As the popularity of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures continues to rise, so too do the number of complaints and the volume of incidents involving risky practices and untrained or inexperienced practitioners. 

There is also a distinct lack of clarity within the aesthetic industry about what procedures are subject to regulation, which leaves patients vulnerable and often unaware of their legal rights in the event that something does go wrong with their treatment. 

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we are committed to helping those who are planning to undergo cosmetic surgery - or who have already undergone treatment - to understand the risks of cosmetic surgery gone wrong, while providing information on your legal rights. 

Regulation statuses for cosmetic procedures 

Invasive, or surgical, cosmetic procedures that involve instruments or equipment being inserted into the body are regulated, these include: 

• Breast surgery 
• Liposuction 
• Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Brow lift 
• Eyelid surgery
• Labiaplasty
• Rhytidectomy (facelift)
• Refractive eye surgery
• Lens implanted surgery

Non-surgical (non-invasive) cosmetic procedures that are not currently regulated: 

• Dermal fillers 
• Botox injections 
• Facial peels 
• Lip implants and fillers
• Chemical peels 
• Non-medical laser treatments, eg. hair removal 

What should I do if my cosmetic surgery has gone wrong? 

If something has gone wrong, your first steps should be to make a complaint to the hospital or clinic where you had your procedure, as they may be able to resolve your complaint. The surgeon who performed your procedure, and the hospital where the procedure took place, should be open and honest with you if something does not go according to plan - as can happen with any surgical procedure.

If the matter is not settled to your satisfaction, and it relates to the surgeon who performed the procedure, contact the General Medical Council (GMC).

If your complaint is to do with the hospital, the Independent Healthcare Sector Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS) may be able to help you if the hospital you had your surgery at is registered with ISCAS.

Although the CQC does not investigate complaints from individuals, if you had surgery in England, and have a concern about the service you received, you can share it with the CQC. This information can help the CQC to better monitor services and plan their inspections, enabling them to protect others from going through the same experience. 

What to do if your non-surgical cosmetic procedure has gone wrong

If your procedure has gone wrong, your rights are as follows: 

In the first instance, you should complain to the procedure provider who may be able to resolve your issue. If your initial complaint to the provider hasn’t worked, you could turn to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), where an independent person conciliates or mediates between yourself and the provider in order to find a resolution. ADR can help with service provision problems (not medical negligence cases). Clinics are now required to signpost clients towards the ADR service they use, though many have not, as yet, complied with this. Visit www.cosmeticredress.co.uk for more information.

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, you may be able to get a refund if you feel the service you have paid for was misrepresented from the outset, provided you paid using your credit card for a procedure costing between £100 and £30,000. However, this does not apply if you are simply unhappy with the end result. 

To read our report, Cosmetic Surgery - knowing your rights if something goes wrong, click here. 

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.