General Anesthesia for Singer Too Risky?

General anesthesia is the most
common type of anesthesia used during rhinoplasty surgery. The sedative is administered
to ensure the patient’s utmost comfort and to allow the surgeon a wider range
of access to improve the look of the nose. As long as you choose an
experienced, board certified surgeon with a reputable practice, you should rest
assured that the anesthesia administered during your rhinoplasty surgery will
most probably have no adverse effects on your singing voice. I would advise you
to move forward with the nose job, should this be something you have thoroughly
considered, and to avoid getting overly-stressed about the rare risks
associated with anesthesia. Instead of focusing on what can go wrong, focus
your attention on your excitement for your new self-image. 

The risk of intubation causing problems with your voice is extremely small.  I understand your apprehension about it, but intubation with rhinoplasty is the safest way to go.  

I agree with everything the previous responder summarized so well. The only thing about the LMA is that it doesn't completely protect your lungs from blood which can drip down the back of your throat. 

When general anesthesia is used, a tube is inserted between both vocal cords. There is very small risk to the vocal cords. A very small risk. A "small tube" may mean one of two things, either and LMA (laryngeal mask airway) as Dr. Park suggested above or a smaller diameter tube. The LMA poses almost zero risk to the vocal cords because it does not touch them. The smaller diameter tube poses less of a risk than if a larger tube is used. I think either way, if the anestheisologist is gentle and careful, you will be ok.

 We have performed many Rhinoplasties under general anesthesia, including those done for actors, actresses and singers.  I would not allow a singer to be intuibated for a Rhinoplasty but use an LMA instead.  An LMA does not go through and between the vocal cords but rather sits above the Larynx.  Hope this helps.

General anesthesia refers to the fact that you are totally out and the anesthesiologist is controlling your breathing. They can use an endotracheal tube that goes through the vocal cords or what is called a Laryngeal Mask, a shorter tube that fits over the trachea and has a minimal chance of injuring the vocal cords. It sounds as if tour surgeon is planning on having the anesthesiologist use the latter.

Prior to scheduling surgery, ask your Plastic Surgeon to schedule a consult for you with an M.D. Anesthesiologist. Share your concerns, as this is the best person suited to answer your question.  Disclose any medications you are taking, and discuss your medical history with him.  Best wishes!

There is always a bit of a sore throat after intubation for a general anesthetic. And, there is always a small risk of injury to the vocal cords with the use of an endotracheal tube. By short tube, I assume you are referirng to LMA or laryngeal mask anesthesia. This type of airway control during the administration of a general anesthetic uses a device that is positioned above your vocal cords. So, there is no contact with your vocal cords. However, you may still wake up with a temporary sore throat. Thank you for your question. Good luck with your surgery.