Is it safe to consume wine after undergoing rhinoplasty?

Wine After Rhinoplasty: Avoid All Alcohol for 4 Weeks Post-Surgery

You should completely avoid wine and all alcoholic beverages for a minimum of 4 weeks following rhinoplasty to prevent infection, impaired wound healing, and increased postoperative complications.

Why Alcohol Must Be Avoided After Rhinoplasty

Immune Suppression and Infection Risk

• Alcohol drives immune suppression in the perioperative period, significantly increasing your risk of postoperative infections 1
• Consumption of more than two units of alcohol per day (equivalent to approximately 150 ml of wine) is associated with increased rates of postoperative infections 1
• While rhinoplasty infections are rare, they can be life-threatening when they occur, including risks of toxic-shock syndrome 2, 3
• The risk is particularly elevated when combining procedures, and alcohol further compounds this vulnerability 2

Impaired Wound Healing

• Alcohol has a negative effect on the catabolic stress response, directly interfering with normal healing processes 1
• Rhinoplasty involves delicate soft tissue and cartilage manipulation that requires optimal healing conditions 2, 4
• Wound-healing complications are already a concern in rhinoplasty patients, and alcohol consumption increases this risk 1

Direct Tissue Effects

• Alcohol can exacerbate tissue inflammation and cause additional swelling in already traumatized nasal tissues 5
• The nasal mucosa and soft tissues are particularly vulnerable during the healing phase, and alcohol acts as an irritant 5

Evidence-Based Timeline

The 4-Week Threshold

• Preoperative abstinence of 4 weeks is recommended for patients who regularly consume alcohol, and this same 4-week period should be maintained postoperatively 1, 5
• This 4-week threshold is evidence-based from meta-analyses showing that this duration is associated with fewer postoperative complications 1
• The cessation of alcohol for a minimum of 4 weeks reduces infections but does not impact mortality or length of stay 1

Why This Duration Matters

• Rhinoplasty healing involves both soft tissue recovery and stabilization of cartilaginous structures, which requires several weeks 2, 6
• Postoperative swelling, bruising, and tissue remodeling continue throughout the first month, making this a critical healing window 6, 7
• The first two postoperative weeks are particularly essential for maintaining nasal position and preventing complications like hematoma formation 7

Practical Recommendations

Complete Avoidance Strategy

• Avoid all alcoholic beverages during the 4-week healing period, including wine, beer, and spirits, regardless of alcohol content 5
• This applies even to small amounts—there is no "safe" quantity during the healing phase 1

Alternative Hydration

• Maintain excellent hydration with water and non-alcoholic beverages to support healing 6, 7
• Keep your head elevated and follow all other postoperative care instructions, including rest and avoiding strenuous activity 6, 7

If You Have Regular Alcohol Consumption

• If you regularly consume more than two units of alcohol daily, you should have ideally stopped 4 weeks before surgery 1
• Intensive alcohol cessation interventions, including pharmacological strategies for withdrawal symptoms, may be necessary for heavy drinkers 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume that wine is "safer" than other alcohol—all forms of alcohol have the same negative effects on healing 1, 5
• Do not resume alcohol at social events during the first month—even occasional consumption increases infection risk 1
• Do not use alcohol-containing products on or near the surgical site, including certain mouthwashes or topical preparations 5

Critical Caveats

• The evidence for the 4-week recommendation comes from general surgical populations, but the principles apply directly to facial plastic surgery where infection and healing complications can have significant aesthetic consequences 1, 2
• Rhinoplasty has a revision rate of 5-15%, with many revisions related to healing complications that could potentially be prevented with optimal postoperative care 2
• Patient satisfaction and optimal aesthetic outcomes depend heavily on meticulous attention to postoperative instructions, including alcohol avoidance 2, 4