RhinoplastyUnited States5 min read
Ashley Tisdale's rhinoplasty: a breathing problem, a decision and the reaction
High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale had rhinoplasty in 2007 after doctors treated her deviated septum and suggested reducing the bump at the same time. In 2021 she wrote openly about that decision and about the judgement she faced afterwards. Here is what she said, and what rhinoplasty involves today.
By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy
The main points in 30 seconds
- Ashley Tisdale had rhinoplasty in 2007 to fix a deviated septum, as CBS News and The Independent reported.
- In 2021 she wrote that doctors also suggested reducing the bump, and that she was judged and made to feel ashamed afterwards.
- Rhinoplasty is done under general anaesthesia, takes 1.5–3 hours and involves one day in the clinic.
- Splints come out on days 7–14, full healing takes about four months and the final shape settles in 1–1.5 years.
- At City Medical Centre primary rhinoplasty costs $4,200, and the first consultation is free.
Key facts about the procedure
- Operation time1.5–3 hours
- Stay in clinic1 day
- AnaesthesiaGeneral
- Price
$6,000from $4,200
Profile
Ashley Tisdale
- Country
- United States
- Who
- American actress and singer, High School Musical star
- Year of operation
- 2007
- Quote source
- The Independent, 29 January 2021
What did Ashley Tisdale say about her rhinoplasty?
Ashley Tisdale, the American actress and singer best known from High School Musical, had rhinoplasty in late 2007. At the time, as CBS News reported, she said she needed to repair a deviated septum because she was having difficulty breathing.
In January 2021 she came back to the subject in an essay on her own website, Frenshe. As quoted by The Independent, she explained how the decision was made: "After several doctor's visits about my health issues, they also suggested shaving my 'bump' down. I was young and didn't put much thought into it, so I decided, why not? It wasn't a big deal to me nor was it like I was dreaming of the day I'd get a nose job."
The essay was mainly about what came next — the public reaction. "Plastic surgery wasn't culturally accepted then like it is now," she wrote, describing how she was judged and made to feel ashamed. That is all we rely on. She did not describe the technique, and we do not guess at it. Everything below describes rhinoplasty in general, not her treatment.
Why her story is about more than a nose
Tisdale's case combines two reasons that are very often linked: a breathing problem caused by a deviated septum, and the shape of the nose. Surgeons regularly correct both in one operation — this is called septorhinoplasty. Her account is a reminder that a "nose job" is not always a purely cosmetic choice.
The other half of her story is the stigma. She wrote about being scrutinised and judged for a decision that started with a health problem. Fifteen years later her message was simple: such decisions are personal, and no one should be shamed for them. For anyone considering surgery today, that means making the decision for your own reasons, with full information from a doctor — and not for, or against, the opinion of others.
Rhinoplasty abroad: choose a city and clinic
Prices, the clinic and a free online consultation for each city:
How rhinoplasty is done today
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia or TIVA and usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, followed by one day in the inpatient unit. Before surgery, 3D modelling helps the patient and surgeon agree on the expected result. Bone work can be done with an ultrasonic piezo device. There are two main approaches:
Incisions
- Open rhinoplasty
- Small incision on the columella plus incisions inside the nose
- Closed rhinoplasty
- Incisions inside the nose only
Surgeon's view
- Open rhinoplasty
- Full view of the structures
- Closed rhinoplasty
- Limited view
Often chosen for
- Open rhinoplasty
- Complex cases, tip work, revisions
- Closed rhinoplasty
- Moderate changes, such as a dorsal hump
Combined with septum correction
- Open rhinoplasty
- Possible (septorhinoplasty)
- Closed rhinoplasty
- Possible (septorhinoplasty)
The choice of approach depends on the anatomy and on the goal, and it is made by the surgeon after an examination.
Who is a candidate and how to prepare
The optimal age for rhinoplasty is 18–45, and older if health allows. Preparation starts about 21 days before surgery and includes a complete blood count, biochemistry, a coagulation panel, infection tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray and a sinus X-ray or CT. Blood-thinning drugs are stopped in agreement with the doctor, alcohol and smoking a week before, and the last food and drink six hours before the operation.
Possible risks include swelling, bruising, infection, bleeding, temporary breathing problems and minor asymmetry.
Recovery after rhinoplasty
For the first one to three days patients breathe through the mouth, with splints in the nostrils; swelling and bruising are possible. The nasal splints come out on day 7, the external splint stays for up to 14 days and the stitches are removed on day 14. For a month there is no exercise, sauna, pool, hot baths or sun. Mild congestion can last 1–1.5 months. First improvements are visible after 2–3 weeks, full healing takes about four months, and the final shape settles in 1–1.5 years.
Rhinoplasty recovery, step by step
- Day of surgeryGeneral anaesthesia or TIVA, 1.5–3 hours, one day in the inpatient unit.
- Days 1–3Mouth breathing, splints in the nostrils, possible swelling and bruising.
- Day 7Nasal splints are removed.
- Day 14External splint and stitches are removed.
- Month 1No exercise, sauna, pool, hot baths or sun; mild congestion is normal.
- Month 4Full healing in most cases.
- 1–1.5 yearsThe final shape of the nose settles.
Rhinoplasty at City Medical Centre
City Medical Centre performs rhinoplasty for international patients, including patients from the United States. Primary rhinoplasty costs $4,200 (previously $6,000), rhinoseptoplasty — the operation that combines septum correction with reshaping — costs $5,000, and revision rhinoplasty $5,400. The first consultation is free; the exact cost is confirmed after an in-person examination. The clinic offers a free check-up after surgery and states a lifetime guarantee on the result.
Book a free consultation or message the coordinator on Telegram. More details are on the rhinoplasty page and the page for patients from New York.
City Medical Centre has no connection with Ashley Tisdale or her treatment. We quote her only because she spoke about the procedure openly.
Frequently asked questions
Did Ashley Tisdale have a nose job?
Yes. She had rhinoplasty in 2007 to fix a deviated septum that affected her breathing, and doctors also suggested reducing the bump. She wrote about it on her website Frenshe in 2021.
Why did Ashley Tisdale have rhinoplasty?
She said it started with health issues: a deviated septum made breathing difficult. While treating it, doctors suggested shaving the bump down and she agreed.
What is septorhinoplasty?
An operation that corrects the nasal septum to improve breathing and reshapes the nose at the same time.
How long does rhinoplasty recovery take?
Splints come out on days 7–14, full healing takes about four months and the final shape settles in 1–1.5 years.
What does rhinoplasty cost at City Medical Centre?
Primary rhinoplasty costs $4,200, rhinoseptoplasty $5,000 and revision rhinoplasty $5,400. The first consultation is free.
Sources
What the article says about the celebrity is based only on these public statements.
- The Independent, 29 January 2021
- CBS News, 3 January 2008
Considering the same operation? Get a free consultation
We reply right in the chat — you can send photos
- The first consultation is free, online consultations are available
- The doctor names the cost after the assessment, and it is fixed in the contract
- A personal coordinator guides you from the first message to recovery
In other cities
Read also
- Rhinoplasty
Did Davina Geiss have a nose job? Yes, and she talked about it herself
Davina Geiss had her nose operated on at 21 and showed it on RTLZWEI. What she said, why breathing mattered, and how rhinoplasty works today.
- Rhinoseptoplasty
Wayne Rooney’s nose operation: a breathing fix, in his own words
Wayne Rooney said he had his nose fixed because he could not breathe out through one side. What functional nose surgery involves and how recovery goes.
- Rhinoplasty
Did Liane Foly have a nose job? Yes, and she talked about it herself
French singer Liane Foly spoke openly about the nose job she had in 1997. What she said, how rhinoplasty is done today and what recovery really involves.
- Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty Abroad: What to Know, Recovery Week by Week and When You Can Fly Home
Planning rhinoplasty abroad? Preparation, recovery day by day and week by week, when splints and stitches come out, and how long to wait before flying home.