How Long Should Numbness After Rhinoplasty Last?

This may take 12-18 months to return, but in 35 years of doing thousands of rhinoplasties, I have never had a patient where it did not go away.

It’s not unusual for patients to have numbness and swelling following rhinoplasty surgery.  This is often the result of the surgical dissection and healing process.
            In the vast majority of patients, these symptoms usually resolve spontaneously.  In most cases, swelling has resolved in three to four weeks, but may take up to a year to completely resolve.  Persistent swelling often results in the nose feeling stiff.

            In most cases, numbness has resolved in three to four weeks, but may last up to a year following surgery.  The tingling that you describe is often associated with nerve regeneration.

            It’s still relatively early in the post-operative course, but if your symptoms persist, consultations with your plastic surgeon is appropriate. 

The duration of nasal numbness can vary after rhinoplasty - some patients don't mention it at all, and those who do tend to gain full resolution of sensation, slowly. Since you're having stiffness and tingling on your numb side, I suspect you are experiencing residual swelling that will work its way out with time. We have not had any of our patients complain of nasal numbness at the 12 month postoperative visit. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure
performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1
year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation
returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return
from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical
procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then
occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience,
and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased
sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is
also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The
last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has
developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during
the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Although nerves may be injured in the course of performing a rhinoplasty, the vast majority of these tend to resolve with time. Generally, it is best to wait it out. I am not aware of an operation for restoring sensation to the nose.

There are many small sensory nerves in the nose that continue to heal after a rhinoplasty and it can go on for up to 2-3 years. It takes time but does go away.
If you see any blisters on the tip, then I would be concerned and see your surgeon right away as that could be a viral infection.
Swelling alone is quite normal. Give it more time.
Regards