What makes the structure of the nose?
The shape of the nose arises from a cartilaginous framework in its lower two thirds and a bony upper portion. The outer cartilages are paired and called the upper and lower lateral (alar) cartilages.
Within the nose, a midline wall called the nasal septum separates the nasal cavity. This is also made of cartilage in its anterior portion and bone in its posterior part..
This image shows a side view of the nasal septum with the blue coloured parts being made of cartilage and the yellow parts being bone
When these cartilaginous and bony structures are either asymmetrical or their proportions are not in harmony with other facial features, an operation may be beneficial.