After the rhinoplasty, you need to refrain from alcohol for at least two weeks. Sometimes surgeons can suggest an even longer period of abstinence. Alcohol, vasodilator–increases swelling and prolongs the healing process by intensifying bruising of inflammation. It also makes the blood thinner, increasing chances of bleeding and complications after surgery. On top of that, alcohol interacts poorly with any medications being prescribed to you during recovery like painkillers or antibiotics. Follow your surgeon’s particular advice and contact them directly for personalized information about alcohol intake after rhinoplasty.

As a medical expert, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 2-3 weeks after rhinoplasty surgery. Alcohol can increase swelling, slow down the healing process, and increase the risk of bleeding. It is better to wait until your surgeon allows you to consume alcohol after a complete recovery.

A more concise answer would be, you can drink alcohol after septoplasty or a week after rhinoplasty, but the consumption would still have to be in limited quantity for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

To know how your alcohol intake can be moderated throughout different phases, and why it's discouraged, read ahead!

• Pre-surgery alcohol prohibition:
  • One week prior to your surgery, don't consume alcoholic beverages.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol when you are on a course of prescription medicines.
  • Anesthetic medications are affected by alcohol, creating complications during surgery and causing bleeding.
     
• Post-surgery alcohol limitation:
  • Avoid alcohol for a week post rhinoplasty surgery.
  • If you are taking painkillers, that is a good enough reason to avoid intake.
     
• Why is alcohol discouraged?
  • When you drink alcohol, your nose may also swell up and inhibit the healing process.
  • Your body uses a lot of water while breaking down your alcohol and opens up your blood vessels as well. As a result, the body becomes bloated. And dehydration by itself can delay your healing too.
     
• When can you resume with alcoholic drinks?
  • A week after surgery, if your recovery is going at a good pace, then you can enjoy alcoholic intake in moderation.
  • Swelling occurs naturally post rhinoplasty, and alcohol intake can aggravate this symptom.
  • The risk of prolonged bleeding exacerbates with alcohol, thus extending your recovery phase.
  • So till 6 weeks either completely avoid alcohol consumption or reduce consumption

For more context, we also have an elaborate answer detailing how the diet can be moderated post rhinoplasty throughout different recovery stages!

Connect with us if you need our guidance, or refer to our pages to find eminent surgeons in India as well as Turkey. Take care!