Why did José Fidalgo have nose surgery? He says it was for his health

What did José Fidalgo say about his nose surgery?

On 10 January 2024 Fidalgo was a guest on the morning show of Rádio Renascença. When the presenter asked why he had operated on his nose, he answered, as reported by Notícias ao Minuto: “I had to do it for health reasons. Otherwise I couldn't breathe, I would die, I couldn't work as an actor, I had no voice, I would lose my voice, as I have today, and that is the result of the nose I had. Not because of the curve, but because of the several curves it had inside that weren't visible.”

He also admitted that the decision was not easy: “Did I think twice? Of course I did! I know it could have been a trademark. But what can I do?”

That is all we rely on here. Fidalgo did not name a diagnosis, the type of operation, the surgeon or the date, so this article does not guess at them. The sections below explain functional nose surgery in general, not his treatment.

A nose operation is not always about appearance

Public discussion of celebrity nose surgery almost always focuses on looks. Fidalgo's answer is a reminder that many nose operations are done because the patient cannot breathe properly through the nose. For an actor, whose voice is a working tool, that is not a minor inconvenience.

His words also point to something patients often do not realise: problems inside the nose may not be visible from the outside at all. A nose can look almost straight and still have curves in its internal structures that block the airflow. Only an examination by a specialist shows what is going on.

How functional nose surgery is done today

When breathing is the main problem, surgeons work on the internal structures of the nose; when shape is also changed, the operation is combined. The main variants offered at City Medical Centre are:

• Rhinoseptoplasty — correction of the shape combined with straightening the nasal septum to improve breathing.
• Reconstructive rhinoseptoplasty — restoring the structure of the nose, including with a rib cartilage graft when more support material is needed.
• Primary rhinoplasty — a first operation to change the shape, by open or closed technique.

The operation is planned with 3D modelling, bone work is done with an ultrasonic piezo device, and anaesthesia is general or TIVA. Which variant is needed is decided only after an in-person examination.

Who is it for, and how to prepare

Surgery is considered for difficulty breathing through the nose, a curved septum, the consequences of an injury, or when a patient wants to change the shape and fix breathing at the same time. The optimal age is 18–45, and older patients can be operated on if their health allows. Before surgery patients have a complete blood count, biochemistry, 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, and the last food and drink are six hours before the operation.

Recovery after nose surgery

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. The nasal splints come out on day 7, the external splint and stitches by day 14. Mild congestion can last 1–1.5 months, and temporary breathing problems are among the possible risks. For a month there is no exercise, sauna, pool, hot baths or sun. Healing takes about four months, and the final shape settles in 1–1.5 years. Difficulty breathing, severe pain, high fever or a change of shape are reasons to see a doctor at once.

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 4–6Mild nasal congestion gradually eases; sport, sauna and pool return after a month.
6. About 4 monthsHealing is largely complete.
7. 1–1.5 yearsThe final shape of the nose settles.

Rhinoplasty and rhinoseptoplasty 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. More details are on the rhinoplasty page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with José Fidalgo or his treatment. His story is simply a well-known example of someone who explained openly why he had nose surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Why did José Fidalgo have nose surgery?

He said on Rádio Renascença in January 2024 that he had it for health reasons: because of curves inside his nose he could not breathe properly, and it affected his voice.

Was it a cosmetic rhinoplasty?

He described it as an operation for health reasons. He did not name the exact type of surgery, so we do not speculate.

Can an internal problem in the nose be invisible from outside?

Yes. The internal structures of the nose can be curved even when the nose looks almost straight. That is why the decision is made after an examination and imaging, not by appearance.

How much does rhinoseptoplasty cost at City Medical Centre?

A rhinoseptoplasty costs $5,000, a reconstructive rhinoseptoplasty $4,700 and a primary rhinoplasty $4,200. The exact price is confirmed after the examination and fixed in the contract.

When will I breathe normally after surgery?

The nasal splints are removed on day 7. Mild congestion can last 1–1.5 months, and healing takes about four months.