Exposed nasal cartilage. How does this happen? Will I require surgery?

Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations. Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search. 

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  If you have exposed cartilage, then this may need to be repaired.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thanks so much for reaching out. Exposed cartilage would be very rare without a history of trauma or surgery. It may however if it is true require surgery to fix. This can be done at the same time as a septoplasty.I hope this helps :-)