Undertaking a cosmetic procedure is a serious and life changing experience. It can be devastating to deal with the negative effects of a botched procedure when something goes wrong, or you’ve experienced negligence at the hands of your surgeon. However, there is a wealth of support organisations and charities available to help you along your journey.

On this page, you will see a list of associations, charities and organisations, along with their contact details.

Information sites

These pages will help you to understand more about your procedure, as well as sharing other patient experiences.

Consulting Room

Consulting Room is the UK’s largest cosmetic procedure information site, providing statistics, advice and legislation details around both invasive and non-invasive procedures.

www.consultingroom.com

Royal College of Surgeons

The Royal College of Surgeons website has plenty of advice that you can use to inform your surgery, including information about procedures, recovery following a cosmetic surgeon and advice in case things go wrong.

www.rcseng.ac.uk

Charities

Below is a selection of charities that offer support and advice for those who have experienced a botched procedure.

Action against Medical Accidents

A charity for patient safety and justice, Action against Medical Accidents provides help and advice about procedures and supports anyone who is affected by avoidable harm in healthcare.

www.avma.org.uk

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

BDDF is a charity that supports people who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). If you’re suffering from BDD, a cosmetic procedure is not the answer. Visit the BDDF website for help and advice.

bddfoundation.org

Mind

Mind is a mental health charity providing information, support and treatment advice to anyone who is suffering from mental health concerns.

www.mind.org.uk

Organisations and support groups

BAAPS

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons is an organisation that reputable plastic surgeons in the UK belong to. There is a great advice section for patients providing tips on what to ask your surgeon pre-operation.

https://baaps.org.uk/patients/default.aspx

Care Quality Commission

The Care Quality Commission is a regulatory body for health and social care in the UK. You can find advice on the local hospitals in your area.

www.cqc.org.uk

Be Real

The Be Real campaign aims to create a body confident nation, and the website hosts stories and advice from real people encouraging others to embrace themselves as they are.

https://www.berealcampaign.co.uk/

Royal Society for Public Health

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent charity which aims to protect the health of the nation. The RSPH news section is particularly relevant for those interested in the role that cosmetic surgery plays in society.

www.rsph.org.uk

Cosmetic Redress

Service providers are legally obliged to signpost customers to a government authorised redress scheme. Cosmetic Redress is a scheme that ensures that practitioners comply with their legal requirements under the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Regulations.

www.cosmeticredress.co.uk

Resource Pages & Services

NHS

The NHS website has a vast amount of information about cosmetic procedures. Not everyone is aware that their GP should be the first port of call when considering a cosmetic procedure.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/

Save Face

Save Face is a cosmetic practitioner register, where consumers can find information about non-surgical practitioners.

www.saveface.co.uk

Psychologists and experts

Joanne Weston

Joanne Weston is a Chartered Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist based in Bristol.

www.joanneweston.co.uk

We’ve included some fantastic charities and organisations in this list. If you know of a charity that should be included in this list, please get in touch and we can add this on.

If you need legal advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the expert team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors today, using the contact form or by calling 0808 159 6470.

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.