The Most Painful Plastic Surgery

Despite the intense levels of pain and recovery times involved, invasive cosmetic surgery remains extremely popular in the UK and throughout the world. New cosmetic surgery techniques have advanced to make procedures less daunting for individuals who have doubts about undergoing plastic surgery. Painful cosmetic procedures are often classed as more uncomfortable than others due to factors such as the size of the surgical site, the surgical method used and the individual's pain sensitivity.

But which plastic surgeries are widely considered the most painful? And which procedures carry with them the longest recovery periods?

In this blog post, we will examine the surgeries that, according to many patients around the world, are typically the most painful plastic surgery procedures to endure.

Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address sagging skin, deeper wrinkles, and other signs of ageing by tightening the skin and underlying facial muscles. This surgery aims to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking long-lasting rejuvenation. The procedure is often associated with moderate to high levels of discomfort, particularly during the recovery period.

Patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness across the face. Discomfort is often concentrated around incision sites, which are usually placed near the ears and along the hairline. According to Westlake Dermatology, pain levels for facelifts are commonly rated between four and six on a 10-point scale, reflecting the invasive nature of the procedure and the body’s natural healing response.

Recovery can take several weeks, during which time patients may notice a gradual reduction in swelling and bruising. Some residual tightness or numbness in the skin may persist for a few months as tissues settle into their new positions. Pain management typically includes prescribed medications and adherence to aftercare instructions, which are crucial for reducing discomfort and preventing complications. If you've experienced negligent facelift surgery, you can make a claim for compensation.

Tummy tuck

Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck surgery, flattens the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscle. Broadly speaking, there are two types of abdominoplasty, with different work involved for each. Regional anaesthesia is injected at the surgical site to block pain during the operation. Pain medication is often prescribed to manage post-operative pain and discomfort. If you have had a tummy tuck that has gone wrong, our solicitors can help you. Read more about making a tummy tuck claim here.

Partial abdominoplasty

This involves:

• Making a large cut across the lower abdomen

• Separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the belly button

• Removing excess fat and skin

• Pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place

Patients typically experience moderate pain levels after the procedure, and prescribed pain medications are used to alleviate post-operative discomfort and promote faster healing.

Full abdominoplasty

This involves:

• Making a large incision across the lower abdomen, from hip to hip

• Making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it

• Separating the skin from the abdominal wall

• Realigning the abdominal muscles

• Removing excess fat and skin

• Cutting a new hole for the belly button and stitching this back in place

• Pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place

According to the NHS, it should take around six weeks to fully recover from the procedure. However, that recovery can be challenging and extremely painful.

Patients will need to wear a special type of corset to protect the affected area for around six weeks, during which time many people are unable to stand up straight. In addition, side effects often include bruising, swelling, raised scars and numbness.

According to AEDIT, many plastic surgeons would rate a tummy tuck a 4-6 out of 10 in terms of pain.

Speaking to Women’s Health about her painful experience recovering from an abdominoplasty, Erin S. said: “I could not roll over, sit up or grab anything further than a few inches away. I needed help standing, getting repositioned in bed, basically everything.”

Full abdominoplasty can be accompanied by significant pain and discomfort, which can last for several days and is considered by many, the most painful plastic surgery that can be endured.

Tumescent liposuction

This procedure is different from other popular forms of liposuction, such as laser and waterjet liposuction, in that suction tubes are required to be inserted into the appropriate part of the body and connected to a vacuum machine.

The level of pain experienced during a liposuction procedure, if all is well, is said to be moderate, but increases significantly the more fat is removed - particularly if it is taken from different parts of the body at the same time.

Full recovery typically takes around two weeks but requires the patient to wear a support corset or compression bandages. Post-procedure pain can impact the recovery process, making it essential for patients to follow aftercare instructions closely.

However, bruising, lumpiness, numbness and discolouration of the skin are all common side effects that can last up to six months after liposuction. Prescription pain medication is often used to manage post-surgery pain, although some patients may only need alternatives like Extra Strength Tylenol.

AEDIT rates the procedure between 3-6 out of 10 on its pain scale.

If you’ve had liposuction surgery, that has gone wrong, our team of solicitors may be able to help, read more about making a liposuction compensation claim here

Breast surgery

Breast enlargement or augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure among women in the UK, with 7,745 operations taking place in 2018, according to the most recent BAAPS annual audit.

The procedure involves:

• Making an incision in the skin next to or below the breast

• Positioning the implant either between your breast tissue and chest muscle, or behind your chest muscle

• Stitching the incision

Breast augmentation can be considered a painful surgery, with significant pain and discomfort. It typically takes around six weeks to be able to resume your normal activities. However, side effects and complications can sometimes include nerve problems in the nipples, ruptured implants, damaged breast tissue, and infection.

Speaking on Reddit, one user described her experience recovering from breast augmentation:

“My incisions for the implants are in the crease below my breast so I have sharp pain there - particularly when I lift my arms too high or stretch at a weird angle. Then, I have overall pressure and throbbing pain over the entire breast because of the muscle and skin stretching/tightness. It sort of feels like pins and needles over the entire area and if you’ve ever been engorged due to breastfeeding, it feels a lot like that but way more painful. I can’t feel the implants themselves but just a lot of pressure/tightness.

“It has been five days of ups and downs in terms of pain. The first day was easy as I was still on the medication that I was given in the operating room but days two and three were really hard. I definitely have moments where I feel the pain more intensely than at other times. It ranges from mild discomfort to extremely painful.”

AEDIT rates the pain of a breast augmentation procedure as between 3 and 5 out of 10.

The truth is that finding a definitive answer to the question ‘which cosmetic surgery procedure is the most painful?’ is not at all easy and will differ from person to person, operation to operation. However, it is clear that the procedures in this list are certainly some of the most painful, with extremely challenging recovery periods. Plastic surgery pain varies among patients, and methods to reduce discomfort during recovery include prescribed medications and following the recovery plan.

If you’ve had a breast augmentation surgery that has gone, then our solicitors can help you, learn more about making a breast augmentation claim here.

Contact us today

Has your cosmetic breast implants surgery or any other form of cosmetic surgery left you with unexpected pain and discomfort? If so, contact us at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors today.

To speak to our expert plastic surgery negligence team about making a claim, whether for breast implant compensation or any other form of cosmetic plastic surgery compensation, get in touch by calling 0808 159 5255 or filling in the short contact form here 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.