Dr. David Santos is renowned for spearheading the use of local anesthesia during facial plastic surgery procedures. This includes using a combination of local anesthetics with light sedation. Patients remain comfortable and fairly out of it, but are not fully asleep. However, local anesthesia cannot be used for all facial plastic surgeries. Dr. Santos does not offer rhinoplasty surgery under local anesthesia. Does rhinoplasty require general anesthesia?

A nose job surgery does not require general anesthesia. While technically possible to perform a rhinoplasty under local anesthesia, it does not come with the overwhelming advantages of performing the procedure under local anesthesia like a facelift does. A rhinoplasty may also involve alteration of the bone structure or other surgical procedures that are better performed under general anesthesia. 

Compared to other routine facial procedures, a rhinoplasty surgery can take much longer to perform. Longer surgeries are best performed with general anesthesia to keep patients comfortable. 

If you are having a closed rhinoplasty, or a minor procedure, it may be possible to have a nose job under local anesthesia. This is largely on a case-by-case basis. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Santos, call us at 206-430-1035 or contact us online.