Following cosmetic surgery, you should be aware of the best practices and precautions to ensure a smooth recovery. Can you drink alcohol after plastic surgery? Or how long do you have to wait to have your first drink?
As tempting as it may be to celebrate your new look with a glass of wine or beer, consuming alcohol after plastic surgery can lead to several complications.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the topic and find out how long after plastic surgery can you drink alcohol and why it’s crucial not to indulge in excessive consumption of alcohol during your recovery period.
How long after plastic surgery can you drink alcohol?
The answer depends on the type of cosmetic surgery you have had.
Generally speaking, for minor procedures like Botox or dermal fillers, abstaining from alcohol for 24 hours is generally sufficient. For more complex procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction, the time is extended to at least two weeks for optimal results.
It is also advised to consult with your surgeon for instructions regarding alcohol consumption based on your specific conditions.
Now that you know how long after the operation you can drink beer/wine, you should also understand why it’s so crucial to follow the instructions.
Why should you avoid alcohol after surgery?
After plastic surgery, patients are advised to avoid alcohol consumption for certain periods. This is because drinking can have negative effects on the healing process and overall recovery.
1. Dehydrate your body
Alcohol can cause dehydration, which may result in issues such as skin dryness, constipation, and a slower wound-healing process. It can also cause inflammation in the body which may prolong swelling and bruising after surgery.
2. Interfere with Pain Medicine
Drinking alcohol after surgery can have negative effects on your pain. It can increase the risk of harmful interactions with the prescribed painkillers. These interactions can worsen the unwanted effects of the painkillers, such as dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness, which can affect your recovery process.
3. Weakened Immune System
Drinking alcohol post-surgery can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections that could make your recovery process longer and could lead to more suffering.
4. Excessive Bleeding
Drinking alcohol increases blood flow which could lead to bleeding at incision sites causing further damage or scarring. It’s best for patients who’ve undergone cosmetic surgeries like liposuction or facelifts to refrain from any alcoholic beverages until they get clearance from their doctors.
What else shouldn’t you drink after cosmetic surgery?
After cosmetic surgery, it’s not just alcohol that you should avoid drinking. Other types of drinks can also hinder the healing process and negatively affect your overall health.
1. Sodas & Carbonated Drink
Carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water should be avoided after plastic surgery. The reason is that they may cause gas and bloating, which can be uncomfortable and put pressure on your incision.
2. High Caffeine Drinks
It is recommended to limit or avoid caffeine while recovering from plastic surgery. Caffeine is one of the things that physicians advise against using after surgery. While some believe coffee can help avoid postoperative ileus, others assert that it raises blood pressure and slows wound healing.
3. High-sugar Energy Drinks
Drinks with a high sugar content may increase the risk of complications after plastic surgery, such as infection, delayed healing, fluid imbalance, kidney issues and stroke. High sugar drinks may also contribute to inflammation, which could slow healing. Some examples of high sugar drinks are energy drinks, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Sprite.
What are the healthier alternatives?
After a plastic surgery procedure, it is important to avoid alcohol consumption for a certain period. But what can you drink instead? Luckily, several healthier alternatives won’t interfere with your recovery process.
1. Water
Drinking enough water is crucial at any time, but especially during surgery recovery. After plastic surgery, hydration is even more important for healing incision sites and helping wounds drain properly. Water helps regulate body temperature, aids cell growth, and flushes waste. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day during recovery is recommended by doctors to ensure optimal health after surgery
2. Natural Juice
For those who crave flavour, fruit juices are an excellent alternative to alcohol. However, be sure to opt for freshly squeezed or 100% natural juice without any added sugars or preservatives. You can also try coconut water which contains electrolytes that help replenish fluids lost during surgery.
3. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are another healthy choice post-surgery as they contain medicinal properties that promote relaxation and calmness while supporting your immune system. Chamomile tea has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects while ginger tea aids in digestion and reduces nausea. Green tea is another great option as it contains antioxidants that may aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
The Bottom Line
After undergoing plastic surgery, it is essential to follow the post-operative instructions given by your surgeon. One of those instructions may be to avoid alcohol for a certain period to reduce your risk of complications and promote faster healing.
