Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, can change the nose's size in relation to a person's face, the width of the bridge of the nose, the position, size, and shape of the nostrils, and the profile of the nose. Rhinoplasty can also reshape the tip of the nose and correct an asymmetrical nose. It is also an option for correcting birth defects and noses that are misshapen due to accidents or trauma. In some cases, rhinoplasty can correct breathing problems that are due to a deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage between the two nostrils, dividing the nasal cavity in to its halves. Ideally, septums are straight, but sometimes they are shifted away from the midline and can sometimes cause difficulty in breathing.

While rhinoplasty originated as a plastic surgery method to correct breathing problems or fix noses that had suffered trauma, today rhinoplasty can be used to make subtle changes to the size and shape of the nose. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures year after year. Around 15% of rhinoplasties will require revision. In general, revision rhinoplasty is a more complex operation than the original rhinoplasty.

The best candidates for rhinoplasty are those who are self-conscious or unhappy about the shape of their nose. Some may be unhappy with the effects of the aging process on the nose. Slight changes in nose shape can make an enormous difference in appearance. But it is important to have realistic expectations for rhinoplasty. A good candidate for rhinoplasty is interested in improvement rather than a completely different nose. Though the effects can be dramatic, it isn't good for a rhinoplasty candidate to expect that the surgery will transform their appearance completely. Good rhinoplasty candidates are also generally " psychologically healthy .

Though many teenagers would like to have rhinoplasty, it should wait until after the mid-teens, and sometimes later. During adolescence, features don't always grow and change at the same time. It is possible that the nose that looks too big at age 14 looks well-balanced at 18, once other facial features like the jawline have finished maturing.

In some cases, rhinoplasty is accompanied by other procedures to improve facial proportion and balance. Chin augmentation is probably the most common adjunct procedure for rhinoplasty. Many patients choose to have rhinoplasty and other procedures like chin augmentation at the same time to save on costs, and to reduce risks of going under anesthesia multiple times.