Question: The surgical incision to remove my pituitary tumor was done along the upper gum line. How long will it take to regain my sense of smell and taste and how long will it take for the swelling to go down?

Answer: The time it takes for recovering the sense of smell and taste after transsphenoidal surgery depends on whether nerves have been cut while gaining access to the pituitary gland. In some cases the loss of smell and taste may last for many months or never return. Swelling of the upper lip and gum should disappear within a few days or weeks after the surgery.

By Dr. David E. Schteingart MD (Winter, 2005)