Loss of Smell After Rhinoplasty: Is It Temporary and How Long Does It Last?

3 days ago

3 min read

Key takeaways

A reduced sense of smell is common and temporary after rhinoplasty, caused by internal swelling, splints and crusting that block airflow to the smell area.
Smell usually improves once splints are removed at about one week and continues to recover over 6–12 weeks.
Permanent loss of smell is very rare; careful technique that protects the upper nasal lining minimises the risk.
Smell training with strong, pleasant scents can speed recovery; persistent loss beyond three months should be evaluated.

Why does smell decrease after nose surgery?

Smell receptors sit high in the roof of the nasal cavity, in the olfactory cleft. To smell, odour molecules must travel there with the airflow. After rhinoplasty:

Soft silicone splints are placed inside the nose. They have a central airway, but mucus and dried blood can block these channels.
Swelling of the nasal lining narrows the passages.
Crusts form while the lining heals.

All three reduce airflow to the smell area, so odours are perceived weakly or not at all. This is a mechanical, temporary effect, not nerve damage.

How long does it last?

Week 1: smell is often markedly reduced while splints are in place.
After splint removal: many patients notice smells returning within days.
Weeks 2–12: smell continues to improve as swelling and crusting resolve.
Beyond 3 months: most patients have fully recovered; rare cases take longer.

Can loss of smell be permanent?

It is very rare. Possible reasons include injury to the upper nasal lining during extensive septal or turbinate surgery, significant scarring (adhesions) blocking the olfactory cleft, or unrelated causes such as viral infections. Choosing an experienced surgeon who considers function as well as appearance, uses gentle techniques and follows patients closely is the best prevention. See nasal adhesions after nose surgery.

Some patients had reduced smell before surgery

Loss or weakness of smell is not always caused by surgery. A deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, allergies, smoking and previous viral infections can all reduce smell. In these patients, correcting the airway during septorhinoplasty often improves smell. See turbinate hypertrophy and sinus surgery and rhinoplasty.

How to help your sense of smell recover

Use saline sprays or rinses as instructed to keep the nose clean and moist.
Apply prescribed ointment to soften crusts; do not pick them.
Avoid smoking and smoky environments.
Smell training: once or twice a day, sniff four strong, familiar scents for about 15–20 seconds each (for example Turkish coffee, lemon, rose and clove), concentrating on each one. This helps olfactory nerves re-engage.
Attend follow-up visits so crusts and early adhesions can be managed.

When to see your surgeon

Contact the clinic if smell has not started to return after 6–8 weeks, if loss is accompanied by persistent one-sided blockage, foul discharge or pain, or if smell suddenly disappears later in recovery.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal not to smell anything after rhinoplasty?

Yes, in the first week with splints and swelling it is very common.

Does taste change after rhinoplasty?

Taste depends heavily on smell, so food may taste bland temporarily; it returns as smell recovers.

Can rhinoplasty improve my sense of smell?

If airflow was blocked before surgery, correcting it can improve smell.

How long does reduced smell last after rhinoplasty?

Usually from a few days to a few weeks, while swelling and crusting block the airflow reaching the olfactory area at the roof of the nose. A loss that is still complete after three months should be examined.

Can the sense of smell be trained back?

Smell training — sniffing four familiar scents twice a day for several weeks — is an evidence-based way to support recovery when the loss is not caused by a mechanical blockage.

Next step

Read expert recommendations for the best rhinoplasty experience or contact Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic.

About the author

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas is a European Board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience, author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press) and founder of the Closed Atraumatic Rhinoplasty Course. Read verified patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is for general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.