Is rasping after rhinoplasty typically performed just under local anesthesia?

Question

I need rasping done to take down a callus that formed on the bridge of my nose after rhinoplasty. I’m very nervous about going through the procedure just using a relaxation pill due to the numbing process and hearing the rasping taking place. Is this something typically performed just under local anesthesia and how do patients typically handle the process when awake?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

HI Funny,Nothing funny about having a little more rasping of your dorsal nasal hump after previous rhinoplasty.The procedure can be done in the office under local anesthesia with or without pain meds and Xanax, or it can be done under anesthesia in the operating room.  The advantage of doing it in office is saving the cost of the operating room and anesthesiologist fees, but if you'd rather not hear or see any of it, you may pay more and have general anesthesia.  Good luck and be well.Dr. P

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

Rasping can easily be done under local anesthesia for many patients.  Your doctor can prescribe a medication such as valium to take prior to the procedure to calm you down.  Then local anesthetic will be injected into the nose to numb the area.  After that, you will feel pressure, but should not feel any discomfort.  You will hear the rasping noise which can be bothersome to some patients so you may want to ask your surgeon if you can wear headphones as a distraction.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Funny6898,  While I am sure that this is done quite often I personally would not consider just giving a patient a pill to relax when the anesthesiologist can start an IV in a few minutes and provide you complete comfort with a light sedation. I have a full time anesthesiologist present and my own private operating facility so perhaps if a doctor uses a surgery center they may not have this kind of staff or facility available and can only offer a local injection in his/her office.  If available I would ask for sedation. This will allow you to not have any concerns with feeling the local injection or hearing the rasping of the nasal bones. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

This can easily be done under local anesthesia but this should be your choice. if you're worried about the injection of local anesthesia or the noise you will hear during the rasping of the bone ask for at least some sedation deliver by the surgeon's anesthesiologist.

Is rasping after rhinoplasty typically performed just under local anesthesia?

Answers (4)

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