IV deep sedation VS. general anesthesia for Revision Rhinoplasty? HELP! (photo)

When performing  the rhinoplasty procedure, it is important  to control  the airway to prevent blood running down the back of the throat during  the surgical procedure. The recovery time from a deep IV sedation versus a light general anesthesia is approximately the same.  In our  office, we use board certified physician anesthesiologists for patient safety and comfort. We also perform the surgery in a state licensed and Medicare certified outpatient surgery Center

Dear JLlulish,

In general, a rhinoplasty surgery
that involves a fracturing of the nasal bones is most safely performed with a
fully certified anaesthesiologist protecting your airway and lungs from
backward flow of blood from the rhinoplasty procedure, either from the broken
bones or from work on your breathing passages and septum. Occasionally small enhancement rhinoplasty or
primary rhinoplasty procedures of the nasal tip can be performed under a light
IV sedation; even local anaesthesia and oral sedation with very little risk of
retrograde flow of blood.

However, for any kind of extensive enhancement rhinoplasty surgery, it has
generally been my approach to have an anaesthesiologist present who will
administer any IV or general anaesthesia as well as protect your airway with a
special kind of tube that has an inflatable balloon that protects you from
retrograde flow of blood. Certainly, if
you were to have some sort of medical complication or anaesthetic complication,
a fully-certified anaesthesiologist is in the best position to ensure your
safety.

The best course of action would be
to return to your operative rhinoplasty surgeon and discuss your concerns of IV
sedation versus general anaesthesia and the importance of having an
anaesthesiologist present.

I trust this advice is of some use
and best of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto