Celebrity endorsement of cosmetic procedures is highly influential, and social media makes it incredibly easy for images of influencers who have undergone surgery and enhancements to be assimilated to millions of people at the touch of a button. That’s why we launched a petition earlier in the year to stop these images being shown to children and young adults, as well as asking for influencers to be more upfront about the cosmetic work they have undergone to achieve their look.

It was encouraging to see Instagram and Facebook take note of our pleas and those of many others earlier this month, with a recent ruling passed that bans content promoting cosmetic surgery to under 18s. Just days after the regulations changed, the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) highlighted another important issue, when it banned adverts run by two beauty firms promoting cosmetic enhancement packages that claimed to make people look like Kylie Jenner, despite the reality TV star having no links with the companies.

AKJ Aesthetics and Queen of Aesthetics were promoting dermal filler packages using images of the reality star and calling it the “Kylie Jenner Package”. These adverts suggested that those who bought the packages could resemble Kylie Jenner, by undertaking procedures to their lips, cheeks and jawlines.

The ASA ruling stated: “We understood that Queen of Aesthetics wanted to present their products in the best light and use imagery that might represent what their products could achieve. However, we considered the ad should not misleadingly exaggerate the effect those products could achieve.

“Therefore we expected to see that the person in the ad, Kylie Jenner, had used those products and the ad was a realistic depiction of what the products could achieve. We had not seen evidence that the products’ effects on Kylie Jenner, as featured in the ad, could be achieved through use of the product only. Because Queen of Aesthetics had not provided sufficient evidence that substantiated the ad’s claims we therefore concluded that the ad was misleading.”

The advert was banned and the company was told not to suggest that celebrities had used their products if they had not.

Aside from the misleading nature of the advertisement, it is important to consider the implications of an individual undertaking cosmetic work in a bid to resemble somebody else. This practice is especially worrying when the person they are looking to emulate is a celebrity with access to untold levels of cosmetic surgery, enhancements and treatments from the world’s top surgeons and aesthetic professionals.

As the popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures continues to rise, so too does the number of practitioners, none of whom are legally regulated. Unlike cosmetic surgeons, non-surgical practitioners can carry out enhancements such as dermal fillers and chemical peels without any regulation. This means the risk of something going wrong is potentially much higher and the regulatory protection for victims of a botched procedure is much lower. Therefore it is crucial that anybody considering a non-surgical procedure conducts thorough research into the practitioner and their credentials.

While the ASA ruling has prevented two organisations from misleading their customers when it comes to cosmetic enhancements, there are many more companies and influencers out there that are encouraging vulnerable individuals into making a rushed decision that has huge implications for their physical and mental health.

Save Face is a national register of accredited practitioners who have all been inspected by the organisation and meet its set of standards. If you are considering any sort of treatment then you should consult the Save Face register and carry out due diligence check to ensure you are in the best possible hands.

Get in touch with us today if you have been affected by a negligent cosmetic procedure or surgery. Our specialist team of medical negligence solicitors operate on a no-win, no-fee basis and can help you claim for cosmetic surgery compensation. Call us on 0808 252 7132, or arrange for us to call you back by using our online 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.