When can I consume alcohol and smoke after liposuction?

Question

I've had liposuction to the arms. I was awake during surgery and I am not on antibiotics or painkillers, just tylenol. I'm a smoker. And I smoked a cigarette right after my procedure. I'm currently one day post op. Will smoking reverse the results of the liposuction, or? And when is it okay to consume alcohol post liposuction given that I am not on medication?

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.You should consult with your plastic surgeon to see what he/she recommends.I recommend for my patients to wait at least 2 weeks to drink alcohol and 4 to 6 weeks to resume any nicotine product. Take care,
Moises Salama M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. I advise my patients to start drinking alcohol, coffee  5-7 days after their liposuction operation also you should stop taking any medications such as  Aspirin and Vitamins. Therefore you should consult with your surgeon for a reminder form before surgery. I wish you all the best.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Because of the impairment of healing that smoking can cause I would advocate allowing at least 4 weeks to pass before resuming while alcohol should wait at least a week to minimize swelling and bruising potential.  Best wishes

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Smoking slows down the whole post op healing process so i advise my patients to wait at least 6 weeks post op before smoking again. Alcohol i would wait also at least 3-4 weeks after surgery and restrict the amount to 1-2 glasses max. Best of luck

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Smoking causes delay in wound healing and increase complications. I recommend to stop smoking 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the procedure. Alcohol also better to wait a week. Please talk to your PS and follow instructions.

When can I consume alcohol and smoke after liposuction?

Answers (5)