Will a Rhinoplasty Alter My Sense of Taste and Smell?

Knowing what to expect during your rhinoplasty recovery can help ease your mind and make the healing process as smooth as possible. One common question that many people ask about their nose job recovery is, “Will I lose my sense of taste and smell?”

While these senses may be altered while you recover, the good news is that this is only temporary. Read on to learn what causes a temporary loss of taste and smell and how long it might last.

Why Taste and Smell May Temporarily Change

When you breathe in through your nose, nerve endings located inside your nasal cavity detect the scent as the air passes through. Then, taste buds at the back of your throat detect the taste based on the scent information from the nerve endings in your nose.

Thus, when your nose is stuffed up due to a cold or swollen after nose surgery, those nerve endings are not able to detect the scent as well as normal, which also hinders your ability to taste properly.

Swelling after rhinoplasty can temporarily alter your ability to taste and smell.

When Will Taste and Smell Return after a Nose Job?

Fortunately, any changes in taste or smell that you may notice as you recover from your nose job are only temporary. Your normal senses of taste and smell should return within 3 to 6 weeks as swelling diminishes.

If you still have questions about rhinoplasty recovery or would like to know if rhinoplasty could be right for you, give our Boston office a call at 857-350-4205 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ezzat.

Author: Dr. Waleed Ezzat

Dr. Waleed Ezzat is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. At the Boston Center for Facial Plastics, he specializes in face, head and neck reconstructive procedures, congenital and traumatic deformities, and skin or tissue abnormalities resulting from a previous surgery or illness.