The difference between a hump, bulbous tip, deviation and wide nasal base: which procedure is right for you?

In this blog, I explain the most common nasal characteristics, a hump, bulbous tip, deviation, and wide nasal base and which surgical approach best suits each situation.

1.What is a nasal hump?

A hump is a visible bump on the nasal bridge, usually most noticeable in profile. It can consist of bone, cartilage, or a combination of both.

What do I often see with a hump?

• an interrupted or curved nasal bridge

• a visible bump made of bone and/or cartilage

• a nose that appears dominant from the side

Which procedure is suitable?

A hump is usually treated with a subtle lowering of the nasal bridge, often using the preservation rhinoplasty technique. The goal is not to flatten the nose, but to create a smooth, natural bridge line that fits the face.

2. What is a bulbous tip?

A bulbous tip refers to a nasal tip that appears round, wide or bulky. This is usually caused by the shape and position of the tip cartilage, sometimes combined with thicker skin.

Characteristics of a bulbous tip

• a wide or rounded nasal tip

• limited definition

• the nose appears larger from the front than from the side

Which procedure is suitable?

A bulbous tip requires refinement and restructuring of the cartilage, rather than simply removing tissue. I work very precisely so that the nasal tip:

• appears slimmer

• has better definition

• maintains natural movement

• does not look pinched or artificial

Subtlety is essential here.

3. What is a deviation (crooked nose)?

With a deviation, the nose is visibly crooked. This can be congenital or caused by trauma or previous surgery.

What do I see with a deviation?

• visible asymmetry from the front

• a nasal bridge that does not run straight

• sometimes breathing problems

Which procedure is suitable?

Correcting a crooked nose is technically more complex. It involves both aesthetic and functional balance.

The procedure may include:

• straightening bone and cartilage

• correcting the nasal septum

• restoring stability and breathing function

The goal is a nose that looks straighter and functions well, without tension on the structures.

4. Wat is een brede neusbasis?

The nasal base is the lower part of the nose, at the level of the nostrils. With a wide nasal base, the nostrils are positioned relatively far apart.

Characteristics

• a wide nose when viewed from the front

• the nose dominates the face

• often genetically or ethnically determined

Which procedure is suitable?

A wide nasal base can be refined with a nasal base reduction, using very small incisions at the sides of the nostrils.

Important considerations include:

• preserving natural proportions

• respecting ethnicity and facial features

• keeping scars as inconspicuous as possible

5. Combinations are common

In practice, I rarely see just one characteristic. Common combinations include:

• a hump combined with a bulbous tip

• a deviated nose combined with a wide nasal base

• asymmetry combined with a prominent nasal bridge

This is why rhinoplasty is always customised. I never assess one feature in isolation, but always consider the nose in relation to the entire face.

6. The consultation: determining what is truly needed

During the consultation, we discuss:

• what bothers you about your nose

• which characteristics are present

• what is technically and aesthetically possible

• which adjustments will have the greatest effect

• how to maintain a natural result

Using photo analysis and simulation, it often becomes clear that small, targeted adjustments make the biggest difference.

Conclusion

A hump, bulbous tip, deviated nose or wide nasal base each requires a different approach. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, your wishes and the balance of your face.

My goal is always the same: to create a nose that brings harmony to the face and feels natural.

Curious to see what I can do for you? Please submit your details and the requested photos via the form on this page.