How Long Does Loss of Feeling in the Tip Last After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had my rhinoplasty a week ago and had the tip taken down and haven't had any feeling there since. I know my nose is still very swollen, but is this something I should worry about? Will I ever get feeling back to the tip of my nose? Since it was "cut off," I don't know how this works.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It is very common to have numbness on the tip of your nose after rhinoplasty. This can last as long as six months in some patients but in 17 years of practice, I have always seen it return to normal. I hope this information helps.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Typically following rhinoplasty most of the skin of the nose will be numb for several weeks if not longer.  The tip,of the nose will remain numb the longest and it could take six months for the sensation to return.  What you are experiencing is to be expected.

James C. Marotta, MD · Answer

Numbness of the nasal tip is completey normal a week following rhinoplasty. It will mostly resolve over 6 weeks but some numbness in the nasal tip is normal for even up to a year following surgery. I have never had any patient with permanent numbess.

Colin Pero, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common for patients to note decreased or tingling sensations to the tip of the nose following rhinoplasty, especially those performed via an open approach. This usually returns in a few weeks but it can take months in some cases.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

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

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is quite common for the tip of the nose to be a bit numb after rhinoplasty.  This usually gets better within a few weeks to months once the swelling subsides.

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

Yes you will get the feeling back. You need more healing time. The longest I have seen this go on is up to a year.

Louise Ferland, MD (retired) · Answer

As a general rule it could take up to a year for the nasal tip sensation to return to normal and for the tip to feel soft again with an open rhinoplasty. This can be much shorter with a closed rhinoplasty from weeks to a few months. Ask your surgeon . Best wishes.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

I would not be concerned at all especially this soon in the recovery phase. It is very common to have limited feeling in the tip of the nose especially if the surgeon used an open approach. Give it time and you will  start feeling some tingling sensations almost the same as dental numbness after xylocaine injections you will have slow returning feeling with tingling and then a full return of sensation as time goes on. Best regards!

How Long Does Loss of Feeling in the Tip Last After Rhinoplasty?

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