Introduction: in 2022, rhinoplasty was the third most common facial surgical procedure in the US, with 45,000 interventions. Since its inception in 1887, it has evolved to address aesthetic, respiratory and reconstructive needs, with pioneering keys to the development of current techniques. Nose surgery is complex, involving aesthetic, functional and psychological factors, as well as changes over time, making it difficult to predict outcomes. Objective: to detail current information related to the anatomy and physiology of the nose, rhinoplasty, indications, contraindications, preoperative and surgical treatment. Methodology: a total of 42 articles were analyzed in this review, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 28 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used to search for information in Spanish, Portuguese and English were: rhinoplasty, nose anatomy, rhinoseptoplasty, nose surgery, reconstructive surgery. Results: include aesthetic and functional improvement of the nose, allowing patients to obtain a more balanced facial appearance and improved breathing. Correction of deformities such as dorsal hump, nasal tip modification and restoration of the internal nasal valve anatomy are key to obtaining a natural and harmonious nasal shape. In addition, the precise surgical approach at the alar base and nasal septum contributes significantly to the improvement of breathing, minimizing nasal obstructions. Conclusions: Rhinoplasty is a complex surgical procedure that requires a meticulous and personalized approach for each patient, depending on their needs and anatomical characteristics. The combination of techniques, such as septoplasty, dorsal hump modification and nasal tip management, demonstrates the diversity of approaches that exist to address different aesthetic and functional problems of the nose. Incisions, both open and endonasal, must be made with precision to ensure proper exposure and adequate healing. In addition, proper management of the internal nasal valve and alar base is crucial to ensure both aesthetic and functional improvement in breathing.