Long, humped nose to a smaller and more feminine shape > O.P Column

Hello, this is Dr. Hyungtaek Kim from Kowon Plastic Surgery.

Today, I’d like to introduce a case involving a female patient with a long, prominent humped nose.

Among the many factors that contribute to a feminine appearance, the nose plays one of the most significant roles.

A nose that is long, large, or has a pronounced hump can often create a stronger, more masculine impression.

It may also give off an expression that appears serious, stubborn, or even slightly sad, which is why many women consider a humped nose to be a personal concern.

For men, even if they have a large or humped nose, they often perceive it as a strong, masculine feature rather than a concern.

However, for women, the perception tends to be quite different.

This patient has naturally beautiful facial features, but her nose appeared overly large with a pronounced hump and a curved bridge.

Additionally, the drooping nasal tip, in contrast to the high bridge, gave off a downcast and masculine impression.

At a 45-degree angle, you can also see that the nasal bridge is relatively wide, meaning that reducing the overall size of the nose was an important consideration.

Many might think that simply reducing the size of a large nose is a straightforward process. However, the nose is a complex and delicate structure with both aesthetic and functional roles. Since the nose plays a crucial role in breathing, it’s essential to consider both form and function when performing surgery.

In fact, many patients with a humped nose also experience nasal congestion or rhinitis symptoms. If there is an internal structural deviation, it can cause breathing difficulties, which is why a CT scan is necessary to properly assess the condition.

By addressing not only aesthetic concerns but also functional issues, we can provide patients with a comprehensive solution—enhancing both their appearance and breathing comfort.

Rhinoplasty isn't just about reducing nasal height or size—it’s also about ensuring proper function. If there are deviated structures inside the nose, we correct them, and if there is hypertrophic tissue, we carefully remove it. To enhance both aesthetic results and breathing function, we often perform rhinitis surgery alongside rhinoplasty.

This allows patients to enjoy not only a more refined nasal shape but also improved airflow and breathing comfort.

Since the patient originally had a high nasal bridge, it was necessary to perform osteotomy to narrow and lower the bridge, creating a smoother and more refined contour.

After surgery, you can see that the patient now has a softer, more youthful, and feminine appearance—along with improved breathing comfort.

In this case, the patient preferred to retain a slight hint of their natural nasal hump for a more subtle and natural look.

For patients who originally have a high nose, keeping a slight hump can help maintain their natural features while ensuring that the results do not appear overly surgical. This approach also allows us to address both functional concerns (breathing issues) and aesthetic improvements in a balanced way.

In the photos, there is still some minor post-surgical swelling, which makes the bridge appear even smoother than it will be once fully healed.