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Does Alcohol Have an Affect on Recovery from Lipo (photo)

It has been 8 weeks since I had lipo from mid section to my knees, I am a 42 yrs old mother of 3 I have always enjoyed a drink once or twice a week, I do not drink daily 6 weeks after my surgery I started to comsume alcohol ocasionally I recently notice that I am more swollen , sore and tender somedays more then others, I do exercise & eat healthy yet I am starting to look heavy as if I did not have any work done . Is drinking slowing down the healing process and making bigger? ??

Doctor Answers 3

Alcohol post surgery

April 4th, 2012
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Alcohol thins the blood, slows healing, and increases bruising. Patients should stop drinking at least 1 week before surgery, and abstain for 1 week after or longer if you are taking narcotic pain medications.  Longer term an occasional drink is possible unless you are on medications in which case you will need to consult your surgeon.

Web reference: http://www.drkrisreddy.com/west_palm_beach_liposuction_palm_beach_boca_raton.html

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS


West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

At 8 weeks post op liposuction, alcohol is likely not a factor.

April 5th, 2012
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Alcohol is of much greater concern immediately before and after liposuction.  If the alcohol you are consuming also includes calories, it may have an affect on your results if you are gaining weight.

Mark Taylor, MD

Mark Taylor, MD
Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 16 reviews

Alcohol 8 weeks after lipo?

April 3rd, 2012
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Some doctors will say yes, but my opinion is no, in those amounts at this time. Join a gym and do areobic exercise at least 3 days a week, like treadmill, exercise bike and stair-master. Daily is even better. Is there a Jazzercise nearby? Check it out. Everyone needs to do some kind of regular exercise to stay fit. Find a way to make it fun!  Dr Foster

Lawrence Foster, MD (retired)

Lawrence Foster, MD (retired)
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon
3.3 out of 5 stars 15 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.