Anesthesia and Nose Surgery

Anesthesia for Nose Surgery

Anesthesia Information for the Nose Surgery Patient

Anesthesia for your nose surgery

With nose surgery, some type of anesthesia will be needed. Your plastic surgeon will advise you as to which type of anesthesia is recommended for your nose surgery, local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Local Anesthesia

With local anesthesia, you will be awake during the surgery. Your nose and the area surrounding your nose will be numb. Sedatives are usually provided before and during the operation to help you relax. In order to numb and shrink the mucosal lining of your nose, a topical liquid medication is spread inside your nose. You may also receive an injection of local anesthetic to close off the nerves surrounding the nose. However, it is important to note that with the local anesthesia, you will be able to hear tapping and grinding sounds throughout the entire operation.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia puts your entire body asleep. You will be unable to feel, hear, or see anything throughout the operation. Usually an injection placed into a vein to put you to sleep. Additional medication can be provided though an intravenous (IV) tube for people to tend to have upset stomachs after general anesthesia is performed. This anti-emetic medicine may be able to prevent vomiting after the operation.
In addition to the IV tube, a tube may be put into your mouth to provide oxygen to the patient and ensure the airway is clear. The tube sometimes causes a sore throat after the surgery. The soreness is temporary and can be controlled using the same over the counter lozenges or sprays used when you get a regular sore throat.

General anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia. Some insurance providers only cover local anesthesia for certain operations.