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Is It Possible to Fix Nose Bump Under Local Anesthesia?

I've always been insecure about the bump on my nose and I want to get a nose job but I'm afraid of having anesthesia. Is it possible to have it done with only local anesthesia? Thanks.

Asked 28 months ago by princess1228 in Wonderland
Sort 15 expert answers by:
+1

Yes it is if properly done.

 That is the way we did did almost all noses 35 years ago. There are many doctors who still so them that way. It is more of a mental problem for some patients and that is we do most noses under some form of sedation or general anesthesia.
Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Rhinoplasty, nose bump reduction, and other nasal surgery definitely possible under local

Local anesthesia alone is certainly a possibility for rhinoplasty, whether just a bump or with tip resculpting and/or septal work, as long as the surgeon is experienced in this technique. I have done several with local anesthesia alone, although my preference is to use light sedation to minimize the stinging sensation that comes from the local anesthesia, as well as the nervousness that might accompany surgery. Surprisingly, I find that surgery done this way goes more smoothly, with less... more
Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD
Saint Louis Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Rhinoplasty and anesthesia

I think that performing rhinoplasty under local anesthesia, although possible, is difficult. It is difficult for the patient and the surgeon. Shaving a simple bump off of ones nose might be suitable for local anesthesia, however, most hump removals result in the need to perform osteotomies (they break your nose) and that can be a very unpleasant experience. Not only will the case take longer, but, your surgeon will be worrying about your pain and emotional status rather than focusing... more
Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rhinoplasty Under Local Anesthesia

Fixing the nasal hump is easy but during the procedure there can be bleeding which trickles down the throat and can also go in the wind pipe and lungs. That can lead to pneumonia which can be fatal. It is a lot safer to have an endotracheal tube to protect your windpipe against any blood or secretions going into the lungs. Regards
Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rhinoplasty Under Local Anesthesia

Hi Princess, Yes it is possible to have rhinoplasty under local anesthesia. For many years that was the way the majority of rhinoplasty surgeons trained in the 70's and 80's performed rhinoplasty. You not only now have to choose your rhinoplasty surgeon carefully based on their experience, skill, and results, but also upon how comfortable they are performing the procedure under local anesthesia. Good luck and enjoy your bumpless nose. Dr. P
Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Local Anesthesia and Rhinoplasty

Good question.  What appears to be a simple "bump" on your nose is actually quite complex. It is composed of a hump of cartilage under the bony hump all supported by your septum.  On the inside of the hump is the inside lining of your nose and 2 air passages for you to breathe.   Therefore, the hump removal process can not only affect the look of your nose, but also how you breathe.   While local anesthesia is possible, most patients (and surgeons)... more
Daniel Reichner, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty under local anesthesia

It is just not a good idea or practical to have a rhinoplasty performed under local anesthesia. Local numbing anesthetic injections hurt quite a bit, and for that reason, we place patients under general anesthesia. After the bump is removed the sidewalls of the nose will have to be narrowed, which requires breaking the nasal bones, making general anesthesia the best choice for the patient and their comfort. Additionally, this type of surgery is not done under local anesthesia for fear of... more
William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty under local anesthesia

Hello, Some individuals may do it under local anesthesia. It is safe but can be uncomfortable. You may also have the procedure done under iv sedation. But general anesthesia is safe and usually the best option.
Paul S. Nassif, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty is possible under local alone

It is possible to complete nasal shaping under local anesthesia, and the reduction of a small hump may be one of the best indications. This approach was popular to reduce small humps in LA years ago and was referred to as the 'lunch hour' rhinoplasty. The fad has passed and committing to the full procedure most often translates into a better result, and a better experience. Provided you are in good health you have no need to fear sedation or general anesthesia for that matter. The key is... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD
Des Plaines Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes - but why?

It is possible to do a whole rhinoplasty under local anesthesa - but why? The current medications for sedation are so good and safe that most people opt for that. Putting local into a nose HURTS. Enjoy the drugs and a painless surgery.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty under local anesthesia

Princess I would not advise having hump reduction under local anesthesia. Hump reduction usually requires osteotomies (breaking the nasal bones) which would be very uncomfortable and also results in some bleeding which could be more difficult to manage while you are awake. The rare exception would be a minor filing of the bridge. Please don't make decision in who is going to perform your surgery based on the type of anesthesia. Good luck!
Ran Y. Rubinstein, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty under local anesthesia

Not all bumps or humps are the same and therefore not all require general or local anesthesia. Minor humps can be peformed under local. However, it is generally an unpleasant experience. As you know the nose easily bleeds and controlling that bleeding is essential during the procedure. This is sometimes more difficult to do under local anesthesia.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Local anesthesia and rhinoplasty

It is certainly possible to perform a small shave under local, but you probably won't like it. In addition, it is always easier for a surgeon to work with an anesthesiologist to sedate the patient., so that the surgeon can focus on performing the best rhinoplasty he/she can without having to worry about giving sedation to the patient.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nose Bump may require more manipulation

Removing the bump on the nose is the most common cosmetic correction to the nose. Some bumps take just a little shaving and some require reduction of bone and cartilage. If the bump is very big you will need to have the nasal bones adjusted and this would be very aggressive just under local anesthesia. I would not recommend local anesthesia if you need removal of a bump. After you have been seen by your surgeon and determine the nature of the correction this determination can be made. ... more
Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty under local anesthesia

It may be possible to do this but it may not be advisable. You want your surgeon to be able to give your nose its undivided attention and if you are awake and uncomfortable, it may distract the doctor from doing their best job. With a doctor doing your anesthesia, you have extremely little to worry about.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
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