Is Rhinoplasty under IV sedation a painful procedure?

Question

I'm scheduled for an open rhinoplasty under IV sedation in a couple of weeks; I've read somewhere that you can feel some discomfort/ pain during the procedure, specially while bones are being broken and reset, and that you can also hear while all of that is going. Is this true? Listening to the sound of my own bones being broken (yet alone feeling it) seems quite scary.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I have to agree with the first three posts on this subject: I prefer intubation with a heavier degree of sedation for Rhinoplasty.  Although IV sedation is usually preferable for elective facial cosmetic procedures, airway protection in the event of bleeding during Rhinoplasty is paramount.

Theda C. Kontis, MD · Answer

I personally prefer to perform rhinoplasty using general anesthesia, however some physicians do prefer sedation for their surgeries. It is really a surgeon's preference and having a good anesthesiologist can give sedation that is just about equivalent to general anesthesia. The whole idea with sedation is that they should give you enough medication to make you comfortable (anesthesia) and also medication to make you forget what happened during surgery (amnesia).

Rian A. Maercks, MD · Answer

There should be no pain under proper IV sedation, however, I would not advise rhinoplasty under IV sedation.  I like to protect the airway with general endotracheal intubation.  There is always the possibility of bleeding in a rhinoplasty, while it almost never happens, there are large vessels that can release a large amount of blood quickly before they are controlled.  this poses no safety risk if the airway is protected, but if it isnt it can lead to aspiration and a host of complications.  I am a big advocate of limiting depth of anaesthesia and using local for many surgeries, but I strongly recommend airway protection with rhinoplasty.   I hope this helps!All the best,Rina A. Maercks M.D.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I perform almost all rhinoplasties under general anesthesia to avoid pain and movement during this delicate surgery.Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds  
of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the 
 plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a   
sense of who can deliver the results. 	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Mark Ginsburg, DO · Answer

I prefer to perform rhinoplasty with general anesthesia for the same reasons mentioned most importantly airway protection.  With that said, I have seen many rhinoplasties done under IV sedation and local anesthesia and this can be done comfortably for patients depending on the depth of the anesthesia and the ability of the surgeon to numb your nose with local injections.

Is Rhinoplasty under IV sedation a painful procedure?

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Is Rhinoplasty under IV sedation a painful procedure?

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Answer: Is Rhinoplasty under IV sedation a painful procedure?

Answer: Is Rhinoplasty under IV sedation a painful procedure?

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Answer: Rhinoplasty under IV sedation

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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