Is it normal to have numbness, swelling and itching a month after closed rhinoplasty?

Dear M4nd4n4,Yes, it can be normal to have itching and numbness after a rhinoplastyIf it is red, warm, or tender, then you should see your surgeonThe sensation will usually start coming back after 6-8 weeksThe itching occurs because the tissue is healingYou should see your surgeon if you are still concernedBest,Nima Shemirani

Some degree of itching, numbness, and swelling are to be expected after rhinoplasty. Mild swelling can last up to several months. However, it should not be causing you discomfort or pain. Numbness is normal as it takes time for the nerves that were stretched during an operation to return to normalcy. This can also account for the itching you feel in certain parts of the nose. As the nerves regain their feeling, you will feel itchiness in certain parts. If these persist or start causing you excessive discomfort, you should see your surgeon. Any concerns you have during the recovery process are worth talking to your plastic surgeon about.

In general, almost all noses are numb right after a rhinoplasty. In most cases its the tip that is numb, but this numbness can extend down to the upper lip, and in rare cases some of the teeth. There are nerves that are cut and stretched during a rhinoplasty, and it takes a long time for those nerves to start working again. This is true of an open as well as closed rhinoplasty, although it tends to be more extensive in open rhinoplasty. This could also be more extensive if a septoplasty is performed at the same time. This, along with the swelling, gives you a stiff, plastic type feel, and can give you an odd smile. However, the nerves will start working and again, and your nose stiffness will go away with time. As the nerves grow back, you may feel some tingling, itchiness and on occasion pain. This takes in most cases months, but can take years in rare cases. Extremely rarely, the numbness is permanent, although I have never seen such as case.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD