Will alcohol or marijuana be detrimental to my recovery from minor gynocomastia surgery?

Both alcohol and marijuana can have effects that may be detrimental to your recovery from gynecomastia surgery. Here's how each substance can potentially impact your healing process:1. Alcohol:• Alcohol consumption can interfere with the body's ability to heal properly by impairing the immune system and slowing down the healing process.• It can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, which may prolong recovery time and lead to complications.• Alcohol can also dehydrate the body, which is not conducive to optimal healing. Proper hydration is essential for tissue repair and overall health.2. Marijuana:• Smoking marijuana can also impair the body's ability to heal by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.• THC, the active compound in marijuana, can affect the immune system and inflammatory response, potentially delaying healing.• Additionally, smoking marijuana can increase the risk of respiratory complications, such as coughing and lung irritation, which may be particularly problematic during the post-operative period.It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations regarding alcohol and drug use during the recovery period. They may recommend you to abstain from these substances entirely or limit your consumption to minimize any potential risks to your healing process.If you have any concerns or questions about how alcohol or marijuana may affect your recovery from gynecomastia surgery, it's best to discuss them with your plastic surgeon. They can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances and help you make informed decisions to support your recovery and overall health.

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your procedure.  In general it is not wise to smoke or drink alcohol for at least 4 weeks after any procedure no matter how small as it can affect your scarring.  I would refrain from such activities until cleared by your surgeon and also remember that marijuana and excessive alcohol consumption can cause gynecomastia formation.  Hope this helps.

Although not clinically proven, gynecomastia is a medical condition that can be associated with several potential causes, such as the use of certain medications, an occurrence of a tumor, impaired liver function, excessive consumption of alcohol or marijuana, or a hormonal imbalance. The best answer will come from the PS who performed the surgery on one side. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA