Anxiety attacks vs anesthesia? (Photo)

Rhinoplasty can be performed with either conscious sedation or General anesthesia. Before your surgery you will be given medications to help relax you and prevent anxiety. It might be best in your case to request General anesthesia so that you wont be aware of the surgery. 

Dear Ann555444,I always recommend for my patients with anxiety to meet with the anesthesiologist before surgery to discuss their anxiety. Anxiety is not contraindicated for anesthesia as you will be unconscious during the procedure. Anxiety medication will be given to you before and after the surgery to help you. I do however think it's best to manage your anxiety by meeting with your primary care doctor and a psychologist to treat the symptoms you describe. Best regards,Nima Shemirani

You'll be unconscious during the procedure so this won't be an issue. You'll likely be anxious before and after the procedure so anti-anxiety medication is indicated. 

Before undertaking a stressful procedure such as rhinoplasty speak with your primary care physician about your anxiety and how anxiety negatively impacts you. Sometimes a few visits with a clinical psychologist will give you the tools to combat these issues.  Medication may be warranted from your primary care physician as well. Some patients will benefit from seeing a psychiatrist to help with a stress/ anxiety/depression disorder.   Work on the inner problems before tackling the rhinoplasty is my advice

Dear Ann, Patients who come to my office who have a history of anxiety attacks are referred to speak with the anesthesiologist prior to their procedure. The anesthesiologist will generally give them something to take prior to the surgery and maybe for the first few nights prior to their scheduled appointment to keep them calm. The anesthesia itself the day of surgery is not a concern for inducing anxiety. It is actually the opposite and the patients awake relaxed and well rested. Seek consultation with some experts in the field and your mind will be put to ease. See examples of how rewarding this procedure can be in the link below and video above. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.