Consuming alcohol can significantly hinder your ability to recover from breast augmentation or any other surgical procedure. It’s crucial to avoid beer, wine, and liquor for at least 24 hours after surgery, and while you’re taking prescription pain medicine. The standard recommendation is to abstain from drinking alcohol two weeks before and two weeks after a procedure to prevent any unwanted side effects.
If you have any questions about what’s right for you during your recovery period, consult board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Adam Basner. In the meantime, keep reading for a few factors to consider when it comes to drinking after plastic surgery.
Alcohol Interactions with Medication
Alcoholic beverages can have dangerous interactions with painkillers, both prescription and over-the-counter. A primary concern when combining alcohol and pain medicine is that the duo tends to worsen bleeding. Other side effects of mixing alcohol and painkillers include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ulcers
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure
It’s never a good idea to have alcohol while taking pain medicine or other prescriptions such as antibiotics. For a safe a comfortable breast augmentation recovery, avoid drinking until you are off of your medication.
How Drinking Hampers Healing
After surgery, you want to do everything you can to support your body’s natural healing process. That’s why patients are generally advised to eat nutritious foods, engage in gentle activities, and avoid smoking. Another thing that you can do to help your body recover after a procedure such as breast augmentation: avoid alcohol.
Alcohol consumption is known to inhibit healing. It contributes to dehydration, impacts the immune system, and increases the risk of bleeding. Vasodilation and increased swelling are other concerns. Drinking can also impair your judgment, causing you to fall or bump your surgical site during this delicate time.
Alcohol Won’t Help You Sleep Better
Rest is a crucial part of recovering from breast augmentation surgery. Some people consider drinking after surgery because they think it will help them relax and get a good night’s sleep. However, this is a misconception.
Alcohol may reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep. However, it disrupts the quality of your sleep throughout the night. The more you drink before bed, the more your restorative sleep will be affected. As a result, you may experience drowsiness and trouble concentrating the next day.
Most patients experience little difficulty sleeping comfortably after breast augmentation. Try lying on your back, adding extra pillows as needed.
Receive Individualized Post-Operative Instructions
Whether you’re considering a social drink to celebrate your surgery or something to make your downtime more comfortable, alcohol is not appropriate during breast augmentation recovery. Talk to Dr. Basner about how long you should abstain from drinking, as well as other post-operative instructions.
Dr. Basner wants you to enjoy a safe and comfortable breast augmentation recovery. Learn about what to expect after surgery by calling 410-593-3068 for an individualized consultation. We serve patients in Baltimore, Owings Mills, Towson, Columbia, and the surrounding areas of Maryland and Pennsylvania.