Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty Using Local Anesthesia?

Rhinoplasty can dramatically impact the appearance of the
nose. When this procedure is performed with local anesthesia alone the response
varies from patient to patient. Unfortunately, we frequently see patients who
have significant pain and discomfort during the injection process when local
anesthesia is used alone.For
this reason, many surgeons supplement local anesthesia with I.V. sedation or
general anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. When
utilizing this approach the procedure is more comfortable and there’s less
break through pain for the patient.It’s
important to realize that all surgical procedures and anesthetic techniques
have risks. This is true whether local anesthesia, IV sedation or general
anesthesia are utilized.The
vast majority of rhinoplasty surgeons prefer general anesthesia when performing
this procedure. They realize that when this approach is utilized patients seem
to have a better overall experience. Exceptions do exist, and for this reason
it’s important to thoroughly discuss anesthesia with your surgeon before
proceeding.

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 general. If your fear of a general anesthesia is due to your concern over the risks, perhaps knowing the risks are always higher with local and sedation or 'twilight anesthesia' than with a general anesthesia.

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.