There’s no arguing the fact that a pint of beer or a glass of wine are just one of the best things in life. However, here at our Victorville plastic surgery practice, we frequently remind our clients that it may be best for them to hold off the alcohol before surgery. Just like smoking, alcohol consumption has been linked with increased risks of complications following plastic surgery.
Heightened Risk of Infection
This Reuters article describe the results of a study headed by Marie Eliasen of the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark in Copenhagen. By and large, the study was a review of 55 studies on pre-surgery alcohol consumption habits and the occurrence of post-surgery complications which occurred up to 30 days following surgery. Eliasen and his team found out that infection and a delay in healing were the most common complications associated with heavy alcohol consumption before surgery.
Bleeding and Poor Wound Healing
Apart from a weakened immune system, Eliasen added that high alcohol consumption can “increase the endocrine stress response to surgery” which in turn can reduce the blood coagulation process and result to increased risk of bleeding and poor wound healing.
Moderate Amounts of Alcohol Could Affect Your Recovery
While most of us would assume that it’s excessive alcohol consumption that should be given special attention, it turns out that moderate amounts of alcohol can actually weakened the immune system and slow down recovery.
The Guardian described in this article the findings of a study done by scientists at the University of Berlin on the effects of alcohol to surgical outcomes. “A significantly high rate of complications can develop in patients who consume alcohol at levels that are less than excessive,” said Claudia Spies, an intensive care specialist who was part of the study.
Furthermore, the study found out that 20 percent of the adults who were admitted for surgery who enjoyed 2 glasses of wine or 3 servings of beer were more likely to suffer complications following surgery such as pneumonia and bleeding.
Although most procedures done in plastic surgery are fairly routine resulting to lowered risks following surgery, Dr. Tehrani recommends to avoid alcohol altogether for at least 3 to 4 weeks before plastic surgery.
Call today to book your appointment at the Tehrani Plastic Surgery clinic – where your comfort and convenience are considered priorities. Contact us at (760) 240-2444 or fill out this contact form. We look forward to your visit!