In March 2018, a study revealed that selfies distort the appearance of facial features, with the nose being most misrepresented by the camera’s lens.

The report, ‘Nasal Distortion in Short-Distance Photographs: The Selfie Effect’, found that a face-on portrait taken from 12 inches away makes the width of the nose appear about 30% larger – compared to width of the face – than it really is.

Not only that, but the tip of the nose also appears 7% bigger when compared to the rest of the nose than it is in reality. When the photo is taken from five feet away, the facial features appear in the same proportions as they would in the flesh.

The impact of the selfie effect

In the UK, data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) found the number of rhinoplasties performed in the UK had increased by 3% between 2017 and 2018. This follows a 2% rise between 2016 and 2017.

While this may not seem like a significant growth, the figures from BAAPS do not include the increasing numbers of individuals who are choosing non-surgical options such as liquid nose jobs, a cosmetic procedure that uses dermal fillers to alter the shape of the nose.

Additionally, in a survey published in January 2018 by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 55% of facial plastic surgeons reported that their patients wanted a procedure in order to improve their looks in selfies. This is an increase from 13% in 2013.

Boris Paskhover, co-author of the study and a facial plastic surgeon at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said "Young adults are constantly taking selfies to post to social media and think those images are representative of how they really look, which can have an impact on their emotional state.

"I want them to realize that when they take a selfie they are in essence looking into a portable fun-house mirror."

Is a rhinoplasty the best option for you?

It is our view at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors that cosmetic surgeons must do their due diligence and ensure that prospective patients are fully informed of the selfie effect before any operation is committed to.

Our concern is that people will seek to over-correct the shape of their nose because they perceive it to be larger than it really is. Any kind of rhinoplasty, whether surgical or non-surgical, is not a minor procedure - both types of procedure would involve a considerable physical, emotional and financial cost, which could otherwise be avoided.

The other issue is that if a patient undergoes a rhinoplasty based on their perception of their nose as seen through the lens of a selfie, then they may continue to experience levels of dissatisfaction following the operation as their nose will still be subject to the same issues of camera distortion.

How to take a selfie that flatters your nose

If you are unhappy with the way your nose looks in selfies, then it is worth reviewing how you take photos before exploring options for a rhinoplasty. In essence, the further away the camera is, the more true-to-life your nose will appear. To achieve this, try extending your arms as much as possible, employing the use of a selfie stick or asking a friend to take your photograph.

If you are sure that an operation is the best option for you, make sure to review our guide on how to find a safe cosmetic surgeon.

Get in touch

You can also find out more about our services in seeking compensation following a negligent rhinoplasty here. For more information about making a claim, get in touch by calling 0808 252 7176 or use our contact form.

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.