The value of the UK’s cosmetic surgery sector has seen significant growth in recent years, with more than 28,000 procedures taking place across the country in 2018. While this is good news for the industry, the trend does raise questions about what is driving this rise in demand for cosmetic procedures - and how this reflects on overall levels of body confidence among the people of Britain.

To get to the bottom of this, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors recently carried out a survey of 789 adults from across the country, to provide insights into how they felt about the way they look, including the question: “Do you love your nose?”

We asked respondents to give us an honest appraisal of how they felt about their facial appearances, particularly their noses, as well as quizzing them about their confidence around cameras. The results were eye-opening, and reveal some potential insights into the trends that might drive some people to consider cosmetic surgery as an option.

The full findings of our survey can be seen below; please feel free to use our findings for your own content, citing Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors at www.cosmeticsurgerysolicitors.co.uk if you do so.

Key trends and findings

Most people are self-conscious about how they look in photographs

• 39% said they “rarely” like their appearance in photographs taken by other people, while 20% said they never do. Only 2% said they always like how they appear in other people’s photos
• When it comes to selfies, 31% only “rarely” like how they look in these pictures, and 20% never like their appearance in selfies, while only 3% always do

Most people are not fans of selfies

• 25% of those polled tend to avoid taking selfies, and 17% avoid doing so at all costs. A further 35% don’t think to take them, while 21% said they quite enjoy taking them when they are in a confident mood
• 49% of people ‘never’ use a filter on their selfies, whereas 10% always use a filter, 22% sometimes use one and 19% rarely do
• When asked why they use selfie filters, the most common answer (44%) was to smooth out the taker’s skin tone, while a further 24% do so to feel more confident

“Do you love your nose?” Most are fairly positive

• When asked to rate their own noses in terms of appearance on a scale from 1 to 10, the weighted average score was 5.5. The most common rating was 7/10, with 18% of respondents voting this way
• When evaluating the size of their noses, just over 40% said they liked or loved it, with a further 37% saying they were indifferent
• Similarly, just under 40% said they liked or loved the shapes of their noses, compared to 33% who were indifferent and just under 30% who felt negatively about it
• The vast majority (70%) would not consider undergoing cosmetic surgery on their noses, compared to only 16% who are thinking about it

Men are more confident than women about their appearances

• More than 60% of men are confident about their appearance to some degree, compared to only around 44% of women
• The weighted average self-assessment score for men’s looks was 6.02 out of 10, compared to 5.43 for women
• Women are twice as likely to have a preferred 'side' of their face to show off in photographs (32% of women do this, compared to 15% of men)

Why are some people considering cosmetic surgery on their noses?

• Of those who said they would consider the idea of cosmetic surgery on their noses, more than 75% lack confidence in their appearance
• Among this group, the average rating of their own looks is only 4.87 out of 10, compared to an average of 5.6 across all respondents
• 49% have a preferred side of their face when taking photos, compared to 21% for those who are not considering surgery

More than 75% of these individuals rated their own nose as a 5 out of 10 or less, with an overall weighted average score of 3.48

The complete survey findings

To what extent would you say you are confident about your appearance?

Please rate your own appearance, on a scale of 1 to 10

To what extent do you like your appearance in photographs taken by other people?

To what extent do you like your appearance in ‘selfies’ that you have taken?

Do you have a preferred 'side' of your face that you show off in photographs?

Which statement best describes your attitude towards taking ‘selfies’?

How often do you use a filter on your ‘selfies’?

What is your reason for using a filter on your ‘selfies’?

Please rank your own facial features in order of preference, with 1 being your favourite

How highly would you rank your nose in terms of appearance?

Would you ever consider undergoing cosmetic surgery on your nose?

To what extent do you like the size of your nose?

To what extent do you like the shape of your nose?

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.