How Long Should Numbness After Rhinoplasty Last?

This may take 12-18 months to return, but in 35 years of doing thousands of rhinoplasties, I have never had a patient where it did not go away.

It’s not unusual for patients to have numbness and swelling following rhinoplasty surgery.  This is often the result of the surgical dissection and healing process.
            In the vast majority of patients, these symptoms usually resolve spontaneously.  In most cases, swelling has resolved in three to four weeks, but may take up to a year to completely resolve.  Persistent swelling often results in the nose feeling stiff.

            In most cases, numbness has resolved in three to four weeks, but may last up to a year following surgery.  The tingling that you describe is often associated with nerve regeneration.

            It’s still relatively early in the post-operative course, but if your symptoms persist, consultations with your plastic surgeon is appropriate. 

The duration of nasal numbness can vary after rhinoplasty - some patients don't mention it at all, and those who do tend to gain full resolution of sensation, slowly. Since you're having stiffness and tingling on your numb side, I suspect you are experiencing residual swelling that will work its way out with time. We have not had any of our patients complain of nasal numbness at the 12 month postoperative visit. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

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!

Although nerves may be injured in the course of performing a rhinoplasty, the vast majority of these tend to resolve with time. Generally, it is best to wait it out. I am not aware of an operation for restoring sensation to the nose.

There are many small sensory nerves in the nose that continue to heal after a rhinoplasty and it can go on for up to 2-3 years. It takes time but does go away.
If you see any blisters on the tip, then I would be concerned and see your surgeon right away as that could be a viral infection.
Swelling alone is quite normal. Give it more time.
Regards

Good question. This is very common after rhinoplasty. The numbness usually goes away within the first year, but sometimes may take a bit longer than that. This is due to the fact that the nose was elevated and some of the sensation to the tip and the areas around it or affected. In time, this should all normalize.
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

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. 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

Numbness after rhinoplasty is the rule rather than the exception. The fact you have tingling in the area most likely means the nerves are trying to grow back, which is a good sign. It may take one year or longer for the sensation to return, so be patient.

Numbness of the nose after rhinoplasty is normal and often takes months to resolve. Particularly, with an open rhinoplasty, the numbness may last for 1 to 2 years. It is also not uncommon to have numbness only on one side the nose or to be more prolonged on one side of the nose. Along with the numbness, the tissues often feel stiff and swollen. Be patient; improvements will occur slowly.