Can local anesthesia be used if only rasping my nose bridge? (photo)

The mode of anesthesia for rhinoplasty depends primarily on your surgeon's preference and your own comfort. Although we performed this operation usually using sedation anesthesia, local anesthesia only has worked well in patients who wished this approach. 

All surgeons (and all patients) want surgeries to go well and be a good experience.  The nose is a small enough are where local anesthesia could be used to block the entire area so rasping of the dorsum could be done.  Even osteotomies could be done this way.  Check with your surgeon about safety and comfort for you, and what would happen if the local anesthesia wasn't enough before embarking on this path.

It is possible to rasp the nasal dorsum under local anesthesia only. In fact a whole rhinoplasty can be done under local anesthesia as well. However, sometimes rasping might not completely remove any irregularities on the nasal dorsum. I always tell patients that rhinoplasty is done for the looks of the nose not its feel. If by looking you do not see any gross irregularities, then leave it alone. If there is a minor depression etc, it can be easily improved with Restylane type filler as well. RegardsDr. J

Yes - I do this regularly if the problem is indeed just a localized bone issue and if you are comfortable with this idea.  Even if the nose needs to be "broken" again (what we call osteotomies) it can be done with local anesthesia right in the office which can save you time and money.At our office in Boston we routinely do these kinds of procedures and I've never had anyone who feels it was too difficult.

 The nose has an extensive amount of nerve endings in it, and it is very difficult And painful to get the entire nose numb to perform rhinoplasty. in our practicew e perform all rhinoplasty procedures, even touchups, under  general anesthesia by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist for patient safety and comfort.  it is also important to have a controlled airway in place to prevent blood from being aspirated in the lungs.

It is possible for minor rasping but with extensive work, you are probably best served with sedation or general.

Thank you for the question and the photo.  Almost anything can be done under local anesthesia.  With that said, some things are better done with a little IV sedation as well.  The cost of anesthesia is quite low and often the least amount after surgeons fee and operating room fee.  Discuss the pros and cons of doing so with your plastic surgeon to determine if this is the right thing for you.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta