Masataka Fujihashi
2026.01.10
Nerve recovery after rhinoplasty｜How long will numbness last?
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have handled numerous cases involving trauma, reconstruction, and congenital conditions, cultivating precise techniques and deep anatomical understanding. Driven by the desire to deliver the transformative power of beauty—where visible change uplifts the spirit—I pursued a career in cosmetic surgery. My areas of expertise include comprehensive eye treatments, injectable therapies, and anti-sagging procedures. Guided by a commitment to sincerely address each patient's aspirations, I provide meticulously crafted treatments focused on achieving beauty.
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Designing natural beauty with trust.
I am Masataka Fujihashi, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
After rhinoplasty surgery, "it's hard to tell what it feels like to touch."It is not uncommon for patients to complain of a change in sensation, such as "a tingling sensation at the tip of my nose.
Especially for a while after the surgery,I am sometimes puzzled by the feeling that it is not my nose.
However, many of these symptomsNot caused by a severed nerve, but part of the nerve recovery processis.
In nasal surgery, operations that intentionally sever nerves are generally not performed.
What is actually happening,Due to swelling, inflammation, and tissue migrationTemporary loss of neurotransmissionis.
This article will lay out the reasons for the sensory changes that occur after rhinoplasty and the concept of recovery.
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Why does the nose lose sensation?
Perirhinal sensation is supported by fine nerve branches that divide from the trigeminal nerve.
Adapted from "Graphics Face: Clinical Anatomy, 1st Edition" (Quintessence Publishing Co., Ltd., 2013), p.243 Figure 3.42, with some modifications.
It is characterized by very dense nerves running through the area of the tip of the nose, the wings of the nose, and the nasal column.
In rhinoplasty, because the dissection and grafting operations are performed near this nerve,by nerves being stretched or pushed by surrounding swelling,Information transmission is temporarily weakened.
Numbness tends to occur in,Nasal septum extension,Rhinoplasty,Insertion and removal of prostheses,nose reductionThe scope of operation is relatively wide, including the following
Because neither of these surgeries involve severing nerves,It is easy to think of it as a period of neural recovery due to environmental changes.
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How will recovery proceed?
Nerve fibers generally regenerate about 1 mm per dayThe tissue is considered to be a "dead tissue" and takes a long time to recover.
Therefore, it is not abnormal if sensation does not return immediately after surgery.
Many are,Postoperative discomfort began to change around 2-3 weeks,Feel "sensation coming back" in 1-3 months.It will be like this.
In the process of recovery,Tingling,Tingling,Musy,Although I sometimes feel the stimulation of theThis isSigns that the nerves are starting to work again.In many cases, it is.
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Reasons for the difference in recovery speed
Even with the same treatment, the speed of recovery varies from person to person.
The main factors are,Thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue,Swelling,Extent of surgery,Re-operation or not、This is the point that we are trying to make.
In people with thicker skin or with a constitution that tends to cause prolonged swelling,The period of nerve compression is extended and sensory return tends to be slower.
Reoperation may also require more time for recovery due to scarring.
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What to keep in mind to avoid impeding recovery
Nerve repair is based on the natural process, though,There are certain actions to avoid in order not to interfere with recovery.
Pressing and rubbing the nose hard
Sleep on your stomach.
Excessive massage
Smoking
These contribute to swelling and impaired blood flow,As a result, it can cause a delay in nerve recovery.
It is important to prevent cold and to keep a reasonable lifestyle.
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Cases in which you should consider seeing a doctor
Most sensory loss improves spontaneously, though,
...little change over the past six months.
I can't feel anything on one side of my body.
. with severe pain, redness, and hard lumps.
If this is the case, consult a physician as soon as possible.
It is possible that scarring or compression, rather than the nerve itself, is the cause.
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■ Summary
Numbness and discomfort after rhinoplasty,In many cases,Temporary changes seen during recoveryis.
Because nerves regenerate slowly,It is not uncommon for it to take several months for sensation to return.
The mild irritation felt during the course of the process is often a sign of recovery.
If you feel anxious, don't hold back,Do not judge for yourself, but consult a doctor,It is a shortcut to waiting for recovery with peace of mind.
Do not be in a hurry and monitor the progress according to your body's recovery rhythm.
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【Profile】
Masataka Fujihashi, MD, Plastic Surgeon
Leveraging expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I offer comprehensive facial cosmetic procedures including eyelid and nose surgery, facial liposuction, thread lifts, and hyaluronic acid injections. From incisional surgeries and revision procedures requiring delicate design to minimally invasive injections and lifts with minimal downtime, I strive to provide treatments tailored to each patient's ideal outcome.
We are dedicated to achieving natural results and minimizing downtime, pursuing medical care that leaves you feeling confident in your choice through sincere consultations.
Designing natural beauty with trust.
We cherish that sentiment and apply it to our daily practice.
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【Career】
March 2015: Graduated from the School of Medicine, Showa University
April 2015 Showa University Yokohama Northern Hospital Initial Clinical Training
April 2017 Showa University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery
October 2017 Maebashi Red Cross Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery
April 2019 Nishio Municipal Hospital Plastic Surgery Department
April 2020 Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital Plastic Surgery Department
November 2020 Ota Nishinouchi Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery
July 2022 Tokyo Rosai Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery Department Head
July 2022: R.O.clinic (Part-time), Kusano Taro Clinic (Part-time)
April 2024 Deputy Director, Ginza TA Clinic
November 2025 BIANCA CLINIC
【Professional Affiliations and Qualifications】
Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (JSAPS)
Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS)
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