Safe to Have Wine 3 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I'm at 3 weeks post op from Tummy Tuck. Can I have a glass of wine? I have no complications, I'm not in pain, and not taking pain meds.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the safety of consuming wine three weeks after your tummy tuck.

At three weeks post-op, if you are not experiencing any complications, are not in pain, and are no longer taking pain medications, it may be safe to enjoy a glass of wine. However, it's important to proceed with caution. Alcohol can have effects on your healing process, including increasing swelling and delaying tissue repair. Additionally, if you are on any other medications, such as antibiotics or anticoagulants, alcohol could interact negatively with them.

It's always best to consult with your plastic surgeon before consuming alcohol post-surgery to ensure it won't interfere with your recovery. If your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, make sure to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and monitor how your body responds.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Alcohol should always be drank in moderation. After a tummy tuck you should be ok to drink a couple of glass if you are not on any pain medication. However, it is best if you call your surgeons office and ask them what the surgeon recomends.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The reason for the concern about alcohol consumption after surgery is twofold: First is the potential interaction with pain medications, and second is that alcohol inhibits blood clotting so bleeding may be a concern. However you should be well on your way to healing and a glass of wine shouldn't be a problem.
For more on the healthful properties of wine check out www.healthandwine.blogspot.com.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

At this point in time, if your drains are out and there are no signs of seroma, it should be safe to consume alcohol in moderation without any significant concerns.
Your surgeon may feel ohterwise and it is best to consult with him/her prior to imbibing.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, if you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and healing normally it should be fine for you to enjoy a glass of wine. If you are unsure it is always a good idea to ask your surgeon.

Parham Ganchi, PhD, MD · Answer

Generally, assuming all is going well with your recovery and you are not taking any medications that might interact with the wine, drinking wine 3 weeks after tummy tuck is fine. Always drink in moderation, of course.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

A glass of wine, especially red wine, on a daily basis is good for the health and soul. As long as you're not taking any narcotic pain medications there is absolutely no risk in having a glass after surgery.

G. Gregory Gallico III, MD · Answer

At three weeks after Tummy Tuck surgery, you should be off all pain medication. So, some alcohol won't be a problem. But make sure you don't mix the pain meds and the alcohol.

W. Tracy Hankins, MD · Answer

It certainly should be safe for you to have a glass of wine at this point in your recovery and you should be commended for following the peri-operative instructions of your surgeon and taking an active role in your surgical result!

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, you should be cleared to have alcohol if you are not on pain medication. I would recommend checking with your plastic surgeon in case you have any special circumstances that only he/she is aware of. Good luck.

Safe to Have Wine 3 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (12)

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