Five Reasons to Avoid Alcohol before Cosmetic Surgery

The decision to invest in cosmetic surgery is not made lightly. It is also an investment of money, time, and effort. People who opt to undergo plastic surgery have made a commitment to improving their features to look as good as possible.

However, patients may not be aware that their investment in cosmetic surgery needs to start well before the actual surgery itself. It is vital to be as healthy as possible before undergoing any surgical procedure, including cosmetic work. Avoiding alcohol consumption is one of the most important ways to maintain health.

1. Alcohol Consumption May Increase Bleeding

Alcohol is known to thin the blood, which may increase the risk for excessive bleeding during and after any surgical procedure. Most cosmetic surgeons recommend that patients avoid consuming alcohol starting two to three weeks prior to surgery until at least two to three weeks afterward.

2. Alcohol Consumption May Increase Swelling and Bruising

Alcohol may also pose risks during the healing process after surgery. This is due to vasodilatation, or swelling of the blood vessels. If blood vessels around the surgical site swell too much, this will cause excessive bruising. Alcohol consumption may also increase the risk for overall excessive fluid retention. Excessive vasodilatation and fluid retention will increase the amount and duration of swelling after surgery.

3. Alcohol Consumption May Affect Pain Medication or Anesthesia

Alcohol may increase the absorption rate of pain medications. In other words, alcohol may shorten the effectiveness of each dose of pain medication, making it wear off more quickly. This, in turn, may lead to patients taking more medication than prescribed in order to reduce pain.

Alcohol may also similarly affect the amount of anesthesia needed for the procedure. Increasing the amount of anesthesia needed during the procedure can increase risks for lowered blood pressure and respiration rate. Certain organs, such as the liver, may be larger than normal, which may affect any abdominal cosmetic procedure. Alcohol consumption may also lead to bad reactions, such as nausea and vomiting, following the procedure.

5. Alcohol Consumption May Affect Wound Healing

Because alcohol thins the blood, it may affect how fast it clots. This can greatly increase the time it takes for wounds to completely heal. The longer it takes for wounds to properly heal, the greater the risk for excessive scar tissue buildup that may be more noticeable and require another surgical procedure.

6. Alcohol Consumption Can Depress the Immune System

Several studies have shown that increased alcohol consumption can depress the immune system. This may make patients more prone to infection, as the body’s natural defense system may not work as efficiently or effectively.

Cosmetic surgery is all about patients who want to look as good as possible. Part of that is a commitment to health and wellbeing. Patients who take better care of their health before surgery are more likely to have a faster healing time with better results. Stopping alcohol consumption is a key part of this commitment.

Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.