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Flying After Breast Implants Revision

asked 2 years ago by cupcake26 in Minneapolis, MN, USA
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 6,620 times
Tags: flying, travel

How long until I can take a 2 1/2 hour flight after breast augmentation revision? I am traveling to Florida to have my breasts re-done and wondering when it is safe for me to take the 2 1/2 hour flight back home.

20 answers to Flying After Breast Implants Revision

Flying After Breast Implants Revision

Communication with your surgeon is key for out of town surgery. We work with a large number of out of state patients, and always stress the importance of communication. During the consultation process, let your surgeon know your thoughts and he can advise you if the travel schedule makes sense for you.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

Flying after surgery

I see a lot of patients from all over the country. Most of them fly back to where they came from the day after surgery. If you are concerned about pressure affecting your implants, keep in mind that the airplane cabin is pressurized so that shouldn't be a problem.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Flying after surgery

There is no straight forward answer for when to fly after surgery. Discuss this with your surgeon and see what he/she recommends. I work with many out of town patients and I am fine with them traveling soon after their surgery as long as they are not lifting anything heavy, staying hydrated, etc. The most important thing is to make sure you recover nicely and not have complications.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Flying after Breast Surgery

You should absolutely check with your plastic surgeon regarding this issue. Typically, I advise my patients not to fly or travel for at least one week following surgery.

Andrew P. Giacobbe, MD
Buffalo Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Revision - Flying Afterwards

Hi cupcake26, There's no absolute answer to this and you should, of course, check with your own plastic surgeon about this. I usually recommend that, after breast implants (it's different for other procedures) the patient stay in town for about a week or so. First of all, it is important not to do anything that can increase the risk of bleeding. Post-operative bleeding is a particular concern for this procedure, and anything that increases the pulse or heart rate,... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Flying and Breast Surgery

It is always best to check with your individual Board certified Plastic Surgeon for clarification on post-operative treatment and their "rules". Best wishes!

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Flying after breast surgery

Generally, I ask my patients to stay in town at least one week after surgery. That gives us at least time to make sure they are healing, time to trim sutures and just generally touch base. I caution people about luggage and some I encourage to take an Aspirin the day of their flight in order to prevent blood clots in the legs. It really is best that you discuss this with your surgeon and follow their recommendations.

Thomas B. Lintner, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Traveling after breast augmentation revision

You should talk with plastic surgeon. There is no rule on how many days to wait before a flight. I would wait at least 3-5 days to make sure that you don't develop any immediate complications from surgery. Also, you may want to see your plastic surgeon for the post-op visit about 1 week after the surgery. Please be careful when you travel in terms of pulling and lifting your luggage.

Sugene Kim, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

It's more a mith than a real problem

There is no contraindication to fly 48 hours after surgery. However is the whole point of view recommended stay in place in which you was operated until you are withdrawn the sutures (not beyond the eighth day). The problems, after a augmentation mammoplasty with breast implants increase only occur if happen a depressurization of the cabin in full flight, a fact really bizarre; it is still a risk that the patient must assume. This risk is bigger with inflatable devices. more

Enrique Etxeberria, MD
Spain Plastic Surgeon

Flying after Breast Implant Surgery

Although you should clear this with your surgeon, I prefer my out of town patients to not fly for about one week. This is more preference based as there are no written standards. Also because the cabin is pressurized there is no harm to the implants. Some keys to flying are to stay hydrated, don't over exert yourself by lifting heavy luggage, and walk up and down the aisles. Hope that helps and good luck!

Babak Dadvand, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants and flying

Most surgeons will recommend waiting 10-14 days after surgery before flying home. The airplane cabin is pressurized, so this does not pose a risk to your implants, but you should recover from your surgery prior to flying in the event that you have a complication, such as bleeding, which needs to be addressed immediately. Good luck, /nsn.

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Flying after breast surgery

The airplane cabins are pressurized so I do not object to flying and have had patients go home shortly after surgery and then fly back for post operative appointments. However, you need to clear this with your surgeon to be sure you understand the limitations. Avoid activities likely to raise your blood pressure so that you do not stir up any bleeding, and is some cases your surgeon may be able to arrange for someone to see you locally after your surgery. New York City is a mecca for... more

Darrick E. Antell, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Traveling after breast surgery

Every surgeon is different, and there are no set criteria for flying after surgery. Definitely talk to your doctor's office. I usually like patients to stay in town for at least one week after surgery to make sure everything is OK. Stay well hydrated and move your legs a lot to help minimize your risks of clots in your legs.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Traveling after cosmetic surgery

Hi Chanel7 - Traveling after cosmetic surgery is okay as long as you clear it with your plastic surgeon. There really is no set standard, but I recommend waiting on week to see if any complications arise and to allow your body to heal before flying. Traveling great distances for surgery can be fine, but when complications arise (and many do occur during the first week) it may be difficult to find someone to take care of another plastic surgeons complications. Therefore, I would recommend... more

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Flying after Breast Implant revision

You should be calling and checking with your surgeon. Each of us will have our own little quirks and answers. There is no right answer based on any scientific studies but generally most of the "immediate issues" should be done by 2- 3 days after the procedure.

John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

Plan to stay a minimum of4-5 days

I would suggest staying a minimum of 4-5 days and longer if possible. It is, after all a revision, and you may need drains or extra work done during the surgery. You do not want to stir up any bleeding by being too active in the immediate postop period. You certainly don't want to carry bags, suitcases, etc. Your surgeon will be able to give you the best answer. When patients come from out of town, I suggest they stay for 7 days if at all possible.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Flight after breast augmentation revision

From a safety to you point of view, you could fly or drive a short distance within 24-36 hours after this procedure. It goes without saying that you need to keep hydrated and move your legs to lower the risk of blood clot formation. There is nothing magical about flying since none of us these days fly in unpressurized cabins (wearing leather bombardier jackets, goggles and billowing white scarves...). Your implants are NOT going to expand much less explode on any commercial flight. From the... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Flying after Breast Implants

You should ask this question to your surgeon. If you are flying in a pressurized cabin, I would have no problem with you flying shortly after surgery. However, I would want you to stay close by for a few days anyway to make certain that there are no post-op problems which need to be addressed.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Traveling after breast implant revision surgery

I care for many patients from out of state, so this is a very common question in my practice. I do like to have frequent contact with my patients during the first week after surgery, so that I can manage their sutures and dressings and deal with any problems that might occur. Although it rarely occurs, the most common early complication after breast surgery is bleeding. When it happens, it usually occurs within the first 24-48 hours after surgery (although it can occur later). Traveling... more

Kevin Brenner, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Flying after breast implants surgery revision mastopexy

If you do not have to heft your bags (bring a sherpa) you can fly as soon as you are medically stable. For most types of breast surgery this will be after 3 or 4 days. If you are flying to a place where you have coordinated post-operative care available you can travel after 48 hours.