Septoplasty + Turbinate Surgery 5 days ago, still have numbness in upper/front of Mouth

Question

Had Septoplasty + Turbinate surgery about 5 days ago. I'm healing well, and the doc took the packing out a couple of days ago. I also no longer have any gauze/cotton. Just some dried blood and mucus discharge. But I still have some numbness in the roof of my mouth towards the front. But I'm not sure if that should fade away soon or if its a residual, 'permanent' effect and if there's any cause for concern. Thank you!

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. This is a common symptom after septoplasty and rhinoplasty. The numbness comes from disruption of the nerve endings to the tip of the nose. These come through the hard palate and into the nose from below. There can also be a little numbness of the two front teeth. Generally this resolves on its own, though it may take a few months to do so. Take care!

Septoplasty + Turbinate Surgery 5 days ago, still have numbness in upper/front of Mouth

Answers (1)