At this point, the potential concerns surrounding the impact of social media on young people’s mental health is well documented. Far from simply being a case of overzealous caution around a new form of media, experts recognise that the potential risks that social media poses to the young and vulnerable are very real, and worthy of further research.

The Office for National Statistics’ national wellbeing survey from 2015 identified a “clear association” between the length of time spent on social media and the prevalence of mental health issues, while the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has warned there is an “urgent need” for further research into the impact of social media and screen time on children’s wellbeing.

With the recent emergence of TikTok as a highly popular channel of communication favoured by children, attention will need to be paid to how the unique dynamics of this platform might be influencing the outlook of its young users - and not always in positive ways.

Mixed messages on mental health and body image?

One thing that is indisputable about TikTok is the sheer speed of the platform’s growth in recent years. In 2020, TikTok had around 3.7 million active users in the UK, with estimates suggesting that as many as 10 million will have downloaded the app by the end of this year.

It is quickly becoming a platform of choice among the younger generation, with the largest proportion of its users - 26% - belonging to the 18-24 age group. Presently, it is the seventh most active social media app in the world, and users engage with the app for an average of 41 minutes a day.

Largely, TikTok users are having a positive experience, often engaging with content from other socially conscious young people that promotes messages about self-acceptance and community support. However, as with any social network, the platform is also plagued by imagery, messages and trends that could cause real harm to users’ mental health, including:

• Content that promotes unhealthy lifestyles and unrealistic body image
• Promotion of weight loss products and services to young people and children
• Negative or cruel comments from other users
• Dependence on online validation from other users
• Personal information being unwittingly passed on to malicious actors

There are a number of different ways in which these issues can manifest. Even famous TikTok influencers such as Charli D’Amelio often speak out about the judgemental comments she receives about her weight when posting videos, while others have raised concerns about messages that seem to promote eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, under euphemistic tags like “pro-ana” and “pro-mia”.

James Downs, an eating disorder and mental health campaigner, told the BBC: “I think that the lack of transparency around how content is fed to different people through the app makes TikTok especially threatening, as none of us can be sure what content we will see and whether it will be safe for our mental wellbeing.”

To TikTok’s credit, the platform is making active efforts to reverse these trends and foster a more positive culture for young users. Mental health and wellbeing campaigns are common among TikTok’s progressive young users, often led by the platform itself, while rules are being put in place to control the posting of weight loss content. These include:

• Banning ads for fasting apps and weight loss supplements
• Restricting access to weight management products to users over 18
• Stronger moderation of content that claims to offer weight loss solutions, including the limiting of potentially irresponsible claims
• Ensuring that ads promoting weight loss and weight management products do not promote a negative body image or a poor relationship with food

Users are also being asked to report any content they see that breaks these rules, in order to bring an end to the mixed messages on body positivity that currently plague the platform.

An issue for all social media platforms to solve

However, this issue extends much further than TikTok, and is part of a broader conversation that affects all aspects of how young people interact and communicate in the modern internet age.

A Pew Research Center report from 2018 surveyed 743 teens aged 13 to 17 and 1,058 parents of children in this age group, finding mixed views on the impact of social media in their lives. Nearly a quarter - 24% - said it had a mostly negative impact, compared to 31% who said the impact was mostly positive and 45% who could not decide either way.

Our own research has also suggested that the current COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown may be exacerbating many of these negative trends, as the fact that more and more of our interactions are now having to take place online means that many are feeling increasingly self-conscious about the way they look.

The poll showed that 69% of our 1,149 respondents have felt quite aware or very aware of their own appearance as a result of having to appear on a screen more regularly. People aged between 21 and 25 were shown to have seen the biggest decrease in satisfaction with how their body looks due to the pandemic.

Taking control of your own mental health

Neither the pandemic nor the issue of TikTok toxicity looks likely to be solved overnight. This is why it is so important for those who are struggling with their mental health or body image as a result of either of these trends to seek out the right advice on how to look after themselves.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors recently spoke to a group of mental health professionals and experts about steps that can be taken to address these problems. You can read insights from Dr Karen Graham, psychiatrist and author of Mind What You Think and Accept How You Feel or Dr Tony Ortega, clinical psychologist and author of #AreYouHereYet: How to STFU & Show Up For Yourself. Dr Earim Chaudry, medical director at Manual, has also shared some very positive and practical guidance with us.

Currently, young people are trapped in a situation where they are feeling isolated, and yet also never more exposed to the judgement of peers and strangers all over the world. By taking better care of oneself and adopting the right mental outlook, it is possible to form a healthier relationship with social media - and with your own mind and body.

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.