Alcohol consumption before breast augmentation and liposuction

Question

I am scheduled for a breast augmentation and liposuction procedure tomorrow morning. I am concerned as my doctor and I never discussed the dangers of alcohol consumption prior to surgery. I drank heavily on both Saturday and Sunday then had 3 glasses of wine on Monday and one glass on Tuesday. I am not drinking today but, after speaking with my friend who is a RN, she explained that could be dangerous. I am very nervous for my surgery so guidance would be appreciated. Thank you!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Each Plastic Surgeon has their own view point on this and I would suggest you speak with your plastic surgeon. The reason that it is suggested that you stop or have minimal alcohol leading up to your surgery is that if can effect the metabolism (how fast the drugs last) of the anesthesia and pain medicines afterwards and can cause bleeding problems during surgery. Definitely do not drink and take pain medicines afterwards as it can cause you to stop breathing in certain circumstances.My suggestions to my patients is to have no more than one glass of wine or beer per day 2 weeks before surgery and preferably stop a week prior to surgery, resuming after pain medicines have stopped and you are back to your normal routine.#alcoholbeforesurgery

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients are urged to refrain from drinking prior to surgery for a number of reasons.  The surgeon needs to be aware of what you have consumed in the last week so they may make a decision regarding your surgery.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Alcohol in small amounts is okay but in larger amounts can increase your risk for surgical complications--most specially, excessive bleeding.  You really should let your Plastic Surgeon know about this before your surgery. I hope this helps!#breastaugmentation #plasticsurgery #denverplasticsurgery@beautybybuford

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

I would advise you to tell your surgeon about your alcohol consumption as soon as possible. Your rate of bleeding and bruising may be worse because of the drinking you’ve done and this could compromise your safety. Your surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Lily Lee, MD · Answer

I don't have a huge problem with drinking alcohol prior to surgery. As long as you are not mentally impaired (buzzed or drunk) while signing the consent and you are fully informed. My issue drinking a lot has more to do with the dehydration it can cause and with liposuction, this can mess with your fluid/electrolyte balance. Do yourself a favor and make sure you are properly rehydrated before going into the surgery.

Alcohol consumption before breast augmentation and liposuction

Answers (7)

Answer: Alcohol consumption before surgery - tell your surgeon

Answer: Alcohol consumption before surgery - tell your surgeon

Answer: Dehydration

Answer: Dehydration

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Alcohol consumption before breast augmentation and liposuction

Answers (7)

Answer: Alcohol consumption before surgery - tell your surgeon

Answer: Alcohol consumption before surgery - tell your surgeon

Answer: Dehydration

Answer: Dehydration

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.