Rhinoplasty Without Using Anesthesia

Question

I was considering doing a Rhinoplasty but worried about anesthesia. Is there any other way of doing this procedure and avoiding going under anesthesia? Possibly numbing the nose?

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

One has many options for anesthesia for their rhinoplasty surgery. Most, if not all, patients and surgeons choose either twilight (sedation) or general anesthesia. Straight local anesthesia is not comfortable for both patient and surgeon. However, minor nasal procedures or touch-ups are routinely performed in the office with local anesthesia alone. Only after a comprehensive evaluation by a rhinoplasty surgeon can he/she determine appropriate options for you.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The rhinoplasty procedure itself can be performed under local, intravenous or general anesthesia. It is very patient dependent. Some patients have a higher tolerance for discomfort than others. The biggest problem with performing a rhinoplasty under local anesthesia is the noise or bone sounds during the procedure. Limited rhinoplasties are more easily performed under local anesthesia but it certainly can be done that way if you desire. I hope this information helps.

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

The question about straight local for Rhinoplasty anesthesia has two parts, in my opinion: CAN you and SHOULD you...

	Straight local without any additional sedatives can be used for simpler Rhinoplasty procedures. However, it is not a particularly pleasant experience if you are completely aware of what is happening and you will retain a vivid memory of the experience. This raises the question of whether you SHOULD do straight local. Also, if you are uncomfortable and moving as a result, it can effect the precision of the operation.

	Generally, twilight anesthesia is much better for both the patient and the physician, since it interferes with memory of the experience and also gives a much higher level of comfort. If you are young and healthy, then there should be no significant added risk to having intravenous sedation to compliment the local.

	Best of luck

Etai Funk, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty surgery is typically performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Rhinoplasty under sedation or "twilight" anesthesia can be performed but is more difficult as the airway is not protected from the small amount of blood that may trickle down into the throat from the nose.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have your nose done this way. You should choose an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does this with very little pain. You can have it done with "twilight" anesthesia so you feel nothing.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend having some type of anesthesia with your rhinoplasty-- there are 2 widely accepted ways of doing this: first is with a traditional general anesthestic, and the the second is with conscious sedation. Both ways involve an IV and are common and safe. In fact, I think trying to perform the procedure with just local anesthetic only will make it more difficult for the surgeon and potentially increase certain risks for you. Modern anesthetic is quite safe as long as your overall medical health is good and you have no personal or family history of anesthetic complications. I would recommend talking to one or more surgeons who perform rhinoplasty to see what there thoughts are as well, not just about your cosmetic goals but about their experience with the safety of the procedure.

Julian De Silva, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no way to perform a nose job without some form ofanesthesia. You shouldn’t, however, be worried about the administration of anesthesia, as long as your doctor works alongside a specialist anesthesiologist. Anesthesia is meant to ease discomfort and nerves associated with the surgery; you will essentially be put to sleep and will wake up without any recollection of the surgery you have just undergone.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a very difficult operation. There are multiple reasons why you want to have this done under a general anesthesia. Conscious awareness of the surgery is a real issue during rhinoplasty and it is extremely important to not have any recollection of the procedure. The nose has many different nerves that innervate the nose for sensation and it is nearly impossible to numb up. Attempting to numb the nose is also impossible under local anesthesia because of the severe pain associated with the injections. We have performed thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries under local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and now prefer to perform them exclusively under general anesthesia by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist. This is the absolute best, safest, and most comfortable way to undergo the procedure.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Bad idea not to have anesthesia if having a rhinoplasty. I would not even consider doing your operation too many risks.

	From MIAMI Dr B

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Using local anesthesia only for a rhinoplasty would be very uncomfortable. Anesthesia is very safe, I would definitely recommend it.

Rhinoplasty Without Using Anesthesia

Answers (14)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (14)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Will Swelling Post-rhinoplasty Get Worse in the Summer Heat?

Cleaning Nose with Cotton Swab After Rhinoplasty

Can Scar Tissue Be Removed After Rhinoplasty?

Is Vomiting After Rhinoplasty Common?

Still in Pain 5 Months After Rhinoplasty

Is It Possible to Get a Keloid Inside the Nose After Rhinoplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS