Rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, takes about 1 to 2 hours. During your consultation, Dr. Claytor will review the two techniques he typically uses, closed or open. The biggest difference between the two is the location of the incision during surgery. In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are within the nostrils. In open rhinoplasty, an incision is across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, Dr. Claytor gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose and then sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape.