Composite Grafts in Rhinoplasty; Possible Under Local Anesthesia?

Question

I´m interested in a revision rhinoplasty procedure where I would have my nostrils lowered by composite grafting. If this is the only thing I need, can this be done under local anesthesia? How many mm can the nostrils be lowered in this way? If surgery is limited to this, how much would it approximately cost? How do I find a surgeon who is experienced in this procedure?

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Yes composite cartilage and skin from the ear can be used to lower the retracted nostril rim. This could be done under local but you might be more comfortable with some sedation. Cost would be around $6500 .

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Although composite grafts certainly can be done under local anesthesia, it is not advisable as the patient will be uncomfortable. Composite grafts require numbing the entire nasal tip of the nose and ears. For patient safety and comfort, it is best to have this done under general anesthesia.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Using a composite graft is often the way to go to lower the retracted nostrils. It is probably best to have this done under sedation.

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

If you are referring to "alar notching" repair using rim based composite ear grafts then yes, this can be done quite easily under a local anesthesia and does not require a Rhinoplasty.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Composite grafts, composed of cartilage and skin, or just cartilage grafts can be used to lower the nostril rims. Over the past 35 years I've found that only cartilage is needed in most cases. Using just local anesthesia the cost will vary between $6,000-9,000.

Composite Grafts in Rhinoplasty; Possible Under Local Anesthesia?

Answers (8)