New research has suggested that a person is judged to have either ‘softer’ or ‘harder’ workplace personality traits depending on how attractive they are.

Our survey discovered that during a job interview, an attractive person is more likely to be perceived as having ‘harder’ leadership qualities such as ambition, confidence and intelligence, and a less attractive person is more likely to be assigned ‘softer’ team-player abilities such as being ‘hardworking’ and ‘trustworthy’.

Survey participants were told to imagine they were interviewing job candidates and to choose one person, from a series of paired headshots that contained a more and a less attractive person of the same gender, that they thought best suited a series of work-related personality traits.

When asked who was more ambitious, 64% chose the more attractive person over the less attractive person; 74% selected the more attractive headshot as the more intelligent person, and three-quarters (75%) said the more attractive person was the more confident of the pair.

the beauty bias in action

Michael Saul, the head of Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, said, “Based on the results from our survey, it is clear to see how job candidates are at risk of beauty bias during an interview process due to preconceived notions of what an intelligent or a hardworking individual looks like. It is therefore easy to understand why many people turn to cosmetic procedures, and potentially put their health at risk, in order to try and conform to societal ideals and improve their career prospects.”

The headshots were paired together based on the results from a previous survey for Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors where participants were shown a series of headshots and asked to arrange them in order of attractiveness.

One respondent said, “People are quicker to like attractive people and presume they are more intelligent so, therefore, better at their job.”

Another said, “I think people judged as more attractive are given the edge when companies are recruiting as they are felt to take more pride in their appearance and there is a belief (rightly or wrongly) that this applies to their work ethic too.”

trustworthy and hardworking

By comparison, when asked to select who was the more trustworthy, 68% of participants voted for the less attractive person in the pair. When asked who was more hardworking, 68% selected the less attractive person, and three-quarters (75%) selected the less attractive person as someone they’d prefer to work with as part of a team.

One respondent said, “Beautiful women struggle to fit into a female team due to intimidation.”

Another said, “I’ve seen it happen where people didn’t hire the prettier candidate because she had less to gain from the job and the ‘weirder’ one would be more loyal.”

Mr Saul added, “Good looks don’t always help an individual improve their career prospects, and can sometimes become more of a hindrance than an asset depending on the type of position they are interviewing for. I’d advise anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to first fully consider the impact surgery may have on all the different areas of their life.”

how we can help

If you decided to undergo a cosmetic surgery or procedure that then went wrong due to medical negligence, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Find out how we can help you today on a no win, no fee basis - get in touch by calling freephone on 0808 256 9318 or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back.

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.