The nasal tip and resultant nostril shape have complex anatomical structure consisting of a cartilaginous framework and skin and soft tissue envelope. When preparing to perform rhinoplasty operations, it is important to consider ethnic and individual variations in the nasal tip, the nostril shape, and internal structure. By dividing the nasal tip into its respective subunits, the rhinoplastic surgeon can then formulate a systematic and pragmatic approach to the nasal base, lateral wall, and columella. Altering or augmenting one or all of these areas results in changes to the nasal tip and to the shape and orientation of the nostril.