Can Nasal Surgery Fix Long Covid Smell Loss? Exploring Functional Rhinoplasty

If you lost your sense of smell after Covid-19 and it still has not returned, you are not alone. For many patients living with long Covid, persistent smell loss (anosmia) can affect everything from appetite to emotional well-being. However, promising new research and surgical innovation are offering renewed hope.

At The Plastic Surgery Center, our expert surgeons are now using functional rhinoplasty to help patients regain their sense of smell after long Covid. One of the leaders in this innovative approach is Dr. Matthew Kaufman, a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for his advanced work in rhinoplasty and complex head and neck procedures. Throughout this article, Dr. Kaufman shares his insights into how this breakthrough works, who it is for, and what patients can expect from the procedure.

Why Does Long Covid Cause Smell Loss?

Covid-19 can disrupt your sense of smell by damaging cells in the nasal lining, particularly near the olfactory region, which is responsible for detecting odor. While many people regain their sense of smell within weeks, others are left with long-term or even permanent changes.

Why Smell Does Not Always Return After Covid

• Blocked Airflow: Swelling or anatomical obstruction in the nasal passages may prevent odor molecules from reaching smell receptors.
• Damage to Olfactory Nerves or Tissue: The virus can inflame or impair the nerve pathways involved in smell.
• Long Covid Effects: For some, the body never fully recovers function, even after months or years.

Non-surgical options like smell training, nasal corticosteroids, or oral medications may provide relief for some, but they do not work for everyone. That is where functional rhinoplasty offers new possibilities.

What Is Functional Rhinoplasty?

Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses on altering the appearance of the nose, functional rhinoplasty is designed to correct structural issues inside the nose that impact breathing and airflow.

Functional Rhinoplasty at a Glance:

• Improves nasal airflow, especially to the upper nasal cavity where smell receptors live.
• Often used to treat conditions like deviated septums, chronic congestion, or nasal valve collapse.
• Targets internal nasal structures like the septum and turbinates.

“In patients with long Covid-related smell loss, enhancing airflow to the olfactory region may be the missing piece,” explains Dr. Kaufman. “Functional rhinoplasty is not just about breathing better, it can actually help reactivate dormant olfactory function.”

How Functional Rhinoplasty Can Help Restore Smell After Long Covid

Recent research from surgeons in the UK has shown that functional rhinoplasty, specifically functional septorhinoplasty, can significantly improve smell in long-term Covid patients who had previously seen no improvement with non-surgical treatments.

The theory is simple but powerful: By surgically widening the nasal airways, more odorant molecules can reach the olfactory receptors, "waking up" the body’s smell pathways.

How It Works:

• Helps “kickstart” the body’s ability to recognize smells again.
• Increases airflow by up to 30% in some patients.
• Re-establishes a pathway for odorants to reach the olfactory mucosa.

“We are seeing patients who had gone years without a sense of smell experience meaningful recovery after surgery,” says Dr. Kaufman. “This life-changing solution goes far beyond convenience—it restores a key part of being human.” This groundbreaking approach may be particularly helpful for patients whose anosmia is partly caused by physical obstructions, like a crooked septum or narrowed nasal valve.

What to Expect from the Procedure and Recovery

Functional rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the nasal structures being addressed.

During a functional rhinoplasty procedure, your surgeon will make internal adjustments to improve airflow through the nasal passages. This often involves correcting a deviated septum, supporting the nasal valves, or reducing the size of the turbinates, which are structures inside the nose that help humidify and filter the air you breathe. Most incisions are made inside the nostrils, so there are no visible scars. In some cases, your surgeon may use cartilage grafts to reinforce or rebuild weakened areas of the nose, ensuring long-lasting structural support and optimal breathing function.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

• 1–2 weeks: Expect initial swelling, bruising, and congestion. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within this period.
• 3–6 weeks: Breathing begins to improve as swelling subsides.
• 3+ months: Final results, including any improvement in smell, become more apparent.

At The Plastic Surgery Center, all procedures are performed in our private, AAAASF-accredited surgical facilities, ensuring the highest levels of safety and care.

Is Functional Rhinoplasty Right for You?

Not every case of long Covid smell loss is the same, and not every patient will benefit from surgery. However, functional rhinoplasty may be a good fit if:

• You have known nasal obstructions or breathing difficulties
• You lost your sense of smell after Covid-19, and it has not returned in over a year
• You are looking for a safe surgical solution with the potential for meaningful improvement
• Non-surgical treatments like smell training or steroids have not helped

If you have experienced persistent smell loss after COVID, especially if it has been a year or more without improvement, it may be time to meet with a specialist. “We can evaluate your nasal anatomy, walk through all your options, and determine if functional rhinoplasty could help restore your sense of smell while also supporting the structure and aesthetics of your nose,” adds Dr. Kauffman. 

At The Plastic Surgery Center, we specialize in transformative results backed by expert care. If you are living with long Covid and smell loss, a personalized evaluation with one of our world-renowned surgeons could open the door to a life-changing solution. Our specialists tailor each procedure to your unique anatomy and goals to help ensure you are satisfied with your results.

Take the first step toward a more confident you by scheduling a consultation for functional rhinoplasty with our expert surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Center. Contact us at 833-615-2618 to schedule an appointment.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Matthew Kaufman.