Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer and may depend on anesthesia type. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape.
When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.