Undergoing cosmetic surgery that goes wrong can be an extremely harrowing experience for the person affected, resulting in physical, emotional and financial hardship in many cases.

Not only do victims of this type of medical negligence have to deal with the disappointment of a procedure that was supposed to enhance their appearance and self-image having the opposite result, but many will also need to deal with painful, disfiguring or even health-threatening side effects.

In the midst of this trauma, it can be difficult to muster the energy and presence of mind to get organised enough to investigate legal redress options straight away. This is understandable, but it is worth remembering that time limits do apply on legal claims for cosmetic surgery negligence, making it important for those affected to act sooner rather than later.

What is the time limit for making a medical negligence claim?

The most important condition to remember when considering a medical negligence case for cosmetic surgery is that the statutory limit for making a claim for damages is three years. This will either be taken from the date of the surgery itself, or - in cases where the negative effects of the surgery were not immediately obvious - from the point at which any health concerns ought to have been linked back to the operation.

This means that court proceedings must be commenced by issuing a claim form within the three-year time limit, otherwise it may not be possible to obtain compensation.

It is also worth noting that the three-year statutory limit applies specifically to cases in the UK - if you received the surgery overseas, different limitations and legal timescales may apply.

What rules apply for those under the age of 18?

For individuals under the age of 18, or who have only recently turned 18, the rules are somewhat different. If the patient in question was under the age of 18 at the time of the procedure, the three-year time limit on filing a claim begins from the day they turn 18, meaning their 21st birthday can effectively be treated as a cutoff point.

In these cases, the young person in question will require a parent or close relative to bring a claim on their behalf. Clinical negligence lawsuits filed on behalf of patients under 18 are relatively uncommon, but for those in this situation, it is worth making yourself aware of the different rules in place.

What other exceptions exist?

Although the three-year limit is generally applied consistently across all fields of medical negligence, there are a few other exceptional circumstances that can affect the date on which this time limit begins.

For example, in cases where the injured party is deemed to lack mental capacity to understand or bring a claim prior to or on the date they were injured, the three-year time limit will not begin until they regain capacity. If they never regain full mental capacity, then the time limit is waived, and a relative can bring a claim at any time.

Meanwhile, in the extreme cases where the negligence victim dies as a result of clinical negligence, the three-year limit commences on the date of the person’s death, or the date at which it was determined that the fatality was caused by the surgery - whichever is later.

What happens if I miss the time limit?

If you allow the three-year time limit to elapse without lodging a medical negligence claim against the cosmetic practitioner in question, you run a real risk of missing out on compensation entirely.

Although there is no rule in place preventing you from bringing a claim anyway, the court may not allow it, or the defendant may apply to have the claim dismissed due to the expiry of the limitation period. There may be cases in which the courts accept your case even when the time limit has been passed, but this is at the court’s discretion - underlining why it is so important to get your claim in on time.

If you’ve been affected by medical negligence that caused your cosmetic surgery to go wrong, don’t delay getting in touch with the team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors to see if you have a case for compensation. Call us on 0808 252 7177, or request a call back by completing our contact form.

Alternatively, if you’ve not yet undergone surgery and want to know more about how to do so with confidence, check out our expert guide on how to find a safe cosmetic surgeon in the UK.

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.