Why does alcohol turn my one year old scars bright red?

Question

I had a breast lift/ Aug a year ago and recently noticed that when I drink wine my scars turn bright red and stay red overnight? Why is this, I've never noticed it before. The rest of my body doesn't become flushed or red? Is it harmful to my scars? Is this normal and will it be an on going thing or will it stop? I don't want to harm the healing process but they are a year old now!! Thank you

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Alcohol causes vasodilation and this causes the vessels to enlarge and make the scar appear more red.Best,

Stephen Bresnick, MD · Answer

Alcohol tends to cause vasodilation of blood vessels.  Healing incisions contain many new blood vessels which are sensitive to dilation.  This is the likely cause of healing incisions becoming red with alcohol consumption.  Some patients are also sensitive to sulfites, an additive to wine and other alchoholic beverages, and this can create a red flush to the skin.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

Your scar may be a little more susceptible to the redness that’s caused by the dilation of your blood vessels. It shouldn’t have a negative long term effect to your scars.

Why does alcohol turn my one year old scars bright red?

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