Is it normal to have scalp numbness after rhinoplasty?

Question

I had a septoplasty and rhinoplasty 6 days ago. I have had no bruising on the face only a little swelling however I have what feels like bruises on the back of my head and the right half of the back of my head is numb. The other side has feeling. When I tap it or brush my hair it is numb. The feeling is coming back slowly however I am interested to know why I have this issue. I asked my surgeon and he said there was no trauma to the head during surgery and my head was in a headring.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The only explanation I can think of for the area of anesthesia you describe is pressure on the cutaneous nerves during the operation itself. This is a positioning issue on the operating table, a compressive neuropathy, and should return in time.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

This is probably an issue of the occipital nerve being irritated from laying on the OR table and possibly from the ring only on that side. This typically gets better with time as swelling, inflammation and irritation resolves. I would expect you to do well. All of us make every effort to support, bolster and pad patients while they sleep even still sometimes thing happpen. Stick with your surgeon, follow his / her post-op instructions carefully and completely, you should do well.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is normal to have numbness on your nasal tip following rhinoplasty. Depending on how severe your deviated septum was- and how much work it took to fix it- you may also have some numbness on your palate. The numbness typically resolves after a period of a few months. As for the back of your head, I'm not entirely sure. The nerves to that area come from the back of your neck and run up the back of your head. I have a feeling it must be related to positioning in some way, but it DEFINITELY should improve. I wonder if you have some underlying neck or spine issues that are contributing. Probably worth checking out once you've made a recovery. Good luck!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not normal to have scalp numbness after Rhinoplasty.  Follow your surgeon's post op instructions so that he can guide through recovery.  Best wishes!

Is it normal to have scalp numbness after rhinoplasty?

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Answer: Is it normal to have scalp numbness after rhinoplasty?

Answer: Is it normal to have scalp numbness after rhinoplasty?

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Is it normal to have scalp numbness after rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it normal to have scalp numbness after rhinoplasty?

Answer: Is it normal to have scalp numbness after rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.