Would I need general anesthesia to shave off a small piece of cartilage from the tip of my nose?

Question

Also how much would the procedure cost? The cartilage at the very tip of my nose sticks out a little farther on the left side, making the nose look more pointed when you look at it from the right.

Ira D. Papel, MD · Answer

Without photos I can only answer in a general sense. If there is truly a tip cartilage larger on one side it can be trimmed by making a small incision inside the nose. Very often there is more cartilage present than we need for support, and excising a small portion restores symmetry. This can almost always be done with local anesthesia in the office operating room. Of course, we would need to see you in person to detrmine if this is the correct treatment. All noses are different, and need to be individually assessed.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Umuncher,   Front and side view pictures would have been very helpful. It is impossible to answer your questions without pictures or in person examination.    The nose structure is very complex and what might seem to you simple , in reality, the repair could be technically more complicated. Insisting on a procedure under local anesthesia , might result in less optimal outcome.   Experience and skills are critical for good result. So do your due diligence and choose wisely.   Always consult with board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery or surgeon's office. to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.              Best of luck,                                Dr Widder

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Many surgeries on the body can be performed with less than general anesthesia. However, it would be impossible without any anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the advisability to using local anesthesia which means injecting a local anesthetic in the area that needs surgery. Some areas are difficult to numb correctly. Often, it depends on your tolerance to needles being placed in the type of the nose which can be a sensitive region. Tolerance varies from individual to individual. It also may change the comfort level of the surgeon. Another option is local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The sedation often is heaviest when injections are placed in the nose. This can be a reasonable technique for a tip rhinoplasty for some individuals.

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

Small tip adjustments of the nose can be performed while you were awake under local anesthesia. However I would caution you against rushing into doing that because often the nose will need more than that. Focusing on a small portion will often miss the big picture. The nose should be assessed from multiple views and look at all structures including the  cartledge, bone, and skin.  More often than not, your nose will need more extensive adjustment to achieve optimal results. In  that case, you should have general anesthesia for your comfort and for the surgeon to be able to do everything he needs to refine your nose.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In my practice, I commonly use general or iv sedation for patients that undergo a rhinoplasty. I want my patients to have maximum comfort. Best of luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we perform all rhinoplasty procedures under general anesthesia for patient safety and comfort. In our surgery Center, Board certified physician anesthesiologists performed the anesthesia. Trying to perform a rhinoplasty under local anesthesia is extremely difficult and painful for the patients. The procedures also performed  in an operating room, not in a clinic.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed and taught Rhinoplasty for over 30 years.  Photos of your nose from the front, each side and base view (looking up at the nostrils) would help in the evaluation.  You seem to be describing either an increased tip projection or fullness on one side of the nasal cartilages which is treated ina very different manner.  Tip cartilagfe fullness can be reduced with a tip-plasty while a decrease in tip projection requires a completely different approach and technique IMHO.  Hope this helps.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Nasal tip surgery can usually be done with just local anesthesia depending on what needs to be done and the comfort level of the patient. Cost will also depend on what needs to be done.

Would I need general anesthesia to shave off a small piece of cartilage from the tip of my nose?

Answers (8)

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