Many people notice a bump along the profile of their nose, often described as a ridge on the bridge. This feature is a common variation in human facial anatomy. It represents a normal structural characteristic of the nose, though it can be a source of aesthetic concern for some individuals.
The Anatomical Terminology
The anatomical term for the bump on the nasal bridge is a dorsal hump or nasal hump. This structure is located along the nasal dorsum, the bridge extending from between the eyes down to the tip of the nose. The hump is a composite structure made of two types of tissue.
The upper portion consists of the nasal bones, which form the rigid, bony vault of the nose. The lower portion is composed of the upper lateral cartilages and part of the septal cartilage. The size of the dorsal hump is determined by the amount of excess bone and cartilage present. In common language, a nose with a noticeable dorsal hump is sometimes referred to as an aquiline or Roman nose.
Primary Causes and Development
The formation of a dorsal hump is generally attributed to genetics and trauma.
Genetic Development
The most common cause is an individual’s inherited genetics. If close family members have a noticeable bump, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting this nasal structure. This trait often becomes evident during puberty, as the nasal bones and cartilage undergo a significant growth phase. The hump results from a natural growth pattern where the bone and cartilage components grow larger than the surrounding nasal structures. This represents a normal variation rather than a defect.
Traumatic Origin
The second cause is an acquired or traumatic origin, resulting from a past injury to the nose. A blow or fracture can cause the nasal bones or the septal cartilage to heal unevenly or to misalign. Even minor trauma that occurred years earlier can lead to the uneven formation of scar tissue or bone callus, contributing to the appearance of a hump later in life.
Addressing the Appearance
Individuals concerned about the appearance of a dorsal hump have options for modification, primarily surgical and non-surgical.
Surgical Correction
The most definitive option is surgical correction through rhinoplasty. During this procedure, a specialist reshapes the nose by carefully removing or shaving down the excess bone and cartilage that forms the hump.
Non-Surgical Approach
A non-surgical approach offers an alternative for individuals with smaller bumps or those seeking a temporary change. This method involves the use of injectable dermal fillers, often called a non-surgical nose job. Fillers are strategically injected into the areas surrounding the hump to smooth out the nasal profile. By adding volume to depressed areas, this technique camouflages the protrusion and creates the illusion of a straighter bridge without reducing the hump’s size.