Dorsal Hump Treatment in Cincinnati
A dorsal hump can make the nose look larger. Dr. Jeffrey Harmon is a fellowship trained double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is specialized in treating a dorsal hump in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Contact Us
What Is Dorsal Hump?
A dorsal hump is a curve or slope to the nasal bridge. It is the most obvious convexity on side view of the nose. There can be evidence of a dorsal hump on three-quarters and front views as well.
The nasal dorsum, also known as the nasal bridge, is a ridge encompassing approximately the upper two-thirds of the nose, separate from the nasal tip. It is composed of paired cartilage, also known as the upper lateral cartilage, in the center and paired nasal bones up top.
A dorsal hump convexity can vary in shape and size. It can slope gently or sharply. It can be composed primarily of cartilage, bone, or be a mixture of both. It can be narrow or bow outward, which is most obvious on the front view.
A dorsal hump is very frequently bothersome aesthetically to patients, who seek to treat it, surgically, or non-surgically.
What Causes Dorsal Hump Nose?
It is primarily the result of genetics. It is likely that one or both parents also have dorsal humps. Less frequently, trauma to the nose can lead to a fracture that results in a dorsal hump. The condition can also be secondary to trauma if often deviated to one side.
What Can Dorsal Hump Be Confused With?
It is generally clear to patients what a dorsal hump is, though they usually do not know what it is composed of.
How Is Dorsal Hump Treated?
It is primarily treated with rhinoplasty surgery. A dorsal hump is frequently treated along with other nasal concerns, including:
- Nasal obstruction, especially if the dorsal hump is secondary to trauma.
- Aesthetic concerns about the nasal tip.
The slope of the dorsal hump is reduced variably depending on a patient’s:
- Anatomy
- Aesthetic goals
Various instruments are available to remove some of the cartilage and bone, shaping the dorsum to achieve an aesthetic goal. The dorsal hump rhinoplasty procedure can be performed through a small incision at the base of the nose connected to incisions inside the nose (open approach) or entirely through incisions inside the nose (closed approach), which is especially common when a dorsal hump is the only feature being treated with surgery.
Finally, there is a small subset of individuals whose dorsal hump can be softened in appearance using hyaluronic acid fillers. These individuals tend to have a sharply angled dorsal hump on an overall small nose, consistent with the inherent limits of using fillers to treat the nose.
Why Is Dr. Harmon an Expert at Treating a Dorsal Hump?
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon started his training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Also known as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery, an otolaryngologist treats the full spectrum of conditions related to the nose, including:
- Nasal trauma
- Aesthetic rhinoplasty
- Head and neck cancer
- Sinus disease
As a result, Dr. Harmon has broad and deep experience in treating nasal anatomy. He earned board certification in ENT after completing residency training.
He followed residency training with subspecialized fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He trained with Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the world’s premier facial plastic surgeons, on the Upper East Side of New York City. He trained extensively in the nuances of aesthetic rhinoplasty surgery, eventually gaining the necessary experience and expertise to earn his second board certification in facial plastic surgery.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.