As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approaches, the number of parties and family gatherings we look forward to attending increases. And, understandably, we all like to look our best for such occasions - we invest in new clothes, take ourselves to the hairdressers, or perhaps treat ourselves to some new make-up.

However, people are turning to more costly and riskier methods to get 'Christmas party ready', with cosmetic beauty treatments growing in popularity around the Holiday season.

Data from Google Trends shows us that there is a dramatic spike in interest for jaw and lip fillers in the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve:

Data: Google Trends, 3.12.19

The popularity of Google searches for ‘jaw fillers’ has increased sharply since the beginning of November

Data: Google Trends, 2.12.19

Similarly, the popularity of Google searches for ‘lip fillers’ has been high all year, but it reached a peak in the final week of November.

While perhaps this comes as no surprise, I do want to offer a word of caution to people who are considering undertaking a cosmetic procedure of any kind this December, but particularly to those who are interested in dermal fillers: make sure you do your research into the practitioner, the procedure and the products used.

The non-surgical cosmetic industry is notoriously unregulated, with no legal requirement for practitioners to have any kind of specialist medical training before they can set up shop and start offering fillers to patients. This means that there is a greater risk of inexperienced or poorly trained practitioners taking advantage of the seasonal surge in demand, leading to unpleasant, unexpected or - in very rare instances - life-altering results.

What are the risks of botched dermal fillers?

Aside from the emotional and financial implications of receiving fillers that go wrong, the physical repercussions of a negligent treatment can include:

• Localised swellings
• Artery occlusion
• Scarring
• Nerve damage
• Vision loss
• Mismanagement of infection
• Mismanagement of necrosis

Undertaking dermal fillers with a practitioner who does not have the right training, skills or necessary experience can increase your risk of suffering from these conditions. And it is not just the obvious culprits who pose a threat - even those with a medical background can cause harm if they have not undergone specialist training.

As an example of how serious this can be, I successfully handled a case involving a self-styled “cosmetic doctor” who caused permanent vision loss by injecting facial filler into the central retinal artery. This case illustrates how it is vitally important that all practitioners carrying out facial filler injections are fully trained in the anatomy of the face and the locations of the arteries. They must possess the specialist anatomical knowledge required to prevent harm.

How to find a safe cosmetic practitioner?

We strongly advise that patients seek out practitioners who have undergone specialist medical training and are also a member of an accredited regulatory body.

Look out for membership of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine or the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses, you can also search their databases to find a local clinician.

Registers hosted by Save Face and the JCCP can also be a good place to start, as these organisations only permit qualified practitioners onto their database.

One area that we highly advise caution is when sourcing a practitioner solely through social media. While this is not a problem in and of itself, the worry is that many of the more unscrupulous practitioners can use these channels to directly attract and engage with potential patients. Warning signs to look out for include rates that are much cheaper than the standard, deals that are time-sensitive or multiple offer deals.

An investigation from Save Face found that the number of complaints about procedures offered on social media shot up from 222 in 2017 to 579 in 2018. Most of these complaints were related to “celebrity” package deals where a multitude of treatments are offered in one appointment.

The concern with time-limited deals is that they apply pressure on a customer to commit to a treatment quickly. If a practitioner is offering a much cheaper rate, then you really have to ask yourself, ‘why’?

Take care over the holidays

As a recap - don’t let the fun of the holiday season be ruined by the pressure of getting Christmas party ready.

Before you undergo any ‘tweakments’ such as Botox, laser hair removal, chemical peels - and in particular dermal fillers - it's important that you take your time. Do your research, ask around for recommendations, and don’t commit to anything unless you are 100% comfortable. Looking our best should not come at a greater financial, physical or emotional cost than individuals can afford.

If you think you have suffered from a negligent cosmetic treatment, we are here to help. Get in touch by calling us on INSERT PHONE NUMBER or use our contact form and we will call you back as soon as possible to discuss your case.

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.