise a mild dorsal hump and you prefer a non-invasive option with little downtime, non-surgical rhinoplasty may be a suitable choice. However, it’s not a replacement for surgical rhinoplasty when structural changes are required. The best approach depends entirely on the size of the hump, the shape of your nose, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Discussing your options with a cosmetic doctor who regularly performs non-surgical rhinoplasty will help you make an informed decision. They can examine your nose in detail, explain the limitations, and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your facial structure and goals.
To book a consultation with Brisbane Cosmetic Physician Dr Scott Horsburgh, please get in touch with our team.
Further Reading about Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty with Dr Scott:
- Read Dr Scott’s non-surgical rhinoplasty page
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: How long does non surgical rhinoplasty last?
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Liquid nose reshaping with Dr Scott: Who is a suitable candidate?
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Non surgical rhinoplasty aftercare
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Liquid rhinoplasty vs. PDO thread-based rhinoplasty: Which is right for you?
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Myths about non-surgical nose reshaping
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Wearing glasses after non-surgical rhinoplasty
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: What to avoid after liquid rhinoplasty?
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: When is non surgical rhinoplasty better than classic nose reshaping surgery?
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: How long does swelling last after liquid rhinoplasty?
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: How to choose the right Brisbane doctor for non surgical rhinoplasty?
Medical References about Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
