Is 48 hrs an absolute period for everyone prior to surgery?

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

I
would highly suggest that you stay away from alcohol for a period of time. Best
to hydrate well for the preceding days with a lot of water. The worst
situation is to celebrate the night before and come in hungover. Often times the
surgeon will cancel the case. Also know that alcohol tends to thin the blood
and cause more bruising and bleeding.

This is a challenging question. I would recommend that you carefully discuss the matter with your surgeon. It is better to hold off on drinking alcohol for one or two days before after surgery. I recommend that you seek the advice of the surgeon who is certified by the American Board of classic surgery.I wish you the best. Dr. Gabbay.

Alcohol can be dehydrating. It would be a good recommendation for no alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery.Drink plenty of water.

Most of what we say are just standard guidelines for safety and common sense prior to any surgical procedures.  We want the best for you and have the safest operation.  Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

Every surgeon/ Anesthsia team has their own preference for drinking alcohol.  Water and other clear liquids are usually ok up until about 6-8 hr prior to surgery.   Most surgeons for simplicity and scheduling ask their patients not to eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.   Meaning...  Tuesday 730 am case. Nothing to eat or drink after Monday night at 12 midnight. 

Dear mindmender710040, I am not sure what you mean by the 48 hour rule. Typically patients are required to stop eating and drinking for at least 8 hours prior to receiving anesthesia. The pre op nurses should be able to review this with you, but you are usually required to be NPO (nothing by mouth) from midnight the night before until after your procedure is completed. Not sure if this answers your question..

Without a proper history and physical examination it is improper to advise you specifically, but in my own practice we emphasize a healthy lifestyle and discontinuing alcohol 24-48 hrs before surgery. From your description it seems you are indeed following a healthy lifestyle and 36 hrs should be fine. Having said that, each surgeon has his other protocol and I would suggest you  check in with your surgeon and follow his or her instructions. Best of luck to you.

Alcohol is a diuretic and causes some dehydration. This is not good during surgery. In addition, alcohol tends to inhibit your clotting mechanism, which causes additional bleeding and bruising. You should discuss this with your surgeon, but 48 hours sounds very reasonable to me. Thank you for your question.

It is a good idea to avoid alcohol prior to surgery.  It can dehydrate you as well as interact with medications.