Septoplasty: Q&A

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Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty Using Local Anesthesia?

I need a Septoplasty due to a broken nose. I am considering getting a Rhinoplasty at the same time too. I have a HUGE fear of being "put under". I'm also emetophobic as well and general anesthesia frightens me since I've had past surgeries and thrown up for about 2 days after. Can I get this done with local anesthesia? I really hope so because I don't think I will ever get this fixed if anyone won't do it that way.

20 Doctor Answers | Asked by tiaboo in sacramento california
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Septoplasty under local.

Yes you can have a Septoplasty or even a Septorhinoplasty under local anesthesia. Whether you tolerate the procedure depends both on the surgeon and anesthetist. However the skill of the anesthetist is foremost. Local anesthesia with sedation is the best technique but also the most difficult to master. Its like walking a tight rope. Too little sedation and you will be aware during the procedure, but too much and you stop breathing. Its easier on every one to just have it done under... more
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Nasal procedures can be done under local anesthetic

Nasal procedures can be done under local anesthetic.  A major rhinoplasty can be a long and complex operation and many surgeons prefer to do this under general anesthesia. If you must have the procedure under local, find a surgeon who is comfortable operating under these conditions.
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IV sedation for rhinoplasty

You are not alone in you fear of general anesthesia.  Although I still occasionally use general anesthesia for rhinoplasty and septoplasty I prefer using IV sedation and use that 95% of the time.  I have performed thousands of rhinoplasty/septoplasty with IV sedation and patients do much better with IV sedation than general.

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General anesthesia and anesthesia options

It is generally not a good idea to have rhinoplasty under local anesthesia. We have tried and abandoned this procedure due to patient intolerance of the pain, the injections and the surgery itself. Making cuts in the nasal bone and resetting both nasal bones will be extremely painful under local anesthesia. It is also best to be placed under anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist. There are multiple different medications that are now available to help prevent nausea and... more
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Local anathesia Rhinoplasty

Yes, rhinoplasty and septoplasty can be accomplished with local anathesia. However, the multiple injections required are very uncomfortable. I strongly suggest some IV sedation at the least during the numbing process. If an more aggresive surgery is indicated a general anathesia may be a safe avenue.
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Talk to your surgeon

For some rhinoplasty procedures, local anesthesia can be used. I would caution though, these are very limited circumstances. IV sedation or even general anesthesia are very safe for patients and if you are prone to nausea, a good anesthesiologists can adjust the medications used and help to decrease your risk of post operative nausea. In the end, I would talk to your surgeon about your concerns.
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Rhinso and Septoplasty Option

Local alone would be very difficult for you and the surgeon. You want the best possible result and trying to do all this work under local anesthesia is a compromise. Local with sedation is an option but the best way of doing the surgery is under general anesthesia where everything is very well controlled. There are medications you can take before the surgery like Emend that will help decrease the possibility of nausea after the surgery. Also you need to mention this to the plastic... more
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Rhinoplasty and anesthesia

Yes, it could be done. However, you probably would be more comfortable under gneral or at least deep sedation. Most office based anesthesiologists are trained to deal with patients that are prone to nausea. They can minimize the risk of nausea with many different medications. I would not worry too much about this.
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Rhinoplasty is possible under local, sedation, or general anesthesia

All types of anesthesia can work well for nasal shaping. Over many years we have moved toward general anesthesia though sedation was excellent for most. Local without sedation is possible from a comfort perspective though patients we treat never seem to want to be so aware during their procedure. Patients most often will tell our anesthesia staff to just put them out for the procedure and therefore our trend to general anesthesia rather than sedation. You may find it interesting that we... more
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Sort of

This is a traumatic procedure, and it may take a several hours to do.  If you can find a surgeon willing to accomodate (based mainly on safety concerns and concern for outcome), it would be better to have sedation with the local, closely monitored.
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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