Ahlam Al Shamsi and her rhinoplasty: the story in her own words

What did Ahlam say about her nose surgery?

Emarat Al Youm reported that she documented the experience in videos filmed with her doctor, three months after the operation. She said: “There is no trace, thank God, today after three months. I did my nose with the doctor and I am very happy with the result; the shape of the nose has become balanced, especially the nostrils.”

She was clear that singing came first: “When I did my nose, it had to not block my singing, my voice had to stay open. The whole goal of the first operation was for my voice to come back, because it bothered me that my voice did not show its range.” Hia Magazine added that she described the nostrils as uneven before, which affected her breathing while singing, and quoted her explaining why she shared it: “Honestly, I am so happy with my result, I want everyone to benefit.” Annahar reported the same videos.

That is all we rely on here. The article does not add medical details beyond her words, and the sections below explain rhinoplasty in general, not her operation.

Why a singer talks about breathing

For a professional voice, the nose is not only about looks. The nasal passages take part in breathing and in how the voice resonates, so a singer’s first question is whether an operation will change the way she sounds. Ahlam put that question first and said the answer mattered more to her than appearance. Her openness shows a point many patients miss: rhinoplasty can combine a change in shape with work on breathing, and it is worth telling the surgeon exactly what matters to you before planning starts.

How rhinoplasty is done today

Rhinoplasty changes the shape of the nose and, if needed, improves breathing. The main variants:

• Open rhinoplasty — a small incision on the columella (the skin between the nostrils) gives the surgeon a full view of the structures.
• Closed rhinoplasty — all incisions are inside the nose, with no visible scar.
• Septorhinoplasty — shape correction combined with straightening the nasal septum to improve breathing.

Bone work is done with an ultrasonic piezo device. Which option suits a patient is decided by the surgeon after the examination.

Who is it for?

People consider rhinoplasty because of a hump, a wide or drooping tip, asymmetry after an injury or difficulty breathing through the nose. The optimal age is 18–45, and older patients can be operated on if their health allows. Before surgery patients have blood tests, a coagulation panel, infection tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray and an X-ray or CT of the sinuses. Preparation starts about 21 days before; blood-thinning drugs (only with the doctor’s approval), alcohol and smoking are stopped a week before.

Recovery step by step

The first 24 hours are spent in the clinic’s inpatient unit. For the first days patients breathe through the mouth because of splints in the nostrils; swelling and bruising are possible. Nasal splints come out on day 7, the external splint and stitches by day 14. For a month there is no exercise, sauna, pool, hot baths or sunbathing, and mild congestion can last 1–1.5 months. First improvements are visible after 2–3 weeks, healing takes about 4 months and the final shape appears in 1–1.5 years. Ahlam spoke about her result at three months, which fits this timeline. The schedule below summarises the stages.

1. First 24 hoursObservation in the clinic's inpatient unit after surgery.
2. Days 1–3Mouth breathing because of splints in the nostrils; swelling and bruising are possible.
3. Day 7Nasal splints are removed.
4. Day 14The external splint and stitches are removed.
5. Weeks 2–4First visible improvements; still no sport, sauna, pool or sun for a month.
6. About 4 monthsHealing is largely complete.
7. 1–1.5 yearsThe final shape of the nose settles.

Rhinoplasty at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs primary and revision rhinoplasty, rhinoseptoplasty and reconstructive operations for international patients. The first consultation is free; the exact cost is confirmed after an in-person examination and fixed in the contract. A primary rhinoplasty costs $4,200, a rhinoseptoplasty $5,000 and a revision rhinoplasty $5,400. More details are on the rhinoplasty page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Ahlam Al Shamsi or her operation. Her story is simply a well-known example of someone who spoke openly about rhinoplasty.

Frequently asked questions

Did Ahlam Al Shamsi have a nose job?

Yes. In autumn 2025 she said in Snapchat videos that she had had nose surgery three months earlier and was very happy with the result. Emarat Al Youm, Hia Magazine and Annahar reported it.

Why did Ahlam have rhinoplasty?

She said the main goal was her voice: the operation must not block her singing, and she wanted her vocal range to come back. She also mentioned that her nostrils had been uneven.

Can rhinoplasty affect the voice?

The nose takes part in breathing and voice resonance, so singers and speakers should tell the surgeon about it in advance. Where breathing is a problem, shape correction can be combined with work on the septum.

How much does rhinoplasty cost at City Medical Centre?

A primary rhinoplasty costs $4,200, a rhinoseptoplasty $5,000 and a revision rhinoplasty $5,400. The exact price is confirmed after the examination and fixed in the contract.

When can I fly home after rhinoplasty?

The splints and stitches are removed by day 14, so most patients plan their stay around that. The exact dates are agreed with the surgeon and the coordinator at the consultation.