Instagram and Facebook recently announced that they have introduced an age limit on cosmetic surgery adverts, so that under 18s will not be shown posts that promote the effects of surgery. This news was welcomed by many of us in the industry who are concerned about the impact these kinds of posts can have on the physical and emotional wellbeing of young and vulnerable people.

However, just weeks after the announcement, it is disappointing to see that a new filter was published on Instagram that appeared to promote cosmetic surgery. According to a report by Mirror.co.uk, the “Fix Me” filter takes an image of the user and suggests how a cosmetic surgeon would transform their face. For example, it would illustrate any “problem areas” with a black pen and then suggest enhancements such as larger lips or a smaller nose.

Mirror.co.uk contacted Instagram and the platform removed the filter from use. A spokesperson for Facebook, the company that owns Instagram, said: “The ‘Fix Me’ filter created by a third party developer on the Spark AR platform has been removed for violating our guidelines. We’re constantly looking at how filters might impact people’s wellbeing and are in the process of re-evaluating our policies in this area.”

While it is positive to see that action has been taken, the story illustrates just how many ways in which people are being influenced by social media, and how difficult it can be to control potentially harmful messaging. This is especially difficult when there are a host of third parties involved with developing content that is potentially shown to millions of people through the world’s most popular platforms.

Social networks must do everything in their power to keep on top of this and prevent their platforms being used to spread messaging that is unsuitable and potentially dangerous. This is one of the reasons why we at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors are calling for a change in legislation, so that content that features or demonstrates the effects of cosmetic surgery and procedures is not shown to anybody aged under 21. We would also like to see a dedicated hashtag #CosmeticFilter used by individuals to give greater transparency over whether they have had cosmetic surgery and procedures.

In the meantime, there are also measures that individuals can take to protect themselves from potentially harmful content. We included a selection of tips in our infographic that explores social media and body image. These include measures like:

• Regularly cleansing your account so that you only follow people that inspire you, promote a healthy attitude and which boost your wellbeing
• You can also follow specific hashtags that will help you find new accounts that promote your own values
• Blocking and reporting unsuitable content is also a good way to remove unwanted posts from your feed and protect other users from seeing this in the future
• Finally, if social media is becoming detrimental to your wellbeing, it might be time to consider either pausing your account or coming off the platforms altogether.

Remember that you are in control of your networks and you have the final say in how they make you feel.

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.