Should I Quit Caffeine Post-surgery Like Alcohol?

Question

I had a breast augmentation 3 days ago. Yesterday I had a MASSIVE headache, and realized it was because of my lack of caffeine (I'm a two cans of Diet Coke a day type girl -- yes, I know it's bad, I'm trying to quit).

	I had some DC and it made me feel better, but I'm worried that caffeine post procedure is bad, much like my doc said I could have alcohol in small moderation pre-op, but no booze for two weeks post-op. Should I be worried about having the stimulant?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Although your surgeon may have different advice ( always best to check with your own plastic surgeon), the use of caffeine after surgery should not be a problem.

	Best wishes for the remainder of the recovery.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

2 cans of Diet Coke is not bad at all, so don't be too hard on yourself! Besides that, caffeine has not been shown to have any bad effect after surgery, so even if you don't have headaches from caffeine withdrawal, just enjoy your beverage. Alcohol, can, however, have bad interactions with post-operative narcotics, so avoiding alcohol IS important.

	I personally drink 1 cup of coffee and 5 or 6 cans of Diet Mountain Dew a day, and feel neither shaky nor one bit guilty!

	Best wishes! Enjoy your Diet Coke!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I do not worry about breast augmentation patients having caffeine after surgery but you should clarify with your surgeon.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Here in Seattle we may be more focused on the caffeine issue, but it is not usually detrimental and probably beneficial especially if you are used to coffee. It may even help in some ways.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, many patients struggle with the no food or drink prior to surgery.  Most of the headaches are probably from the lack of caffiene.  While one can not eat or drink prior to surgery, I do not limit their caffeine intact after surgery. If your doctor does, you should ask the reason for this.

Should I Quit Caffeine Post-surgery Like Alcohol?

Answers (10)

Answer: Yes to caffeine after surgery

Answer: Yes to caffeine after surgery

Answer: Caffeine after surgery

Answer: Caffeine after surgery

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Should I Quit Caffeine Post-surgery Like Alcohol?

Answers (10)

Answer: Yes to caffeine after surgery

Answer: Yes to caffeine after surgery

Answer: Caffeine after surgery

Answer: Caffeine after surgery

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.