Drinking alcohol before body contouring massages is something many people wonder about, especially if they are planning a spa day or a special treatment. The answer is not always straightforward, but medical experts and reputable clinics agree that it is best to avoid alcohol before these types of treatments. This is true whether you are getting a massage for body sculpting, lymphatic drainage, or any other medical or aesthetic procedure that involves the body’s tissues and circulation.
Body contouring massages are designed to help shape the body, reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve circulation, and sometimes even support fat reduction. These treatments work by stimulating the lymphatic system, breaking down fat cells, and encouraging the body to flush out toxins. When alcohol is in the system, it can interfere with how the body responds to these treatments. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to lose more water than usual. This can lead to dehydration, and when the body is dehydrated, it does not function as well during and after treatments. Dehydration can make the skin more sensitive, increase the risk of bruising, and slow down the healing process if there is any minor trauma to the skin or tissues during the massage [1].
Many clinics and medical professionals recommend avoiding alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours before any body contouring massage or similar treatment. For example, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises patients to avoid alcohol before and after facial filler injections because alcohol can increase the risk of bruising and swelling [1]. While this advice is specifically for facial fillers, the same principle applies to body treatments. Alcohol can thin the blood, which means there is a higher chance of bruising or bleeding under the skin during a massage that involves deep pressure or manipulation of tissues [1].
In addition to increasing the risk of bruising, alcohol can also affect how the body processes toxins. Body contouring massages often aim to help the body eliminate waste and excess fluids. If alcohol is present, the liver has to work harder to process both the alcohol and the byproducts of the treatment. This can slow down the detoxification process and may leave a person feeling more tired or sluggish after the massage [2]. Some clinics, like Melior Medical Spa, specifically recommend avoiding alcohol for at least 6 hours before any recovery or hydration therapy, and they also advise against alcohol for at least 12 hours after the procedure to allow the body to recover fully [2].
Another important point is that alcohol can affect the nervous system and make a person more sensitive to pain or discomfort. During a body contouring massage, some people may experience mild soreness or tenderness, especially if the treatment is deep or intense. If alcohol is in the system, this discomfort may be more pronounced, and the body may not respond as well to the treatment [3]. Some clinics that offer ultrasonic cavitation, a type of body contouring treatment, also recommend avoiding alcohol before and after the session to minimize the risk of side effects like bruising, swelling, or skin irritation [6].
There are also specific guidelines for other types of body treatments. For example, Happy Valley Healthy Beauty advises clients to avoid carbohydrates, including alcohol and all sugars, for at least two hours before and after a body contouring session. The reason is that sugar and alcohol can interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness, as they provide energy to fat cells and may reduce the results of the massage [4]. Similarly, after treatments like Cellulaze, which involve minor surgery or deep tissue work, doctors recommend limiting alcohol in the first few days to support healing and reduce the risk of complications [5].
It is also important to consider the overall health of the person receiving the treatment. If someone has a medical condition, is taking medication, or has a history of liver or kidney problems, the risks of drinking alcohol before a body contouring massage can be even greater. Alcohol can interact with certain medications and may worsen existing health issues, making the treatment less safe and less effective [3].
In summary, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol before any body contouring massage or similar treatment. This advice is supported by medical professionals, reputable clinics, and authoritative sources in the field of aesthetic medicine. By avoiding alcohol, a person can reduce the risk of side effects, support their body’s natural healing processes, and get the best possible results from their treatment.
Sources
[1] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What not to do after getting facial filler. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/what-not-to-do-after-getting-facial-filler
[2] Melior Medical Spa. Hydration & Recovery IV Therapy. https://melior.ee/en/teenus-toode/hydration-recovery-therapy/
[3] Wellaholic. Risks of Ultrasonic Cavitation. https://wellaholic.com/blog/risks-of-ultrasonic-cavitation/
[4] Happy Valley Healthy Beauty. FAQs. https://hvhealthybeauty.com/faqs/
[5] LMA Clinic. What Are the Side Effects of Cellulaze? https://www.lmaclinic.com/lma/blog/what-are-the-side-effects-of-cellulaze
[6] Body Sculpt On The Go. Ultrasonic Cavitation Cellulite Reduction. https://body-sculpt.co.za/ultrasonic-cavitation-cellulite-reduction/
