Risks of epinephrine injections to the nose during rhinoplasty

Hello and thank you for your question. Lidocaine with epinephrine is a critical step in performing in Rhinoplasty as it is injected before the surgery begins in order to decrease bleeding during the surgery so your surgeon can visualize the structures better. I have personally performed thousands of rhinoplasties using epinephrine and never once had an issue with vision in the way you describe. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Although I have heard of fat or other fillers injected causing blindness I have never heard of epinephrine injected around the eye causing it

Many times, while we are injecting the nose with lidocaine and epinephrine, our patients will experience a temporary elevation of their heart rates. If somebody has a personal history of heart disease or hypertension, medical clearance may be indicated before pursuing rhinoplasty surgery with general anesthesia. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph