Finding Relief: What to Do if You've Suffered Facial Nerve Damage from Bad Dental Work

When you agree to undergo dental treatment, you place your trust in the dentist to protect your oral health. However, situations occur where this trust is broken due to medical negligence, which can result in a number of issues, including facial nerve damage.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is dedicated to providing legal advice and support to individuals affected by such incidents. In the following guide, we explain what to do in the event of a nerve injury incurred from a cosmetic dental procedure, and how seeking legal support can help you.

Understanding Facial Nerve Injuries

To understand the gravity of facial nerve damage, it is essential to understand the importance of facial nerves. These nerves, closely woven through our facial structure, control aspects such as our expressions, the blink of our eyes, and even our sense of taste. 

Any nerve injuries can result in significant complications and facial pain. Nerve injury from medical negligence could happen due to a lack of professional skill or an avoidable mistake during dental procedures. The symptoms of nerve damage are not subtle; they can manifest as facial numbness, muscular weakness, or in extreme cases, facial paralysis.

Impact of Facial Nerve Injury

The repercussions of facial nerve injury are far-reaching. On a physical level, it can lead to issues such as chronic pain, difficulty eating and drinking, and altered facial appearance. However, nerve injury can also have a strong effect on an individual's mental health, causing them to feel immense self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression. It can also impact one's professional life, with time off work required for medical appointments and recovery.

Lastly, personal relationships can be strained due to the stress and emotional turmoil associated with such a situation.

Medical Response to Facial Nerve Damage

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a nerve injury, you should seek immediate medical attention. The diagnostic process may involve a thorough physical examination, along with additional tests or imaging studies to assess the extent and location of the nerve damage.

The treatment strategy will depend on the severity of the nerve damage and may include medication, physiotherapy and, in more severe cases, surgical intervention. In addition, it is essential not to overlook the importance of emotional and psychological support.

Your Rights as a Patient

Understanding your rights as a patient is key when faced with a situation involving medical negligence. In the UK, the law is clear: patients are entitled to a certain standard of care and treatment from their healthcare professionals. If you feel that this standard has been compromised, leading to facial nerve damage, you may have grounds to make a dental negligence claim.

To be eligible to make a nerve injury claim, you will need to be able to prove the following:

• That your nerve injury was caused directly by your dentist's negligent care
• That your nerve injury has caused you physical or emotional trauma, or financial loss

It is essential to consider the possibility of making a compensation claim if you have suffered from a nerve injury. Compensation can help you to cover any medical care and support costs that you need to pay due to your injury, and these costs can be expensive without the financial support from a successful claim.

Making a Negligence Claim

Navigating a negligence claim can be complex, but the process becomes significantly more manageable with professional legal assistance. The first step involves gathering relevant documentation, which includes medical records and details of your dental appointments. This evidence forms the foundation of your claim. Expert witnesses also play an important role in these cases, as their professional opinion can corroborate your claim and provide insight into the standard of care you should have received.

Once your solicitors have gathered a good amount of evidence and feel as though your case is strong enough, we will approach the responsible party and their insurer to bring your nerve injury claim. If they do not accept your claim, we will fight your case in court proceedings. However, this is rare, and cosmetic surgery cases are often resolved in mediation without attending court.

How Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors Can Help

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we specialise in tackling cases involving facial nerve damage due to negligent dental work. We possess a wealth of experience, a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape, and a robust track record of successful claims. From your initial consultation to reaching a settlement, we are there at every step, providing guidance, support and expert legal advice. We are committed to helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Prevention and Awareness

Prevention is indeed better than cure, particularly in the context of medical negligence. It is essential to research your dental professional's qualifications, seek a second opinion before undertaking any significant dental procedures, and be aware of the risks associated with any dental surgery. Raising awareness about dental negligence, its potential consequences, and the rights of patients can play a key role in preventing similar incidents in the future.

If you have experienced facial nerve damage due to negligent dental work, know that you are not alone. Reach out for immediate medical help, learn about your rights as a patient, and seek the legal assistance you need. Do not hesitate to contact Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors for legal advice. Call us on 0808 189 7725, or fill out an online contact form and we will return your call at a time convenient for you.

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.