Can you drink alcohol after rhinoplasty?
The quick and easy answer to this is that you should avoid alcohol for at least two weeks after your surgery. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Alcohol thins the blood – this increases the risk of bleeding, as well as making bruising worse. When your nasal tissues are already swollen and delicate, drinking alcohol can slow your recovery down.
- Alcohol is dehydrating – it’s important to stay hydrated when you’re recovering from surgery, and alcohol has a dehydrating effect, which can lead to more swelling. Again, this can slow your recovery.
- Alcohol interacts with medications – you’ll be on a variety of medications after your surgery, including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and painkillers. Alcohol can impact their effectiveness as well as increasing side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or nausea.
- Alcohol affects your judgement – it can make you take risks you wouldn’t take when sober, potentially jeopardising your recovery.
- Alcohol affects your coordination – if you’re a bit unsteady on your feet because you’ve had too much to drink, this increases the risks of an accidental bump or fall that could damage your nose and compromise the outcome of your surgery.
It’s not worth the risk – find some alcohol-free drinks to enjoy for the first few weeks after your surgery.
When can you start drinking alcohol after rhinoplasty?
Everyone heals at their own pace, but as a general guide most surgeons suggest the following:
- First two weeks – no alcohol at all, for the reasons we’ve just outlined.
- Wait until you’re off painkillers – certain painkillers should never be mixed with alcohol, so read the instruction leaflet carefully and stay off alcohol until you’re no longer on them to be on the safe side.
- Complete the course of antibiotics – don’t start drinking again until you’ve finished your course of antibiotics, as alcohol can reduce their effectiveness and give you unwanted side effects.
If in doubt, always ask your surgeon. When they give you the go-ahead, start introducing alcohol slowly and make sure you stay hydrated.
Images source: Envato
Can you drink coffee, tea, soda or milk after rhinoplasty?
Not all drinks are problematic, but some are better than others during the immediate aftermath of your surgery.
Coffee and tea
A bit of mild caffeine is usually fine after the first 24 to 48 hours. However, large amounts of it can dehydrate you, which could increase your swelling. Drink light coffee and tea in moderation, and avoid very hot drinks if your upper lip feels uncomfortable.
Soda or fizzy drinks
Carbonated drinks can cause bloating and pressure, which some patients find uncomfortable while their nasal passages are swollen. For that reason, it’s a good idea to avoid them for the first few days after surgery and gradually reintroduce them when the discomfort has died down.
Milk
While it’s technically safe to drink after rhinoplasty, it may make your nose feel more congested if you’re someone who finds that milk and dairy products cause more mucus production. If not, you’re fine to keep drinking it as normal.
Decaf coffee and herbal teas
These are a great choice immediately after surgery, especially herbal teas that help support hydration, such as chamomile, ginger or mint.
Why hydration is essential after nose surgery
It sounds simple, but staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to support your recovery. Drinking plenty of water helps your body reduce swelling, flush out the remains of the anaesthetic used and support tissue repair. It will also help prevent headaches and keep mucus thin and manageable, reducing the feeling of congestion and making you feel more comfortable when your nose is swollen and healing.
Avoiding alcohol and high-caffeine beverages is important during your recovery period because they act as diuretics, pulling water from your body and dehydrating you. Still, you should try not to drink large amounts of water in one go. Instead, sip water throughout the day.
Summary: what can you drink after rhinoplasty and when?
Here’s a quick checklist to guide you through your drink choices after nose surgery:
Safe and helpful drinks
- Water (best option)
- Herbal teas
- Electrolyte drinks (low-sugar)
- Decaf beverages
- Milk (if it doesn’t increase congestion)
Enjoy in moderation after a few days
- Regular tea and coffee
- Mild caffeine
- Fizzy drinks (once bloating discomfort improves)
Avoid entirely for at least 2 weeks
- Alcohol of any kind
- Drinks that are high in caffeine
- Anything that interacts with medications you’re still taking
Remember, the first week after rhinoplasty surgery is the most sensitive phase of your recovery, so be extra cautious. Treating your body well – staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest and avoiding irritants – will help you heal quicker and protect the results of your surgery.
Images source: Envato
Book a consultation with Dr. Cuno
If you’d like to get some tailored guidance about your recovery plan, or you’re still at the stage where you’re considering rhinoplasty surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Cuno today to understand the safest approach for your lifestyle and goals.
