Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which is performed for aesthetic or functional reasons, however, many patients wonder whether it will affect their sense of smell and taste. These concerns are understandable, since the procedure includes nose structures that are closely related to the function of these senses. 

Che cos'è la rinoplastica?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which aims to improve the shape, structure and function of the nose. This treatment is very common in the cosmetic surgery field, and it can be performed for several reasons, including aesthetics and medical. 

In terms of aesthetics, rhinoplasty helps improve the nose shape, for example, making it look smaller, straighter, removing the bump and adjusting the tip of the nose. These changes make the nose look more balanced with the other parts of the face and significantly help improve their self-esteem. 

In cases when rhinoplasty is recommended for functional reasons, it aims to improve the function of breathing, especially when the patient has a deviated septum, which can block the airways. 

In some cases, the procedure will be performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons- a combination known as septorhinoplasty – to achieve more comprehensive results in appearance and function. 

The procedure can be performed in two different techniques, closed or open. 

Open rhinoplasty includes a small incision in the lower part of the nose, while closed rhinoplasty is performed by making small incisions inside the nose, not leaving any signs of surgery in the skin. Choosing between these two techniques will depend on the complexity of the case and what the patient wants to achieve. 

Even though it is considered a routine procedure, rhinoplasty requires high surgical expertise and careful planning, since every structure of the nose is closely related to the smelling and breathing function. 

Due to this, it is important to choose a specialised cosmetic surgeon who has enough expertise in rhinoplasty to guarantee safe and natural results. 

The Connection Between The Nose, Smell And Taste

The nose is the main smelling organ, and it plays an important role in the perception of different aromas.

Inside it are the olfactory receptors, which are responsible for capturing aroma molecules and sending signals to the brain. These receptors are located in the upper part of the nose, and they function through contact with the air that passes through during breathing.

Taste, even though connected to the tongue, is also related to smell. What we know as taste is a combination of basic taste and the aroma of smell. 

If the smell receptors are damaged, then this will also significantly affect the taste. This is one of the main reasons why people who are feeling sick and have a stuffed nose feel like they can’t taste the food. 

Nose structures are very sensitive, and any change that happens during or after rhinoplasty will affect these senses temporarily or in rare cases. So, understanding their connection is important for the evaluation of any possible change after the rhinoplasty procedure. 

Will Rhinoplasty Affect The Smell?

Yes, rhinoplasty can affect the smell, but in most cases these changes are temporary.

During the procedure, the inside structure of the nose, such as the mucus, air passages or smell receptors, can be affected due to swelling, bleeding and anatomical changes. This will directly impact the normal air passages and affect normal airflow, and temporarily limit the contact of scent molecules with olfactory receptors.

Usually, after the procedure, the patient will experience a significant decrease in smell for a couple of weeks or months. This happens due to inflammation and temporary blockage of the airway. However, while the nose is healing and breathing is normalised, the smell will return to its normal condition. 

Cases when the smell damage is permanent are very rare, and they usually happen due to rare surgical complications or several changes near the olfactory receptor area. 

This is why choosing the right surgeon for your procedure is crucial. This will help avoid such risks and help maintain the natural mouth function. 

Will Rhinoplasty Affect Taste?

Rhinoplasty will rarely affect directly the sense of taste, but it can cause temporary changes due to the close connection between taste and smell. When the nose is blocked after the operation due to swelling or tampons, the smell will get weaker, and this will affect the way patients will perceive the smell of food, creating the feeling that the taste has faded.

But the truth is that the basic tastes, such as sweet, salty, and sour, will be perceived by the tongue, and this ability will not be affected by the rhinoplasty procedure. But the elements that make the food more tasty, such as the smell, will depend on this sense. This being said, every procedure that will temporarily affect this sense will also affect the way we taste food.  

These changes are temporary and will go away in a matter of weeks, while the recovery progresses and the nose function returns to normal. If the loss of taste continues for more than a couple of months, it is recommended to consult with the surgeon who performed the surgery. 

When Will My Senses Return After Surgery?

After rhinoplasty, many patients experience a decrease in smell and consequently changes in taste. This is a normal response of the body to surgical trauma, and it is closely related to tissue swelling and the temporary blockage of the airways. 

In most cases, the sense of smell will begin to improve between 3 to 6 weeks after the treatment. For some patients, recovery can last longer, especially if the procedure was more complex or included functional nose structures. Full recovery of the senses can last up to 6 months or even more, depending on the individual response of the body to healing. 

The patients must follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions and avoid factors that can prolong recovery, such as exposure to smoking and polluted environments. If these senses don’t return within a normal time frame, although this is rare, a further medical evaluation will be necessary. 

Signs That Should Not Be Ignored After Rhinoplasty

The initial stage of recovery after rhinoplasty will usually last 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, you will experience noticeable swelling, bruising around the eyes, a feeling of blockage in the nose and overall tiredness. These are normal signs and a part of the recovery process. 

During this time, it is recommended to keep the head elevated, avoid physical activities and to not touch the nose by force. 

During the passing weeks, the swelling will eventually go down, although light signs will remain for months, especially on the tip of the nose.

The final results and changes on the shape of the nose will be visible after 6 months to one year, since the tissues need their time to be finally positioned. During this period, it is normal to have a numb sensation or light pressure in the nose, which will eventually go down with time.

The sense of smell will become weaker after the procedure due to the swelling and the blockage of the airways. This will also affect the sense of taste, since these senses are closely related to each other. 

Usually, these senses will gradually return in a matter of weeks, but in rare cases, it can take some time. It is very important to inform your surgeon if these senses are not returning to normal. 

During the recovery period, it is essential to follow the advice of your surgeon. Do not wear sunglasses until the surgeon gives the OK, avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and don’t smoke, since these actions can damage the results and prolong the healing. 

Proper care after the procedure is as important as the procedure itself in order for the results to be natural, safe and last a long time. 

When Should You Be Worried?

Even though most patients have a smooth recovery after rhinoplasty, in some cases, some symptoms should not be ignored. If you feel severe pain that will not be eased with pain killer medication, or the bleeding continues for longer than usual, these are signs that need to be evaluated immediately by a qualified surgeon. 

Additionally, if smell and taste do not improve after some weeks, or they worsen in an unexpected way, this can be a sign of a possible complication. Other alarming symptoms include infection (high fever, swelling, bed smelling discharge), new deformation on the nose or a numb feeling that doesn’t go away with time. In all of these cases, consulting a surgeon will be the right step to prevent long-term issues. 

Tips For A Safe Recovery

To ensure a healthy recovery after rhinoplasty and to prevent any complications, it is important to carefully follow the surgeon’s recommendations. Proper aftercare will directly affect both aesthetic and functional results of rhinoplasty. Furthermore, are some practical advice that will help speed up the recovery process:

• Keep the head elevated, especially while sleeping, to reduce swelling.
• Avoid rubbing the nose for a couple of weeks after surgery.
• Do not use glasses without the approval of the surgeon.
• Avoid strenuous physical activities and prolonged exposure to the sun or heat. 
• Avoid smoking. Cigarettes will slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infections.
• Use prescribed medications as directed, including antibiotics and painkillers.
• Attend check-ups regularly and report any abnormal signs to the surgeon. 

In Breve

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that will significantly improve the appearance and function of the nose. However, as with any surgical procedure, it requires careful attention during the recovery process to avoid any possible complications and to guarantee long-lasting results. 

The smell and taste can be affected temporarily after the procedure, but in most cases, these senses will return with time. Following medical advice, monitoring for unusual signs, and choosing an experienced surgeon are key steps to a successful and safe process.

Domande Frequenti

Will I Permanently Lose My Sense Of Smell After Rhinoplasty?

No, the permanent loss of smell is extremely rare. In most cases, patients will experience a temporary reduction in sensitivity to odours due to swelling and the temporary blockage of the air passages. 

This is a normal part of the recovery process, and they will eventually improve as time passes. The sense of smell will improve gradually, and if you carefully follow the instructions of your surgeon, this sense will return without long-lasting effect. 

How Long Does It Take To Fully Recover Your Sense Of Smell And Taste?

Initial improvements will be noticeable after 3 to 6 weeks. During this period, most of the swelling will have gone down. However, full recovery of smell and taste will take 6 months or even more, especially in cases when the surgery was more complex or functional changes have been performed. 

Every body goes though a different recovery timeline, so it is important to be patient and to keep close contact with the surgeon, so they can monitor the healing process. 

Is It Normal To Lose The Sense Of Smell Or Taste After Surgery?

Yes, it is completely normal. The smell can be blocked temporarily due to swelling of the nasal mucosa, placement of the tampons, or the presence of discharge that is an obstacle to the air passages. 

Since the taste is closely connected to smell, many patients think that they have also lost this sense. In reality, the only thing that is affected is the complex perception of aromas that usually complements basic tastes. Once the nose is fully healed, these senses will eventually return. 

Can Senses Be Permanently Damaged After Rhinoplasty?

Although it’s very rare, in some specific cases, permanent damage to the smell and taste receptors can happen if the procedure was complex or the recovery process didn’t go as planned. 

This is the main reason why it is so important that the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons who have great knowledge of the nose structure. In most cases, senses will return to normal without the need for additional procedures. However, if these changes are continuing for a long time, it is important to visit your surgeon.