Can a caudal septal trim and repositioning be safely done under local anesthesia?

The main reasons for general anesthetic are: number one to correct to protect your Airway, and number two to keep you comfortable. Your nose is part of your Airway, and invariably some blood will drip into the throat and this can cause coughing if you're awake. You would need to be more specific about what you mean by 'violently ill' after your last general anesthetic. If that is referring to nauseousness and vomiting, it could be that you previous anesthesiologist gave you too much narcotic. Additionally, there are anti-nausea protocols that we can give our patients who have a history of motion sickness and easy nauseousness. I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Hello and thank you for your question. For the best and safest results that should be done under general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist administering the anesthesia. With a great anesthesia team, you should likely expect not to have nausea after this procedure. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Yes. This can be done. We can use local anesthesia or do this with mild sedation. General anesthesia is not required. It could likely be done right in the office.