Numbness after rhinoplasty - is there any chance the sensation will return?

Question

I am 2 years post rhinoplasty and have yet to regain feeling in the tip of my nose and upper front teeth area. Is there any chance it will return? I’m needing a revision as well, but don’t want to make the numbness worse by having another surgery. Thanks

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We have not met anybody that has had any area of nasal numbness for two years after rhinoplasty surgery. We have seen numbness that can last for many many months, however, by everyone's one year postop visit, the sensation is fully returned. If you have lost sensation for two years, it's not clear whether this would still return at this point I wish you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Felipe Amaya, MD · Answer

Good morning, we hope you are well. You should consult with the doctor who performed the procedure to understand the reason for the loss of sensitivity in those areas, as it is not normal to still be experiencing it after two years.

Jyoshid R. Balan, MBBS, MCh · Answer

It's not uncommon to have numbness over the nose post rhinoplasty especially over the tip. Usually the sensation regains over a time period, maybe by 3 to 6 months. In your case it's 2 yrs post surgery and you have associated upper teeth numbness too. It's better to contact the previous surgeon to get a correct answer. Thanks Drjosh

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most patients will have return of sensation after rhinoplasty surgery. This process usually happens within the first year.
What you describe sounds fairly unusual.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD.

Numbness after rhinoplasty - is there any chance the sensation will return?

Answers (4)