Could I reduce the width of the nose with local anesthesia? (photos)

Question

I do not like the width of my nose i was wondering if i could reduce the width of it with local anesthesia? (No surgery at all would be great but I hear it's unlikely) My personal issues isn't in the bridge of the nose but the fatness in the tip & width when I'm looking straight forward (especially when I smile). I just want a cute little button nose (sorry it's the best I can describe it) nothing too specific just smaller. Also considering lip injections to make nose look smaller in comparison.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you just want the nostrils narrowed, that can easily be done under local anesthesia.  If you want tip work done as well I would recommend either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the problems with getting the results of any procedure (surgery, flying, sailing, car repair) is related to tying the operator's hands, restricting  what he can or cannot do to satisfy the patient/client.Unless there is  a medical contraindication, I suggest that patients choose the board certified plastic surgeon that can achieve the physical ideals that he/she desire, regardless of the surgeon's anesthetic choice.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You are not going to be able to accomplish your goals shown in the simulated photos without surgery.  Narrowing the ala and tip are certainly possible under local anesthesia, but patient selection is key.  In order to accomplish this, you'd need to be OK with needles and pain during the local injections.  There is no way of getting around pain with injections to the tip and inside of the nose.  The pain can be dulled a little with topical anesthetics, but you can expect to feel a fair amount until the injections.  You also would need to be OK breathing completely through your mouth during the procedure because cotton balls need to be placed deep inside the nose to prevent blood from dripping backwards through your nose into your mouth/airway.  Also, some people and get a little claustrophobic when covered with the surgical drapes.  If all of this seems reasonable, you might be a candidate.  You would need alar base reduction, cephalic trim and tip narrowing sutures to accomplish your goals.  See a rhinoplasty specialist who can work with you to come up with a plan tailored to your goals.  All the best!

George Sanders, MD · Answer

Your nostrflaring could be narrowed under local anesthesia, but not the actual tip which lies between the nostrils. Even local anesthesia with oral sedation would be a bit uncomfortable.It would be a good idea to visit with a plastic surgeon to determine exactly what you want narrowed and to learn about treatment options, including the type of anesthesia.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The wide nose can be narrowed with a rhinoplasty procedure. To narrow wide nasal bones requires osteotomies and re-breaking the nose and narrowing it. To narrow the tip requires a tip plasty with suture techniques and a conservative cartilage removal. An alar plasty is performed to narrow wide nostrils. In our practice we perform all these procedures under general anesthesia by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist for patient safety and comfort.  Patients simply cannot tolerate a nose job local anesthesia  because it is too painful

Brian J. Reagan, MD · Answer

While a Rhinoplasty could be performed under local anesthesia with some sedation, I recommend you let the surgeon perform it the way he is most comfortable.  You want your surgeon focusing on your nose!  Your particular case seems rather straight forward. Be sure to choose a true Rhinoplasty expert, and seek multiple consults.All the Best.Dr. Brian Reagan

Jason J. Hall, MD, FACS · Answer

Can you have a tip rhinoplasty and narrowing of the nose with local anesthesia?  Yes.Would I recommend it?  Certainly not for most patients.How the procedure is performed and what anesthesia is used is something that you and your surgeon need to have a detailed discussion about, especially if you're looking to do something under local anesthesia.  See a rhinoplasty surgeon in your area and talk with him/her about what you're looking for.  Good luck!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and while your rhinoplasty could be done under local it is not the desired approach and you certainly would be more comfortable with some sedation on board.  But no matter what form of anesthesia used make sure you see experts in the field who via digital photography can show you the changes in your nose they are planning to makeDr Corbin

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Bodyimageissues, You need to have a full rhinoplasty in order to get the desired result you are discussing. This procedure is done safely with anesthesia and should not be done with local anesthesia alone. A rhinoplasty consultation will allow you to see how the proposed changes would look with your facial aesthetics. Once the proposed result is agreed upon then your surgeon can discuss precisely what needs to be done surgically to attain the desired result. I do not think that lip injections would enhance the balance of your facial anatomy however a rhinoplasty should allow you a very nice result. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

A rhinoplasty can be done under local anesthesia but I strongly advise against doing that. My anesthesiologist is very well trained; I suggest you consider doing the operation with at least sedation. Anesthetic techniques that  that we use today are very safe. I've never seen problems in over 35 years of doing this surgery.

Could I reduce the width of the nose with local anesthesia? (photos)

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