How soon after liposuction can I fly?

As with any surgery flying immediately after the procedure is not recommended due to increased risk of blood clots in your leg (DVT). Typically you should wait about 10-14days after surgery to fly. And then take the necessary precautions such as getting up to walk around during the flight, and wearing compression stockings. The risks factors more specifically depend on the type of anaesthesia used and the extent and length of your liposuction procedure. Also, you need to be in town for regular follow-up care required immediately after your surgery. Always discuss your plans with your surgeon.

The largest concern with flying after liposuction is the risk of getting a blood clot in your legs. The risk of getting blood clots is based on multiple factors.

Major factors directly associated with liposuction include:

• how much fat was removed in total
• how much fat was removed from each area treated
• how many areas of your body were treated
• which areas of your body were treated
• if you had other surgeries performed at the same time, such as a tummy tuck or breast augmentation

These factors relate to how much 'injury' your body has received. The surgery itself can damage blood vessels, the swelling and garments after surgery can compress blood vessels, thus slowing blood flow, and your soreness after surgery isn't going to let you walk around right away like you did before surgery (resulting in less blood pumping through your legs). All these factors will play a role in increasing your risk for blood clots.

Now, if you are getting lipo of your neck line and that's it, the risk isn't too high.

If you are considering getting lipo of your inner/outer thighs, waist, abdomen, and lower back - that's a whole different risk level and you probably don't want to be sitting in an airplane and not moving right after that one.

If you do want to fly afterwards - you also need to look at your own personal risk factors for blood clots. Major factors increasing risk include:

• increasing age after 40
• having a history of cancer
• a histroy of a blood clot in you or a relative
• having a bleeding disorder

Certainly waiting until you are fully and easily mobile is advisable. Many surgeons will give you a medicine to help prevent blood clots. Also, getting foot pumps that squeeze your legs while you sit there is a good idea. Overall, your surgeon will be the best to help you with your case.