If you're allergic to anesthesia and want to have a rhinoplasty, is it possible?

A true "allergy" to anesthetic drugs is incredibly rare but does exist. In many cases, the offending drug can be eliminated from the anesthetic provided during surgery. In other cases, the allergy actually represents overmedication or overtreatment or a natural response to a drug used during the procedure. Most of the time, a new anesthetic regimen can be created to eliminate the offending drug. Best.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

It is unlikely that you are allergic to all anesthetics. You probably have incomplete or incorrect information about your allergies. 

 It is very important to have a thorough understanding of the different types of anesthetics which include local anesthesia, sedation anesthesia and general anesthesia. A preoperative appointment with an anesthesiologist would be helpful to his sort out whatever rare allergies that may exist. Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult procedures to perform in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so choose your surgeon very wisely based on extensive experience producing natural results

Rather than trying to see if a rhinoplasty can be done under local anesthesia, the first question would be to determine what this 'allergy' to anesthesia was. Nobody is truly allergic to anesthetic drugs per se but one could have had an atypical response to them that can be avoided he next time. You would have to describe what problems you had with your general anesthetic to determine the true nature of the reaction.  

Are you talking about local anesthetics or drugs that are used for sedation or general anesthesia. After determining what you're allergic to by reviewing your previous history talk to your surgeon and their MD anesthesiologist to review your options. I'm sure there are drugs available so you can have a pleasant experience.

Dear Dolce Dominic, It is quite rare to have a patient who is allergic to anesthesia in all it's various forms. There may be a specific medication that was used in the past and you had a response to it however this can be omitted from the regime. I would suggest seeking consultation with rhinoplasty experts and when you find the surgeon of choice then you can meet with the anesthesiologist and put together an anesthesia plan. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Can you describe your response to anesthesia?  Understanding the response will help guide you on how to avoid it, for example nausea etc.  There is also non surgical rhinoplasty (injections of fillers) depending on the issues you are having with your nose, that can give you an idea of the long term result you would have with rhinoplasty.  Best wishes.