Will drinking Alcohol after my Halo Fractional Laser Treatment affect the healing process?

Question

I got the halo treatment done to my face today and I was wondering if drinking alcohol will slow down the healing process or maybe not heal as good, compared to if I did not drink.

Christopher W. Robb, MD, PhD · Answer

You know the answer! Alcohol will not delay healing, it will just diminish results in the sense that your skin will be dehydrated and dehydrated skin looks dull and saggy.  But in the short term, there would be no healing problems.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Drinking alcohol after having a Halo treatment shouldn't affect the results after your treatment. As alcohol is dehydrating to the body, it may slow down the healing process or the patient may feel dryer during the time of flaking. It's best to double up on your water intake and use as maybe hydrating lotions if possible.

Kenneth Oleszek, MD · Answer

Alcohol after laser treatments may make the redness worse and could dry out your skin.  Only more than moderate alcohol or chronic alcoholism will slow the healing process.
I usually allow 1-2 glasses of wine the night of the Halo laser treatment if they desire.Ken Oleszek, MDLa Fontaine AestheticsDenver, CO

Thomas D. Griffin Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although I do not think that (within reason) alcohol consumption will not negatively impact the outcome of your treatment, I generally recommend that patients refrain from consumption for several days prior to treatment and until after the swelling has dissipated post procedure. In addition to the dehydration others have discussed, it increases the swelling post-procedure which will delay the healing process.

Clifton Smith, MD · Answer

Drinking alcohol immediately after having the halo resurfacing treatment should not negatively affect your overall outcome. Drinking alcohol can make you temporarily dehydrated and could possibly slow down healing time but should not affect your overall outcome. Best of luck with your results!

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question! Drinking alcohol after a Halo treatment would not have an adverse effect your final result. As others have already said, it may dehydrate you a little and delay healing a little, but even that in my opinion is more theoretical. I hope you love your results!~Dr. Sieber

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I generally recommend against alcohol consumption 1-2 days before and after any major procedures - this is because alcohol can temporarily cause swelling and dehydrate the body, which can delay your recovery process.  Even so, moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to have any permanent effect on your results.  I would recommend discussing your concerns with your treating physician.  Best of luck!

Will drinking Alcohol after my Halo Fractional Laser Treatment affect the healing process?

Answers (7)

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