Does drinking alcohol after liposuction permanently compromise the results?

Question

I didn't know not to drink alcohol for a couple of weeks after liposuction, so I have been. I'm at 2-1/2 weeks post-op and I'm wondering if I've compromised my results by drinking alcohol?

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.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Drinking alcohol in moderation should not affect your results. The reason some doctors recommend avoiding alcohol is because it can potentially increase the risk of bruising and hematoma after liposuction. If you’ve been drinking and noticed no side effects, you should be fine.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A small amount of alcohol will not compromise the results after treatment. I suggest you speak to your physician about their post operative healing/protocols.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is extremely unlikely that your alcohol use affected your liposuction results.  There is a mild increase in the risk of bleeding with alcohol consumption, but at 2.5 weeks this has become minimal.  If you have a concern about your results, certainly speak with your surgeon.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I don't see a problem with drinking in moderation after liposuction. Make sure it's okay with your own surgeon.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Alcohol consumption is avoided pre and post liposuction to decrease the occurrence of significant bruising and hematoma formation.   Alcohol is an anticoagulant and should be avoided several days or more prior to surgery and a few days after surgery.  Regimen for alcohol avoidance vary from physician to physician.  Alcohol after the at risk post-operative period should have no effect on results other than its effects on potential weight gain.  Make sure to have continued follow up with your physician regarding post-operative care and compression garments.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Alcohol affects the body in a variety of ways, but
after surgery we primarily recommend against imbibing because it can interact
unfavorably with the painkillers and antibiotics you're also taking. However,
by 2½ weeks after surgery, it's unlikely that you're still using pain
medication, so you should be OK to drink in moderation. Please proceed with
caution and give your surgeon's office a call to learn more about his or her
specific instructions.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Drinking alcohol should not compromise your results at this point.   Avoid alcohol and pain meds. Best to always clear this with your surgeon.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.As long as the alcohol use isn't excessive, then your results are probably not compromised.  It is felt by some that alcohol use can lead to more bleeding and bruising, and can interact with some of the medications taken around surgery.Congratulations on your surgery, and best of luck!

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Doing this in moderation should not compromise your results.  The most important thing after liposuction is consistent use of the compression garment.

Does drinking alcohol after liposuction permanently compromise the results?

Answers (10)