Can Nasal Tip Graft Be Removed Under Local Anesthesia?

Question

I had an open rhinoplasty a year ago to slim my nose and my doctor decided to also add a strut and tip graft (taken from septum) that we never discussed and I never agreed to. Now my nose has too much projection, is too long, and has a point I never asked for. I want this graft and strut removed. Is this possible? Can this be done under local anesthesia? Does it have to be an open procedure again? Is this a simple procedure, or very complicated? Thank you.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

It is possible depending on where the graft was sutured or if permanet sutures were used

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Removal of a tip and strut graft is possible, but it may be a complicated procedure. It is possible to do this with local anesthesia, but I would recommend using general for the overall comfort of the patient. The procedure would need to be open, and depending on your individual circumstances, additional work may be necessary to properly balance the nose and make sure there is adequate structural support. It is difficult to tell what would be necessary without performing an exam and learning more about the status of your nose prior to your initial rhinoplasty. Thanks and I hope this helps!

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

Your nasal tip can be reconstructed, but definitely not under local anesthesia. This is not a quick removal. A revisional rhinoplasty will be required to create the nose you desire. General anesthesia is used during a rhinoplasty.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concerns:

	Without a photo, it's impossible to provide specific advice regarding your nose. In general, if someone has a tip graft that requires modification, this may be considered a high-complexity procedure, and I perform nearly all cases like this with general anesthetic since further modifications may be necessary after the tip graft is removed.

	Hope this helps you.

	Dr. Joseph

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS · Answer

Nasal tip grafts can be removed under local anesthesia using a simple closed approach.  The final outcome, hwoever, may not be so easy to predict.

	Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC.

Can Nasal Tip Graft Be Removed Under Local Anesthesia?

Answers (8)