Correction of wide nasal bones is accomplished by surgically cutting/breaking the bones (called osteotomies) and repositioning them into a more favorable orientation. Osteotomies are performed during rhinoplasty for several reasons. Narrowing a wide bridge (top of nose): One of the most common reasons for surgically breaking the nose is to narrow the bridge after removal of a dorsal hump. When a hump is removed, it leaves a gap along the top of the bridge. This gap needs to be closed so that there is not a depression on the top of the bridge. Narrowing a wide boney base (sides of nose): When the nose is wide where the nasal bones meet the cheek bones, osteotomies can be performed to narrow the width. This usually gives the bridge more definition from the front. Straightening a deviated or crooked nose: If the nasal bones are crooked, they can be repositioned to give the nose a straighter appearance. Different surgeons perform osteotomies in different ways, but the basic premise is that a delicate instrument is used to surgically cut the bones under the skin. The surgeon then repositions them to acheive the desired result. Osteotomies usually increase the amount of bruising and swelling, but when performed correctly, can dramatically improve the appearance of the nose.