Can You Damage Your Nose After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a ‘nose job’, is a popular cosmetic procedure used to alter the nose's appearance. As with any cosmetic procedure, there is a risk that the surgery could go wrong, and you could endure complications.

If you have suffered due to an unsuccessful rhinoplasty procedure, you may be entitled to compensation. 

A cosmetic surgeon has a duty of care to ensure that your surgery goes smoothly and without unnecessary complications that cause injury.

Below, we take a look at answers associated with the question: can you damage your nose after rhinoplasty?

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or nose job, is a type of procedure that changes the size or shape of your nose. Depending on the type of surgery you are having, your surgeon may: 

• Make your nose smaller (nose reduction) by removing some of the bone and cartilage
• Make your nose larger (nose augmentation) by taking cartilage from other areas of the body to build up the nose 
• Change the shape of your nose by breaking the bone and rearranging the cartilage
• Change the angle between the nose and top lip 

The skin over the nose will shrink or expand depending on the new shape of the nose. 

Closed rhinoplasty (where the surgery requires no cutting of the visible skin) leaves no visible scars and causes minimal swelling, but it is not always possible to have this type of procedure. 

How long is rhinoplasty recovery?

The rhinoplasty procedure usually takes around 1.5 to 3 hours, and you will need to stay in the hospital for up to two nights so that the surgeons can ensure that you are recovering well. 

You will have a dressing on your nose for the first 12 hours after the procedure, and a splint held over your nose with tape will be kept on for seven days. It may be difficult for you to breathe through your nose for around a week. 

Painkillers can be provided to help control any pain and discomfort. 

You may need to take up to two weeks off work to recover from your rhinoplasty procedure, and it could take several months before you are able to see the full effect of the operation. 

Can you damage your nose after rhinoplasty?

Your nose is susceptible to damage as it heals from the rhinoplasty so it is important to follow the advice given by your surgeon to facilitate your healing. 

Take a look at some of the ways you can avoid causing damage to your nose as it heals:

• Avoid strenuous activities. Excess blood flow to the face can increase swelling and even put you at risk of bleeding. Additionally, sweat can compromise the healing process of your skin. 
• Avoid blowing your nose. Blowing your nose or sniffling can disrupt proper healing and cause bleeding.
• Stay out of the sun. Exposure to the sun can burn the skin on the nose, creating discolouration at incision sites, or increase your risk of certain complications. 
• Minimise wearing glasses. You may need to use contact lenses as your nose heals, glasses resting on the bridge of your nose while it is healing can lead to indents on the softened cartilage and tissue. 
• Don’t lie flat. Some people sleep flat on their back, but it is a dangerous activity for nose job patients. With the head at the same level as the heart, blood flow to the nose will increase. This encourages excess bleeding, swelling, and increased levels of pain. 

If you have suffered as a result of negligent rhinoplasty, our team can help. Contact us for advice on rhinoplasty compensation claims today on 0808  252 0175, or fill in our online contact form to request a callback. 

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.