One of the UK’s leading facial plastic surgeons has warned about the dangers of taking cocaine.
Dr Anil Joshi, who is known for tackling the toughest of facial repair cases, says snorting just a few lines of the class A drug can lead to permanent damage to the nasal passage. He urges users to seek treatment and quit immediately.
Dr Joshi, who also specialises in helping patients who have suffered from cancer and trauma injuries said:
“Over the years, I’ve seen a growing number of patients suffering from severe nasal damage due to cocaine use. These cases are often complex — many involve collapsed structures, large septal perforations, and major functional loss.
“My role is to help restore both the appearance and function of the nose through meticulous, multi-layered reconstruction.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to give patients a second chance—to help them breathe better, feel better, and move forward with dignity. I remain committed to advancing care for this challenging and often overlooked group of patients.”
One such case involved a man whose years of drug use had left him with a collapsed nose and a hole in his septum – a reminder of just how far things can spiral.
But Dr Joshi didn’t just treat him. He rebuilt him.
“We had to make sure he was drug-free for over 18 months,” he explains. “Then we ran CT scans, biopsies, even did an internal photo examination. The eventual surgery lasted six hours – opening the whole nose and sculpting a new septum from a piece of rib cartilage.”
Dr Joshi is not just known for tackling extreme cases. He’s earned his reputation as a go-to expert in aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery, attracting high-profile clients and patients from around the world.
“As a consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeon, I’ve had the privilege of working both within the NHS and in private hospitals across London. My practice spans the full breadth of facial plastic surgery — from aesthetic procedures like rhinoplasty and facelifts to complex reconstructive cases. For me, it’s not just about surgical skill, but about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I remain deeply committed to clinical excellence, research, and contributing to the global surgical community through education and collaboration.”
With multiple advanced degrees and elite training across Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and South Korea, Dr Joshi has become one of the most respected names in the field, thanks to his ability to blend medical science with artistic vision.
“Facial plastic surgery is far more than a career — it’s a calling. I bring not only years of training and surgical experience to the table, but also genuine empathy and a strong sense of responsibility to every patient I treat. I work hard to understand each person’s unique story, goals, and concerns, and I strive to deliver results that go beyond physical restoration to rebuild confidence and quality of life. The trust my patients and colleagues place in me means everything, and it drives me to constantly evolve and refine my work.”
His own journey wasn’t always smooth. As an overseas doctor, he had to fight for every opportunity.
“Breaking into surgery as a non-UK doctor was tough. Many of my peers gave up or left the country. I decided to stay. I told myself: nothing worth doing is easy. So I worked ten times harder – and now I’m seeing the results.”
From rebuilding noses to restoring confidence, Dr Anil Joshi is more than a surgeon, as his patients leave not just healed, but transformed.
