When it comes to having your rhinoplasty procedure, you want to ensure you are taking all of the necessary steps to properly prepare for the surgery as well as your recovery. Before your procedure, you will have many opportunities to discuss the particulars of the rhinoplasty with Dr. Buonassisi, the facial plastic surgeon at 8 West Cosmetic Surgery, and will feel totally at ease with the wealth of knowledge that he offers.
A common question Dr. Buonassisi is asked is how long in advance to the rhinoplasty the patient should refrain from drinking alcohol. We cover the answer in full, here.
Q: When should I stop drinking alcohol prior to surgery?
The truth is, there isn't a particular time frame in which you must stop drinking alcohol prior to having your rhinoplasty surgery. If you were so inclined, you could even have a glass of wine the night before your procedure to calm your nerves.
The reason you are told to stop drinking alcohol as a pre-operation instruction is because alcohol influences bruising. Red wine specifically can increase your bruising.
As long as you keep in mind that you may experience more bruising, feel free to drink a small amount of alcohol even up until the night before your surgery, prior to beginning your 24-hour fasting.
Q: What else can I do to minimize bruising?
Bruising is a natural response to surgery but, if you are giving yourself enough time - roughly two weeks - to recover before getting back to your regular activities, then you shouldn't have to worry too much about bruising. This is the ideal scenario.
In addition to giving yourself enough leeway time for recovery, follow all pre- and post-operative instructions and refrain from taking any blood thinners like Advil and Aspirin.
Q: Will alcohol after my rhinoplasty worsen bruising?
While alcohol before your surgery can make bruising worse because it acts as a blood thinner, alcohol after your rhinoplasty won't worsen your bruise or lengthen your recovery period.
You should, however, ensure you are allowing yourself enough time to heal afterward, eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest. Also, be sure to avoid dehydration, which is not conducive to a quick recovery and is a common outcome of over-consuming alcohol.
Interested in talking to Dr. Buonassisi about your rhinoplasty or the possibility of having the procedure? Book your complimentary consultation at 8 West Cosmetic Surgery, and be sure to have all of your concerns addressed.
