Is it risky to drink alcohol before a tummy tuck?

Question

I'm going on a cruise the week before I'm planning on having a TT (not scheduled yet). It's open bar and I'm certain I will be drinking. Is there a higher risk for anything doing so? I do plan to talk with the PS next week on this but looking for advice. It's my first cruise and it's my honeymoon so I really want to drink with my husband and have a good time without kids. Postponing surgery would be incredibly difficult. Of course if it's a high risk for something I won't. Thoughts?

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

I would tell you that only alcohol consumption in moderation like 2-3 drinks over that week on the cruise, please discuss with your surgeon.

Scott Reis, MD · Answer

Great question and congratulations! As the other plastic surgeons have stated, I request that my patients avoid alcohol for a week prior to surgery (but especially the night before) given it's ability to thin the blood and increase the risk for bleeding, hematoma, infection and other problems after major cosmetic surgery. It's also important to remember that although "safe" and over the counter, herbal supplements, vitamins and fish oil  have a dramatic effect on the blood and it's ability to clot and stop bleeding, and can predispose even more-so than alcohol to these complications. I always recommend that my patients stop taking any non-prescription medication including herbal supplements, vitamins and fish oil 2 weeks prior to surgery. Last and most importantly, it's crucial to avoid nicotine in any form (cigarettes, tobacco, vaping, gum, patches) a minimum of 2 months prior to any surgery as the wound healing inhibitory effect of nicotine dramatically increases the likelihood of many post-operative complications for nearly any cosmetic procedure.

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

We tell patients to limit alcohol for around a week prior to surgery since people can still have fun but with moderation. But it is especially important to have no alcohol the night prior to surgery. We want pts to feel well and heal well after surgery. It is best to check in with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery.Enjoy your honeymoon!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. I would definitely discuss this with your surgeon as each of us handles alcohol consumption differently. I ask patients to refrain from any alcohol for a week prior to surgery as alcohol can thin your blood increasing your risk of bleeding, bruising, or hematoma formation.  Hope this helps.

Scot Martin, MD · Answer

Every plastic surgeon is going to have slightly different guidelines before a tummy tuck procedure, so my best advice is to discuss this with your plastic surgeon prior to your cruise. Generally speaking, it's encouraged that you stop drinking two weeks before your procedure to help minimize complications. At the very least, you shouldn't drink any alcohol within 48 before surgery so that it doesn't interfere with anesthesia or pain medications. In your case, having a few drinks may be fine, but I would definitely check in with your plastic surgeon first. Hope this helps!

Ricardo Ventura, MD · Answer

Hello, good afternoon, thanks for your question and provided information as well... I have to say that it will be better for you to stop taking alcohol at least 3 weeks before your procedure, safety first.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

I personally would postpone the Tummy Tuck. Enjoy the cruise and have fun. You don't want to put your honeymoon cruse or Tumm Tuck at risk. I hope you find this information useful. For more information please watch the enclosed.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I ask patients to avoid alcohol for at least a week prior to tummy tuck surgery.That is also crucial that you do not use nicotine in any form including smoking, vaping, patches or gum for 8 weeks prior to tummy tuck surgery.  P1 to enjoy your honeymoon without being limited this a few or my dictation I would G to reschedule your surgery.  At least discuss this with your surgeon.

Is it risky to drink alcohol before a tummy tuck?

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