Having alcohol after abdominoplasty?

Question

I had abdominoplasty two weeks ago Monday. Tonight I went to a wedding reception and had a few drinks... a few too many drinks. Now I am laying in bed scared out of my mind that I've done something to hurt my healing. I don't drink regularly. Help!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Alcohol can increase bruising and swelling, so you may experience higher rates of these at this point. However, if you’re feeling fine then don’t worry about it too much. The stress of worrying may be more detrimental to your recovery! Please continue to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions closely to help with your recovery.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There is no reason to worry right now.  If you did drink and had a good time and were careful, then its ok.  I would not recommend that you do it often in the recovery period. Now make sure you rest and hydrate.  If you have more swelling today then this will disappear over the next few weeks.  Make sure you drink a lot of water.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question. At two weeks post-op, one instance of drinking will not make much difference in your recovery. While alcohol can cause swelling, and should be avoided while taking pain medications, this isolated evening should not cause any noticeable problems. If you still have concerns, do not hesitate to contact your operating surgeon for additional advice.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,This far out from your surgery you don't likely have anything to worry about. Pain medications should not be taken with alcohol and in the immediate post op period, bleeding can be a concern. At this point you only run the risk of feeling sick. All the best

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hi,

The main danger in having alcohol after surgery is if you combine it with pain medications and try to operate a vehicle or do other things that require concentration. It can also interfere with some antibiotics. With that being said, it shouldn't alter your healing, and you should be just fine, especially since you don't typically drink.

Best wishes in your recovery,

Dr. Blagg

Austin, TX

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your surgery.  Your drinks yesterday did not compromise your healing but you should take care to ensure appropriate hydration today and avoidance of any vomiting.  Hope this helps.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This far out from your surgery you should be just fine.  Other than feeling sick from drinking make sure you stay hydrated and you should not take any pain medication with alcohol.  Be sure to follow up with your surgeon.Best of luck,Dr. Hisham Seify

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Be calm and make sure you hydrated well. Everything is going to be fine.Please continue to follow instructions from your PS

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

There is nothing wrong with having a few drinks at a wedding reception two weeks after a tummy tuck.  Do not mix any alcohol with  any pain medicines that you may be  taking, otherwise don't worry about the few drinks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

You will be fine.  At this point, I suggest that you rest and pay careful attention to healthy diet, hydration, and avoidance of any other activity that might be detrimental to your healing or safety.   Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon on a regular basis and contact him/her if you have any specific concerns, for more meaningful reassurance.  Best wishes.