Management of the recovering alcoholic who seeks cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgeons are likely to see patients who have successfully completed alcohol or drug abusers' rehabilitation programs. These patients are seeking to improve their appearance and, hence, their self-image. Unless special care is given to the recovering alcoholic, he or she is at risk of readdiction to alcohol or to drugs after surgery. Recommendations are made regarding the timing of elective operations, the use of drugs during and after the procedure, and reliance on a dependable third party to dispense drugs postoperatively.