I have a small brain aneurysm and would like to get rhinoplasty. Is it safe to have general anesthesia?

Question

I was told the brain aneurysm would never bother me. But I also know anesthesia is the most dangerous part of an operation (or supposedly). Would it be safe to have general anesthesia?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

With IV sedation, you would sleep through the procedure and not know it happened, but wouldn't need a breathing tube like in general anesthesia.In cases like yours, I generally punt the decision to the neurosurgeon who evaluated your aneurysm. We would tell him what you want to plan, and you would need his blessing to go ahead. It doesn't sound like something that should prevent you, but your doctor knows the details of the case.
I usually make computer morphs when I'm answering questions like this, to show the changes that are possible for a nose with a rhinoplasty, but of course you didn't post any photos. At the *very* bottom of the "Learn more" page is a link to instructions on taking and sending photos that are comprehensive and useful for an online consultation like this, in case you'd like a more complete evaluation.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  I recommend that you see your neurologist to be evaluated for the safety of general anesthesia.  If you are able to obtain clearance, then you could safely proceed forward.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

A. Joshua Zimm, MD · Answer

That is a question that you would have to get sorted out and cleared by your neurologist/neurosurgeon prior to any cosmetic procedure being considered.  The anesthesiologist should also be involved in this discussion as well.  Best wishes.

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

Certainly consulting with your neurosurgeon beforehand and having your rhinoplasty surgeon aware of those thoughts is paramount.. depending on the size/location and medical history.. best of luck

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's best to have a frank discussion between your neurologist, primary care physician, rhinoplasty specialist and anesthesiologist prior to the day of surgery. Probably best to get medical clearance from your neurologist to make sure that the aneurysm is fixed and stable and not expanding.

I have a small brain aneurysm and would like to get rhinoplasty. Is it safe to have general anesthesia?

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Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: I have a small brain aneurysm I would like to get rhinoplasty

Answer: I have a small brain aneurysm I would like to get rhinoplasty

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I have a small brain aneurysm and would like to get rhinoplasty. Is it safe to have general anesthesia?

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: I have a small brain aneurysm I would like to get rhinoplasty

Answer: I have a small brain aneurysm I would like to get rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.