The options that can be available regarding Anesthesia for a Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in general terms are:1. Local infiltration of a numbing agent (such as lidocaine with epinephrine) only.2. Intravenous sedation ('twilight anesthesia'), this is often combined with number one.3. General Anesthesia.In the first case you are fully awake, this may be acceptable for the right individual, especially if a very limited rhinoplasty is being considered. And if the surgeon feels it is an appropriate choice allowing him, or her, to reach the desired goal reliably. The second and third options are chosen more so depending on the patients preference, the surgeons comfort level, and how complex the rhinoplasty is expected to be. As far a my practice (after having tried at one time all of the above over many years) I typically recommend a general anesthesia, but I am willing to consider the other options. I hope this helps.Sergio Pasquale Maggi, MD, FACSdrmaggi.com
Local or general can be administered, but I generally perform the surgery under general anesthesia for the safety and comfort of patients.
Most of my rhinoplasty patients are young females - they are all in a high-risk group for post-operative nausea associated with general anesthesia. For this reason, I prefer 'IV sedation' or 'twilight sedation' for rhinoplasty surgery - it avoids the use of inhalational anesthesia and breathing tubes.
