Is it possible to lose feeling in your top lip after a Rhinoplasty?

This is not a complication I have encountered, although this can occur.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Tip numbness is fairly common and may last several months. We have not seen any patients in our practice with permanent nasal tip numbness after rhinoplasty. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Occasionally, numbness to the upper lip can be seen immediately after rhinoplasty.  This typically resolves over a few days to a few weeks.

  In our practice for over 25 years, we have never seen a permanent loss of feeling to the upper lip after a rhinoplasty procedure.  Most patients do experience some degree of numbness that is temporary at the base of the nose for the first couple of months after the procedure. 

Yes, the upper lip can be a bit numb after surgery and often improves as the swelling subsides. .....

We feel that it not possible to lose feeling in the upper lip permanently, though there may be some stiffness depending on what might be needed to correct the septum during your procedure. Lip numbness is just not on the list of rhinoplasty complications.

Thanks for your question.  Yes it is possible to lose feeling, but it typically comes back.  You should speak with your surgeon if you're having prolonged numbness, I'm sure he will want to see you and follow up about it.  Good luck.

Although it is rare, it is possible to lose some sensation in the upper central (incisor) dentition and lining of the upper vestibule of the upper lip after rhinoplasty. This is because, during rhinoplasty, the nasal septum may need to be aggressively disrupted along its base with the maxilla (say, for correction of a large septal spur). The nasopalatine nerve, an extension of the greater palatine and nasopalatine nerves, pierces through the anterior roof of the mouth into the nose through a hole called the incisor foramen. If this nerve is damaged, it can result in temporary loss of sensation. Typically, however, such numbness is not permanent and, presuming that the bulk of the nerve is still intact, return of sensation can take place after up to 1-2 years.

Swelling can cause numbness in the upper lip following surgery.  I have never seen this as a permanent problem.

While temporary numbness in the upper lip after rhinoplasty is not uncommon, it almost always resolves on its own after a few months thanks to a process called reinnervation.

The body has an amazing ability to repair itself.  This is has been clearly demonstrated by reinnervation that generally happens spontaneously in which the injured nerves reconnect and regain their sensation.

Good luck and best wishes.