Rhinoplasty is the reshaping of the nose. It can be performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes an hour or two, although a complicated procedure may take longer. Most incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. The skin and tissues of the nose along with the underlying bone and cartilage are sculpted by the surgeon to yout desired new shape.

If your nose is too large, for example, your surgeon may sculp away cartilage to reduce its size. Noses that point up or droop down can be redirected by trimming the septum which divides the two nasal passages. Skin can be removed from both sides of the nostrils at the center, to narrow the base of the nose. Sometimes the contour can be improved by adding tissue.