Cocaine used for nose job 30 years ago. Was this normal/legal at that time?

Question

Assuming this is no longer practice. But defiinitely curious if this wss normal/legal at that time. I was 17. Procedure done in delaware. I believe it was given prior and not sure how..but my nose burned.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Topical cocaine has many advantages to other decongestants and anesthetics. Specifically, when cocaine is placed in the nose before rhinoplasty surgery, it tends to significantly decrease the amount of bleeding that we encounter during the surgery. Topical cocaine has a nearly 100 year history of safety and efficacy with cosmetic septorhinoplasty surgeries. The largest manufacturer of cocaine solution in the United States of America is Mallinckrodt. And there is currently a shortage of this medication in the US. Thanks for this question! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here
medical grade cocaine is one of the agents used during a rhinoplasty/septoplasty procedure. It was traditionally used and still in use today as it works as an anesthetic and offers vasoconstriction thus decreases blood loss.
I hope this helps, best of luck!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Cocaine acts as a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor to prevent bleeding.  Many surgeons still use it for this reason although afrin nasal spray is often used instead. Using cocaine is perfectly legal in rhinoplasty

Cocaine used for nose job 30 years ago. Was this normal/legal at that time?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Cocaine used for nose job 30 years ago. Was this normal/legal at that time?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.