墨白 In the middle section of the nose, there is a protrusion that makes the side profile look like a hill – this condition is known as a hump-nosed nose (매부리코). In East Asia, it is actually more common than one might think, but since it affects the proportion of the facial features, many people are dissatisfied with their side views. In Taiwan, some people choose to undergo treatment locally, but an increasing number are turning to South Korea. South Korean plastic surgeons have accumulated extensive clinical experience in treating hump-nosed noses, and their surgical approaches are far more sophisticated than simply “smoothing out” the protrusion. This article discusses several mainstream correction methods in detail, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process.
What is a hump-nosed nose? Let’s first understand its structure.
The protrusion in the hump nose usually occurs in the upper middle section of the nasal bridge and can be caused by bony protrusions, cartilaginous protrusions, or a combination of both. From the front, this protrusion is not very noticeable, but the appearance changes significantly when viewed at a 45-degree angle or from the side. Before the surgery, the doctor will first determine the exact composition of the protrusion, as the treatment methods for bone and cartilage are different. This assessment plays a crucial role in determining the surgical approach.
Additionally, some individuals with hump noses also experience a wide nasal bridge, a drooping nose tip, or a deviated nasal septum (which can affect breathing). All these factors must be taken into consideration during the surgical planning process; otherwise, if only the hump nose is addressed, the overall proportions of the nose will still appear uneven.
Main surgical methods
Osteotomy – suitable for bony hump cases
Bony humpiness can only be resolved through Osteotomy. During the surgery, the doctor will make precise incisions on the nasal bone to remove the protruding bone tissue and then restructure the framework of the nose to smooth out its lateral contours. It is essential to control the angle and depth of the Osteotomy; merely “shaving off” the excess bone without reshaping it may result in a flat and collapsed nose, making this procedure particularly technically demanding.
Osteotomy is usually performed through an Open rhinoplasty incision (a small incision is made at the columella of the nose), which provides the surgeon with a better view and enables them to assess the entire nasal structure simultaneously. The operation takes approximately 90 minutes and is conducted under local anesthesia combined with sedation. Patients can be discharged on the same day without the need for hospitalization.
Cartilage reshaping and transplantation – ideal for cases of cartilaginous hump formation
If the hump is primarily composed of cartilage, then Osteotomy is not necessary; instead, direct trimming or reshaping is sufficient. Doctors may use autologous cartilage (from the ear or nasal septum) for local augmentation to smooth out the nasal bridge. Since the cartilage comes from the patient’s own body, it has good compatibility after surgery and is more stable than artificial materials.
This method causes less trauma and allows for a faster recovery. However, if there is not enough autologous cartilage available, it may sometimes be necessary to use cartilage from behind the ear or from the ribs. It is essential to discuss this in detail with your doctor beforehand.
Hump correction + nose tip reshaping (combined procedure)
Simply removing the hump does not necessarily result in a more harmonious proportion of the nose if the shape and height of the nose tip are not adjusted accordingly. In South Korea, it is common for plastic surgeons to combine the removal of the hump with surgery to reshape the nose tip – simultaneously elevating the nose tip and adjusting its angle to ensure that the line from the bridge of the nose to the tip appears smooth and cohesive.
The cost is higher than that of a single procedure, but the overall result is more satisfying. If you have already considered rhinoplasty, you can discuss this option with your doctor.
Overview of the surgical procedure
During the initial consultation, the doctor will use 3D CT scans or photographs to analyze the size and structural composition of the hump, and after confirming the surgical plan, the formal operation will be scheduled. The entire process is roughly as follows:
- Preoperative assessment: Take frontal, side, and 45-degree photographs; perform 3D analysis of bone and cartilage structures.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia combined with sedation, ensuring no pain throughout the procedure.
- Surgical procedure: Perform Osteotomy or软骨 trimming according to the plan, taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
- Observation and recovery: After the surgery, you can return home after staying in the clinic for 1 to 2 hours for observation.
- Sutures are removed 7 to 10 days later: By this time, the swelling has reduced by approximately 60
Postoperative recovery: Here’s what actually happens.
In the first two weeks after the procedure, swelling and bruising are quite noticeable, and a splint will be used to stabilize the nose bridge. For most people, the social-unfriendly swelling subsides to an acceptable level after about 2 to 3 weeks. It takes 3 to 6 months for the swelling to completely disappear, and the final outcome will only become stable after 1 year.
Seven days after the surgery, it is safe to wash your face and apply makeup, but direct impact or external pressure on the nose should be avoided for at least one month. It is recommended to wait until one month has passed before resuming strenuous exercise. One thing to keep in mind particularly is that after the Osteotomy, the nasal bone needs time to heal properly. If the nose is subjected to impact before the bone has stabilized, it may affect the final outcome of the procedure. During this period, it is also advisable to stop wearing glasses, as the nose pads can put pressure on the nasal bone.
For reference only
The cost of Revision Surgery for hump nose varies depending on individual circumstances, the complexity of the procedure, and the medical institution performing the surgery.
- Simple removal of hump-like protrusions (mild cartilaginous cases): Starting from NT$60,000
- Osteotomy (for bony hump): Starting from NT$120,000
- Hump correction + nose tip reshaping (combined procedure): Starting from NT$180,000
The above figures are merely reference ranges; the actual costs will depend on individual circumstances and the doctor’s assessment. When seeking medical treatment in Korea, additional expenses for air tickets, accommodation, and other related costs must also be taken into account. It is generally recommended to stay in Seoul for at least 7 to 10 days to facilitate post-treatment follow-up and suture removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If the hump is not very prominent, can it be filled with Filler?
These tiny cartilaginous protrusions can sometimes be treated by using Filler to fill in the areas above and below them, which visually makes the nose appear smoother. However, this does not actually remove the hump; the effect is purely cosmetic, and regular injections are required. For bony humps, there are no non-surgical options; Osteotomy is necessary to make any real changes.
Q: Will breathing be affected after an Osteotomy?
Osteotomy affects the external structure of the nasal bridge but, under normal circumstances, does not impact the nasal passages. If pre-operative breathing difficulties are caused by a deviated nasal septum, this condition can be corrected during the same surgery. In some cases, patients experience improved breathing after the procedure.
Q: Will the results of hump correction reverse after the procedure?
The removed bone will not grow back; the effects of the surgery are essentially permanent. In the case of Filler injections, the results will gradually fade over time due to metabolic processes, and regular maintenance is required.
Q: How do Taiwanese people handle language barriers when undergoing surgery in South Korea?
In the Gangnam district of Seoul, there are numerous medical institutions that provide Chinese translation services, and some also offer consultation in Traditional Chinese. It is recommended to verify the Chinese-language support capabilities of these institutions through medical intermediaries or booking platforms before the procedure, to avoid any misunderstandings that could affect the pre-operative instructions.
How to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon in South Korea?
If you want to undergo Revision rhinoplasty in South Korea, trying to find a clinic on your own through the internet can be time-consuming and may also lead to making mistakes. BeautsGO is currently the leading reservation platform that connects patients with medical beauty clinics in South Korea. It has partnered with over 849 clinics and more than 1,457 specialist doctors, and its cumulative number of registered users has exceeded 85,000.
The process is very straightforward: simply search for the surgical procedure or clinic that interests you, select the consultation or surgery date, and submit your reservation to await confirmation. For plastic surgery appointments, you can undergo an online consultation before traveling to South Korea, so as to confirm the treatment plan with the doctor before making the trip – this saves you the expense of a separate visit just for a preliminary consultation. BeautsGO is available for download on both the iOS App Store and Google Play, and there is also a web version that can be used directly.
In summary
Revision rhinoplasty for hump noses is not a particularly complex procedure, but it requires doctors to have a clear understanding of the nasal structure – whether the protrusion is caused by bone or cartilage, its severity, and whether other issues need to be addressed simultaneously. Choosing a doctor with specialized experience in treating hump noses and ensuring that all details are thoroughly discussed before the surgery are the most important steps. Comparing different options and reviewing real case photos is far more helpful than simply looking at advertisements.
