Re-gaining feeling in nose after Rhinoplasty?

Question

I got a sept/rhino about 3-4 years ago. The tip of my nose is very slightly still numb. I was told to expect this as it could take years for the nerves to re-form. I have recently, within the last few weeks noticed a twitch on the bridge of my nose on the left hand side. I am stressed, but could this mean that the nerves in my nose are coming back? Hopefully that makes sense!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Twitching is muscle related movement and is controlled by motor nerves which are different from sensory nerves. Typically when sensation is coming back you will feel zinger like pain, tingling etc. Sensation can come back even years later so don't give up hope.RegardsDr. J

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Temporary nasal numbness, especially at the tip, may be seen  within the first year postoperative rhinoplasty. This may be due to disruption of sensory nerves that innervate the skin of your nose. Nerves that cause twitching of the nasalis muscles are motor nerves, not sensory nerves, so the two entities are not likely related. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

As a general rule for rhinoplasty, maximum sensation to the tip occurs up to 18 months after surgery. While further sensory return can still occur years later this would not be common or expected.

Richard M. Levin, MD (retired) · Answer

Usually after Rhinoplasty, temporary numbness is expected as skin is lifted to expose the underlying anatomy and allowing performance of a rhinoplasty. This sensory loss, or numbnes, sually resolves after a years time. Longer than that, I would expect some return but less the longer it is. Twitching of the nose is not related  to sensation as it is a motor function and sensation is a separate type of nerve system called the sensory nerves versus motor nerves.

Re-gaining feeling in nose after Rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)