What Drinks Should You Avoid Before Rhinoplasty?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, it is critical to follow pre-operative fasting instructions to reduce complications associated with anesthesia. This includes understanding what drinks you should avoid before rhinoplasty, such as alcohol, caffeine, and certain herbal teas, to ensure a safer procedure and smoother recovery.

Quick Summary

Before rhinoplasty, you must abstain from alcohol, caffeine, and specific herbal teas due to risks like increased bleeding, higher blood pressure, and negative anesthesia interactions.

Key Points

Avoid Alcohol: Stop drinking alcohol for at least one to two weeks before rhinoplasty, as it thins the blood, increases bleeding and bruising risks, and can interfere with anesthesia.
Limit Caffeine: Cut out caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda for at least 48 hours before surgery to prevent high blood pressure and potential bleeding complications.
Stop Herbal Teas and Supplements: Discontinue herbal supplements and teas, especially those known for blood-thinning effects like ginseng, ginger, and ginkgo biloba, one to two weeks prior to your procedure.
Follow Fasting Rules: On the day of surgery, adhere strictly to your surgeon's fasting instructions, which typically prohibit all non-clear liquids and often all liquids for a specific period before anesthesia.
Avoid Pulp and Dairy: Avoid any juices with pulp and all dairy products on the day of surgery, as these can increase the risk of aspiration during the procedure.
Prioritize Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with plenty of plain water in the days leading up to your surgery, as it aids in recovery and supports your body's overall health.

Critical Drinks to Avoid Before Your Nose Surgery

Before undergoing rhinoplasty, your body needs to be in optimal condition to minimize surgical risks and ensure a smooth recovery. While it's common knowledge to follow fasting guidelines, many people are unaware of the specific drinks and supplements that can interfere with the procedure. From blood-thinning agents to dehydrating diuretics, certain beverages can have a significant impact on your body's response to surgery and anesthesia. Adhering to your surgeon's pre-operative instructions is paramount for your safety and the success of the outcome.

Alcohol: The Blood Thinner and Dehydrator

Drinking alcohol in the weeks leading up to your rhinoplasty is highly discouraged by medical professionals. Alcohol has a potent blood-thinning effect, which can increase the risk of excessive bleeding both during and after the operation. This increased bleeding can complicate the surgery itself and significantly increase bruising and swelling, prolonging your recovery period. Alcohol is also a diuretic, meaning it promotes dehydration, which can interfere with anesthesia and compromise wound healing. Many surgeons recommend stopping all alcohol consumption at least two weeks before the procedure.

Caffeinated and Sugary Beverages

Caffeine, found in coffee, energy drinks, and some sodas, can elevate your blood pressure. An increase in blood pressure can heighten the risk of bruising and bleeding during and after surgery. Surgeons often advise abstaining from caffeine for at least 48 hours before the procedure. For daily caffeine consumers, gradually reducing intake in the days prior can help avoid withdrawal headaches. Likewise, drinks loaded with sugar can contribute to inflammation and may hinder your body's healing process.

Herbal Teas and Supplements: A Hidden Danger

Many people assume that herbal teas are a safe, natural alternative to other beverages, but some herbal supplements and teas contain properties that can be detrimental before surgery. Common offenders include:

Ginseng: Can increase the risk of bleeding and affect blood sugar levels.
Ginger: Can also thin the blood and affect clotting.
Ginkgo Biloba: Associated with bleeding risks.
Echinacea: Can cause liver issues in long-term users, affecting anesthesia.
Chamomile: Some sources warn it may have blood-thinning effects.
Fish Oil and Vitamin E: Often consumed as supplements, they are known to thin the blood and should be avoided. Most surgeons recommend discontinuing all herbal supplements and teas at least one to two weeks before your rhinoplasty. It is crucial to inform your surgeon of all supplements you are taking, as even seemingly harmless ones can interact with anesthesia.

Juices and Dairy on the Day of Surgery

On the day of your rhinoplasty, strict fasting protocols are in place to prevent complications related to anesthesia. While clear liquids like water and apple juice are sometimes permitted up to two hours before surgery, certain drinks are absolutely prohibited.

Juices with pulp: Orange juice, grapefruit juice, or any other juice containing pulp can delay gastric emptying and pose an aspiration risk under anesthesia.
Dairy products: Milk, cream, and powdered creamers (even in coffee) are not clear liquids and must be avoided.
Red or Purple Juices: Some guidelines recommend avoiding red or purple liquids in case of gastrointestinal surgery, so it's best to stick to clear options like white grape or apple juice if permitted.

Comparison Table: Effects of Restricted Beverages


Beverage Type	Main Risks Before Rhinoplasty	Recommended Avoidance Period
Alcohol	Increased bleeding, severe bruising, prolonged swelling, dehydration, anesthesia interaction	At least 1-2 weeks before surgery
Caffeine	Increased blood pressure, higher risk of bruising and bleeding	At least 24-48 hours before surgery
Herbal Teas/Supplements	Blood-thinning effects, interaction with anesthesia	At least 1-2 weeks before surgery
Juices with Pulp/Dairy	Aspiration risk during anesthesia	On the day of surgery (according to fasting rules)
Energy Drinks	High caffeine/sugar content, blood pressure spikes	At least 48 hours before surgery

The Importance of Pre-Operative Hydration

While there are many drinks to avoid, proper hydration with clear, plain water is crucial for a smooth recovery. Staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to surgery helps maintain blood volume and pressure, supports healing, and can reduce post-anesthesia side effects. You should continue drinking plenty of water until the specific fasting period begins, at which point you must follow your surgeon's strict timeline. For guidance on safe drinking practices, the American Society of Anesthesiologists provides detailed patient information.

Conclusion

Understanding what drinks you should avoid before rhinoplasty is a vital part of your pre-operative preparation. By cutting out alcohol, caffeine, and certain herbal supplements well in advance, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding and prolonged swelling. On the day of your surgery, adhering to strict fasting rules by avoiding any non-clear liquids is essential for anesthesia safety. Always communicate with your surgical team about all beverages and supplements you consume to ensure the safest possible outcome. A proactive approach to your diet, including your drink choices, sets the stage for a successful procedure and a faster, more comfortable recovery.

Essential Pre-Op Beverage Checklist

Stop all alcohol at least two weeks before surgery.
Discontinue caffeine intake at least 48 hours beforehand.
Halt any herbal teas and supplements one to two weeks before.
Follow all specific fasting instructions on the day of surgery.
Drink plenty of clear water until the fasting period begins.

Pre-Rhinoplasty Outbound Link

For more detailed patient safety guidelines, refer to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should stop drinking alcohol for at least one to two weeks before your rhinoplasty. Alcohol thins the blood, which can increase bleeding during and after surgery and lead to more swelling and bruising.

It is best to stop all caffeinated drinks, including coffee, tea, and energy drinks, for at least 48 hours before your rhinoplasty. Caffeine can raise your blood pressure, which increases the risk of bleeding.

No, but many are. Several popular herbs like ginseng, ginger, and ginkgo biloba have blood-thinning effects and should be avoided. It is safest to stop all herbal teas and supplements one to two weeks before surgery and consult your surgeon.

Orange juice with pulp and dairy products like milk are not considered clear liquids. They can delay gastric emptying and increase the risk of aspiration (inhaling stomach contents into the lungs) during anesthesia.

Yes, staying well-hydrated with plain water in the days before your surgery is beneficial. Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume, supports healing, and can reduce post-anesthesia side effects. However, you must follow the strict fasting window on the day of surgery.

Your surgical team will provide specific fasting instructions, but generally, you will need to stop eating or drinking anything, including water, for a number of hours before your scheduled procedure. This is typically after midnight the night before surgery, but the exact timing will be confirmed by your doctor.

If you accidentally consume a restricted beverage or food, you must inform your medical team immediately and be honest about what and when you had it. They may need to postpone or reschedule your surgery to ensure your safety and minimize complications from anesthesia.