With Love Island returning to our screens, we are once again seeing renewed discussion surrounding the impact the show has on body image along with questions raised about the lack of diversity amongst contestants.

It is without a doubt that shows like Love Island are aspirational, with participants placed under huge amounts of pressure to conform to a very specific definition of beauty.

With past contestants reportedly spending thousands of pounds on surgical procedures and tweakmenets before entering the villa, it is clear that those taking part also feel they need to look a certain way in order to fit in.

With this in mind, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors wanted to explore the extent to which the reality show impacts body image and self esteem and what those watching can do to protect their own mental health.

The immediate impact

As part of our research, we tracked Google Search Trends data which highlighted a clear pattern between the timing of Love Island episodes and a spike in searches for cosmetic procedures.

In the show’s first week back, our data found that searches for cosmetic procedures peaked in the hours immediately following episodes of the show being aired. Cosmetic procedures, including lip filler, botox, boob jobs and liposuction all saw an increased number of searches between the hours of 10pm and 4am.

It is interesting to see the immediate impact the show is having on people’s interest in cosmetic surgery and this strongly suggests that the show taps into personal insecurities, from the minute it comes on our screen.

Not only do Google searches show the impact Love Island is having on people’s perceptions towards cosmetic procedures, but it’s also apparent across social media the influence the show is having.

Normalisation of surgical procedures

As can be seen on social media, people can be quick to trivialise cosmetic surgery and tweakments. The way in which major procedures, such as breast augmentations are discussed can lead to people not fully understanding the risks and in turn not doing enough research.

While it is great that people feel confident and comfortable discussing their insecurities and empowered enough to take action, it is important to remember that many cosmetic procedures are classed as major surgery and should be treated as such.

In Love Island, contestants speak openly about the work they have had done. While this is great to normalise complete autonomy over a person’s body, the show often fails to show the reasons people have for choosing to undergo these procedures and the psychological impact they have had.

There are many reasons why a person might decide to undergo surgical procedures and tweakments, many of which extend beyond just physical appearance. Without truly touching on these issues, shows like Love Island play a part in normalising the idea that cosmetic treatments can provide a quick fix for deeper-rooted self-esteem issues.

Interest in facial filler

From our research, we were interested to see a spike in interest in facial filler since Love Island first returned to our screens. With related terms ‘Sharon Love Island lips’ and

‘Faye Love Island lips’ receiving increased searches.

This increased interest in facial filler is unsurprising, with many of the women in the villa talking openly about non-invasive procedures that they have had ahead of entering the show.

Despite the popularity of the facial filler - most notably plumped lips - it remains that people continue to be relatively unaware of the risks associated with not selecting an experienced and qualified practitioner for these seemingly minor procedures.

In reality, the impact of badly administered facial filler can be catastrophic. With research from Save Face suggesting that 83 percent of cosmetic treatments are carried out by practitioners with no medical experience - it is clear that more needs to be done to educate the public about some of the dangers and risks associated with non-invasive procedures.

What’s next?

With the public’s interest in Love Island showing no signs of letting up, anybody who feels that the show is having a negative impact on their self-esteem and body image should take the decision to do their best to avoid watching.

It is worth remembering that those taking part in the show will have taken radical steps to ensure they’re looking their best before entering the villa due to the societal pressures associated with the show. However, surgery isn’t always the best way to quickly fix something you’re unhappy with and is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and certainly shouldn’t be made due to the pressures of other people.

Previous contestant Olivia Attwood has recently spoken out about how young people should avoid getting these procedures due to trends as these are only temporary but the effects of cosmetic procedures aren’t. Again, this reinforces the importance of any decisions involving making changes to your appearance.

For anybody seriously concerned about the impact the show is having on themselves or those around them, there is a wealth of information and resources available online to help combat negative body image.

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.