Is it safe to fly on an airplane after rhinoplasty?

Question

Hello, I’m thinking of having a rhinoplasty in California and I live in Florida. Just very concerned with the pressure of flying after I’d just been operated on. Thank you

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

I would wait at least two weeks to fly in order to avoid issues with the pressure and clearing your ears; however, I would discuss this with your surgeon to make sure you are following his/her instructions.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You should be able to flying by 1-2 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

More: read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon. Rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. 
Finally, I usually make computer morphs when I'm answering questions like this, to show the changes that are possible for a nose with a rhinoplasty, but of course you didn't post any photos. At the *very* bottom of the "Learn more" page is a link to instructions on taking and sending photos that are comprehensive and useful for an online consultation like this, in case you'd like a more complete evaluation.

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

We let our patients fly back 7 days after surgery.  Due to internal swelling, I have them use a decongestant by mouth if no medical contraindication, and saline nasal sprays to keep the nasal passages moist.

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

Great question! Not all know that the air within the air cabin of an airplane has less O2 than we normally breath. I'm not sure about the humidity of the air provided. For sure the change in pressure will effect you as it does for those that have not had a rhinoplasty. The normal way to "clear one's ears" is to pinch the nose and try to exhale = OUCH. Please confirm this with your doctor. A 1-2 hour flight after your post operative visit should be OK to do base on your post operative visit and your understanding of the above. Sincerely,Michael Kulick MDSan Francisco, Ca

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

In our Practice we work extensively with out of town patients. Once the packing is removed, and the splint is re-adjusted, and the internal swelling begins to subside- there should be no problem flying. Be sure to seek an experienced Board Certified PS with extensive experience in closed technique -no scar across columella.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. As I see it, the main issues with flying after nasal surgery are any residual stuffiness you might have and the dryness of the air in the cabin. You'll want to use plenty of nasal saline spray- make sure that your bottle is small enough to make it through security. As far as congestion, you might get a sinus headache, but it wouldn't harm you in any way. Topical decongestants like Afrin can be helpful. In general I ask that my patients plan on sticking around for at least a week after surgery for me to monitor their healing. Good luck!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

With cabin pressures at around the equivalent of 4,000 feet altitude, there is no reason to be concern about flying after having rhinoplasty surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is certainly acceptable to fly home after a rhinoplasty procedure 7-10 days after surgery.  More important is to make sure you follow up with your operative surgeon, since the follow-up appointments are just as important as the surgery itself.  If you are not going to follow up with your surgeon, have the rhinoplasty performed locally.

Anurag Agarwal, MD · Answer

I routinely have patients fly in and fly out for rhinoplasty. I remove their nasal splint and any sutures if necessary on day 7 after surgery.  I let them fly home one day after that, so day 8 after surgery.  They usually benefit from saline nasal spray because of dryness on the plane and to minimize crusting on dissolvable sutures within the nose.  There is usually some rebound swelling that occurs after splint removal but it is not an impediment to flying .

Is it safe to fly on an airplane after rhinoplasty?

Answers (12)

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