Can You Get Permanent Loss of Smell after Rhinoplasty? Find Out Here

Also known as a nose job, this cosmetic procedure reshapes the nose and bring facial harmony. Its aesthetic outcome is mainly the focus of patients, but there are serious risks they may be unaware of.

Permanent loss of smell after rhinoplasty is one such risk, but the percentage of it happening is small. Most patients experience a return of the sense of smell as the aftermath of the surgery subsides and the nasal passage heals.

But this can take from a few weeks to a few months.

Temporary loss of smell is quite common due to the blockage of the nasal passages and the damage to nasal sensory cells. The following sections will take you through the severity of smell loss after the surgery.

Permanent Loss of Smell After Rhinoplasty - Is It a Real Risk

Permanent loss of smell after a nose job is a rare but documented risk, while a majority of the patients experience no lasting changes to their olfactory senses, it is a complication that qualified surgeons discuss.

The sense of smell is governed by delicate olfactory nerves present in the upper part of the nasal cavity - these nerves transmit scent information to the brain. This can happen due to the following reasons:

• Direct damage: Rare, but olfactory nerves may be directly damaged during the surgical process. This can happen in complex cases or during revision surgeries.

• Severe scarring: Excessive internal scarring or fibrosis after surgery can obstruct the airflow or compress the nerves.

• Persistent inflammation or swelling: Usually temporary, but in rare cases, there be prolonged, severe inflammation that leads to long-term olfactory dysfunction.

Experienced plastic surgeons display great care to avoid such side effects which is why consulting an expert is important.

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Your Sense of Smell After Rhinoplasty

A temporary change after rhinoplasty is common, even a reduction in the sense of smell in the immediate post-surgery period. This resolves quickly and you regain your sense of smell, so this short period should not be confused with permanent loss of smell.

Smell after rhinoplasty might be affected initially due to the following causes:

• Nasal packing and splints: A normal part of nose surgery, packing or internal splints may be used to support the new structure and control bleeding. These physically obstruct airflow - which can interfere with your smell.

• Swelling: External or internal swelling of the nasal tissues prevents air therefore the scent molecules from reaching your olfactory nerves. This gives a sense of smell loss.

• Mucus and blood clots: The presence of dried blood is another reason why your sense of smell is poor after the surgery. In addition, crusting or increased mucus production can impact this too.

Your sense of smell during the healing process may be altered (you may perceive certain smells differently), absent or significantly diminished.

How Do I Restore my Sense of Smell After a Nose Job?

The sense of smell after the surgery can take some time to come back. But as the swelling reduces and your nasal passages clear, you can get your olfaction back.

Here are some ways you can restore your sense of smell:

1. Timeline: You may notice some improvement within days or weeks or it can take several weeks or a few months for it fully recover. That depends on the severity of damage to your nasal tissues and the time it takes for the nasal passages to clear.

2. What helps recovery: Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions - they personalize it for you. This includes proper nasal hygiene (for e.g., using saline rinses), blowing your nose gently and refraining from picking your nose.

When should I be worried?

If your sense of smell does not return after several months post-op and you experience any concerning symptoms (discussed below) contact your plastic surgeon immediately.

Symptoms of permanent smell loss:

• Persistent loss of smell, even after several months of healing

• Distorted sense of smell where you experience phantom smells or things smell different than before.

• Continued nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing even after splint or packing removal can indicate scar tissue development.

Early intervention with therapy or medications can help improve and restore smell - talk to your surgeon.

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How to Avoid Loss of Smell After Rhinoplasty?

• Choose a board-certified expert with extensive experience in rhinoplasty. They will have deep understanding of nasal anatomy and will use the best surgical techniques that minimize complications.

• Thorough consultation with a good surgeon is important for understanding risks and setting realistic expectations. This helps them discuss the potential risks clearly after conducting a comprehensive pre-operative assessment.

• Adhere to post-op care plan as this is important to ensure complete healing and minimizing complications.

• Choosing the best nose treatment company like Yapita Health for rhinoplasty.

Temporary changes to your sense of smell are normal, but when this prolongs, it is important to seek medical care. With an experienced doctor you will have much better chance of avoiding such risks.

Get in touch today to consult experienced rhinoplasty experts with proven track records!