Wife Had Tummy Tuck 9 Days Ago; Has Been Drinking Bottle of Wine/night Since Day 5. Is This Bad?

Hello,

Thank you for your question. There are several potential problems with this much alcohol this early on. Alcohol and acetaminophen as well as other medications is not recommended because of potential liver problems. In addition this much alcohol can affect both hydration as well as nutrition if it is negatively impacting her diet.

All the best,
Dr Remus Repta

Suffice it to say that alcohol has not known healing properties. It also provides no significant nutrients to help tissues heal and can be dehydrating. Like most things, a little wine is acceptable but a bottle a day in the first few weeks after surgery is definitely not part of a healthy recovery process to ensure the best results.

I share with your concern.   Alcohol intake after surgery can lead to dehydration and can negatively effect healing.  In addition, there is published data in the wound healing literature that shows that alcohol can increase the risk of postoperative infection and slow down the healing process.   If your wife is not needing pain medications, then it is OK to have 1 or 2 glasses of wine with dinner (if that is her usual routine).  But I am concerned she is having 1 entire bottle per night.  Please speak with your wife about this.  If you need additional help, please contact your plastic surgeon's office.  Wishing your wife a speedy and safe recovery.

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX

Thank you for the question.

I would concur with your concern. The amount of alcohol that your wife is consuming will not help her with the “healing process”. Instead, the calories she should be ingesting should be a well-balanced, high-protein diet.  As you know, alcohol is a diuretic and will not be helpful in keeping her well hydrated…

Also, mixing the alcohol with medications that she is probably taking is potentially dangerous. She should also be aware that she is at increased risk for falling and potentially  causing harm.

 With all due respect, if your wife has a habit of drinking this amount routinely she may  benefit from professional help.

Best wishes.