Is it Okay to Have Alcohol 2 Weeks After Breast Augmentation?

I agree with my colleagues that alcohol in moderation is OK 2 weeks after surgery since you are off all medications. However, I have other concerns and advice that I hope you will consider.

First of all, you should follow your own surgeon's advice, since it is he or she you will go to if you have a problem, such as breast hematoma (bleeding), malposition (from too much activity or minor injury), or capsular contracture (bacteria or bleeding are the usual culprits).

At 2 weeks from surgery, your incisions are barely sealed (are all tiny crusts and scabs gone?) and exposure to pool or ocean bacteria can cause an infection, perhaps even one requiring removal of implant(s). Really!

Also, your pocket is certainly not durable enough to withstand vigorous activity, such as swimming, snorkeling, or even putting your luggage in an overhead bin! Some vacationers also like to engage in intimate activities that could cause a breast hematoma, and who would fix that while you are away from your surgeon in an exotic location without skilled plastic surgeon coverage?

Truly, I don't want to be the wet blanket on your vacation plans, but several months ago one of my breast lift plus implant patients went out on the town 18 days after her uneventful and wonderful-result surgery, became over-served at the bar she and friends were partying at, slipped in the parking lot and fell, popping open about 3 inches of her breast incision. Blood all over, and of course, her friends called an ambulance, which took her to the hospital where the ER doctor called me. (Add up the ambulance ride, the ER and ER doctor charges thus far.)

Since she was inebriated, we were unable to safely operate until the next morning (I was called at 3 AM), so she ended up going home anyway. I successfully re-operated (thankfully, her implant was not exposed, or I would have had to remove it), and she ended up with a good result in spite of herself (but she doubled her cost of that result).

I tell you this (true) story not to scare you or ruin your vacation plans, but to educate you. Please heed your surgeon's advice (and mine) to take it easy. If you can, you may wish to reconsider your plans for a couple of weeks later. Or modify your plans to include mostly quiet time under the umbrella with a good book and an occasional cocktail!

And, BTW, keep your scars out of the sun. They will turn permanently brown if they receive even a little ultraviolet while they are pink (6-12 months). Remember, good long-term results are worth the extra effort, and not worth the (premature) vacation activity you know you really shouldn't engage in! Best wishes and happy travels whenever and wherever you go!

We strongly urge all of our patients to refrain from alcohol consumption 1 month before and 1 month after surgery.  In general, alcohol does several things that slows the process of recovery.  First, it dilates blood vessels which translates to more swelling.   Any factor that increases this risk should be avoided such as alcohol.  Second, alcohol is a blood thinner, which means it can increase or prolong your bruising.  Also, alcohol can lead to dehydration which can interfere with healing. Hope this helps!

Hi and thank you for your question. We strongly urge all of our patients to refrain from alcohol consumption 1 month before and 1 month after surgery.  In general, alcohol does several things that slows the process of recovery.  First, it dilates blood vessels which translates to more swelling.   Any factor that increases this risk should be avoided such as alcohol.  Second, alcohol is a blood thinner, which means it can increase or prolong your bruising.  Also, alcohol can lead to dehydration which can interfere with healing.  Always take a more careful and conservative approach after surgery.  

YES!  it is fine to have alcohol two weeks post-op.  My personal thoughts are to not mix alcohol and narcotics or anesthesia medicines.  Also, no red wine for 2 weeks since it affects bleeding/bruising.  Also, please please please do not get drunk and fall down on your new breast implants just a few weeks post op.Punchline - moderation is your friend - and toast your surgeon when you have that first drink on vacation!

Typically we recommend patients abstain from alcohol for 10-14 days after surgery to reduce risk of hematoma/seroma development.  In addition, it is not advised to take narcotic pain medication while consuming alcoholic beverages.  We recommend you follow the instructions of your board certified plastic surgeon as to when you can resume responsible drinking.

I generally want my patients to refrain from drinking alcohol for about 2 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery.  Alcohol can interfere with some of the medications you are given after the surgery and can certainly increase the chance of bleeding as well.A drink here or there within the 2 weeks is certainly fine but anything excessive should be stopped well before and after the surgery, again that 2 week magic number.Hope that helps.