Rhinoplasty, more commonly referred to as a nose job, is a plastic surgery procedure that is designed to improve either the function or appearance of the nose. The procedure was developed in the 19th century by Jacques Joseph to help those suffering from what was then known as a Jewish nose. Joseph was himself of Jewish descent and his thinking was more a sign of the times than a conscious anti-Semitic belief.

The procedure is becoming increasingly easy to perform and can doctors now have the option of using either local or general anesthetic. A small incision allows the surgeon to remove cartilage and bone and thus remove unwanted aspects of the nose. In some cases, the surgeon can use parts of the patients cartilage to add to the nose. This will be done in cases where the nose needs to be strengthened, or for cosmetic purposes such as improving the nasal tip.

The main uses of the procedure today are to improve breathing and for cosmetic reasons.