Is It Ok to Use Visine Before a Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Visine is a non-prescription eyedrop containing potassium chloride and tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, the latter a vasoconstrictor that causes the eye's superficial blood vessels to constrict and "get the red out." There are other Visine formulations that contain antihistamines, hydrogel lubricants, and ingredients designed to be used with contact lenses or for patients with allergies.

WOW! All those medications and other chemicals--do you think any might interact with anesthetic drugs, intravenous medicines, or powerful injections used during surgery? Good question, and thank you for understanding the reasons we ask our patients to check with their surgeon before using anything right before surgery. WE certainly don't want any surprise drug reactions or unanticipated physiologic responses when we're busy trying to perform an elective plastic surgery operation on a perfectly healthy patient--we really do NOT want to end up with a possibly-dangerous "OOPS."

So this is not a frivolous question, and yet the answer is that this particular eyedrop is not a problem if used as recommended. That being said, I'd still let your surgeon and/or anesthesia provider know before surgery. They will have the same response as my colleagues have indicated, but thank you for being proactive with your own safety! Best wishes!

There is no contraindication or reason you cannot use eye drops prior to a rhinoplasty or other type of nasal surgery. 

Hi babygirl303;

If I were your surgeon, I would want to know why you are taking Visine.  Or, are you taking it because you have had a recent eye infection?  If so, that certainly needs to be attended to before having elective rhinoplasty.  Or, has someone said to you that you might have less swelling and bruising around the eyes if you use Visine?  If so, I can tell you that will have no effect. 

It is not likely that an over-the-counter eye drop can have any negative effect on your rhinoplasty, but I think your question begs more questions and answers, so that you have complete peace of mind before your elective nasal surgery.

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Author, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON
Author, THE ESSENTIAL COSMETIC SURGERY COMPANION