Smoking and Alcohol Consumption After A Breast Lift Surgery

Although alcohol consumption will not have a severe effect on the results of a breast lift surgery, it is recommendable to avoid it for a while before and after the surgery. Smoking is different in this case. It may considerably effect the recovery, healing process and the results to be gained after a breast lift surgery.

Smokers are at a higher risk of rare, major complications during and after surgery. Breast lift surgeries are generally safe procedures for healthy patients, but smokers are more at risk for a cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, and complications from anesthesia. Smoking increases inflammation and reduces the number of white blood cells, which are factors that increase these risks.

Smoking do not only negatively affect the surgery itself, also the healing process afterwards as well. Smoking causes blood vessels to shrink, reduces blood circulation, and prevents oxygen from circulating efficiently in the body. This may lead to a delayed, poor recovery. It may also cause swelling, necrosis, and increased risk of infection. Smokers may be more prone to developing more and bad scar tissue after a breast lift surgery.

Although it is not as dangerous as smoking after a breast lift surgery, alcohol consumption during the healing process may negatively affect healing for some reasons. Alcohol may interact with the prescribed medication. Because of its blood thinning effects, it can prevent proper healing and increase the risk of bleeding. It can also cause the body to retain fluids which can increase swelling. Intensive alcohol consumption after surgery may cause prolonged swelling.

Depending on the individual medical history and health conditions of the patient, there may be additional reasons to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before and after a breast lift surgery. Patients should discuss this matter with their surgeons in detail. At least for the minimum amounts of time that their surgeons recommend, patients should limit their smoking and alcohol intake before and after their surgeries. For those who have a hard time quitting smoking, a breast lift surgery can even be a nice excuse and motivation.