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Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic logo: Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Istanbul

Nasal Hump Rasping Surgery

Apr 15, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Oct 3

How Does a Hump Nose Form?

People who carry the genes for a hump nose aren't actually born with one. This nasal shape develops gradually as the person grows. During puberty, as the bone structure develops and matures, the hump encoded in the genes starts to become visible. Besides genetics, a hump can also develop later from childhood impacts, blows, or falls.

How Can You Tell If You Have a Hump Nose?

Ethnically, a nasal hump is especially common in the Black Sea region. You can spot it by looking at the nose in profile — it's a curve along the bridge of the nose that's easy to notice. Because of the hump, the tip of the nose tends to point downward.

Can a Hump Nose Cause Breathing Problems?

Beyond its effect on outward appearance, which can weigh on someone psychologically, a hump nose can also cause real breathing problems. The airway obstruction this shape creates gets in the way of comfortable, proper breathing. During hump nose surgery, the external deformity needs to be corrected alongside functional work on the airway. Afterward, the patient is free of the external hump and also breathes more comfortably thanks to the internal airway correction.

What Is Nasal Hump Rasping Surgery?

Nasal hump rasping surgery is when the plastic surgeon files down the bony ridge on the nose using a fine rasping instrument.

How Is a Hump Nose Corrected?

In this section, we'll summarize how hump nose surgery is actually performed. It's a surgical procedure that has to take place in a proper operating room, and it can be done under general or local anesthesia. Patients can usually go home the same day or the next. Which technique is used depends on the type of hump involved. The method most often used is rasping down the bony ridge on the bridge. Once the hump is removed, the bridge and tip are reshaped in proportion to the patient's facial features. Because the airway is also addressed, silicone splints with a hollow center are placed so the patient can keep breathing right after surgery, and a thermoplastic splint is applied over the bridge of the nose.

How Is Nasal Hump Rasping Surgery Performed?

Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, nasal hump rasping surgery doesn't involve breaking the nasal bone. Instead, the irregularities on the bony ridge are gently filed down with a pen-like instrument, gradually smoothing the bone. As with any rhinoplasty, this has to be shaped to suit the patient's facial features, and it's performed under general anesthesia.

Nasal Hump Rasping Surgery

In this part, we'll walk through the advantages and disadvantages of the rasping technique.


  • Because no bone is broken, bruising and swelling don't occur.

  • Afterward, simple painkillers and saline spray are usually enough to get through recovery quickly.

  • Patients return to daily life much sooner.

  • No external splint is needed.

  • Bleeding generally isn't expected.


  • If too much bone is filed away, it can lead to serious health issues.

  • If it isn't performed by the right hands, there's a risk of infection.

After Hump Nose Surgery

After hump nose surgery, the recovery period begins. Swelling and bruising vary depending on the patient's skin type. The splint and packing are removed after about a week, and taking them out isn't painful. After that, the patient can go back to social life, but needs to be careful to avoid any impact to the nose for the following two months. The surgeon will give detailed guidance on exactly what to watch out for.

What to Pay Attention to After Nasal Hump Rasping Surgery

As with any aesthetic procedure, there are a few points to keep in mind after nasal hump rasping surgery. Here's what to pay attention to:

  • Avoid smoking.

  • Follow the general rhinoplasty aftercare guidelines closely. You can find more detail in our article What to Pay Attention to After Rhinoplasty.

  • Take the medications prescribed after nasal hump rasping surgery exactly as directed.

  • Don't skip the saline spray you're given.

  • Avoid any impact to the nose.

  • Avoid sun exposure.

Hump Nose Surgery Cost

One of the most common questions from people with a hump nose who are considering surgery is ‘How much does hump nose surgery cost?’ As with any aesthetic procedure, there's no single fixed price for hump nose surgery. The cost depends on factors such as the nose's structure, the surgeon's experience, and the hospital where the procedure takes place. For a closer look at what determines rhinoplasty pricing, you're welcome to reach out directly, and for general information on the whole process — before, during and after surgery — you can visit our rhinoplasty page.

At What Age Can Hump Nose Surgery Be Performed?

Hump nose surgery can be performed on anyone who has turned 17 (for girls) or 18 (for boys). That said, it isn't recommended for people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, or diabetes unless the right precautions are taken first. As with any operation, it should only be performed by an experienced surgeon after a thorough examination.

Can a Hump Nose Be Corrected Without Surgery?

While very mild cases are sometimes said to improve without surgery, surgery remains the only real solution for a hump nose.

Can Massage Fix a Hump Nose?

Unfortunately, no exercise can fix a hump nose. What those exercises actually do is just improve blood circulation.

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