How long after breast fat transfer can I travel?

Question

I want to have the fat harvested from my stomach and love handles and into my breast. I have yet to find anyone experienced enough in this in my area, so am considering traveling out of town to have it done. How long after the surgery can I fly? How long should I wait before exercise like walking?

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS · Answer

I would say you could fly within  a day or so. It will not affect the fat transfer, you just need to make sure you have enough pain control to sit on a plane for a period of time.   Exercise would be the same. I would ask your PS how long they want you to avoid vigorous exercise. I don't think walking will hurt anything and may in fact be a good thing.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I am not a fan of fat transfer to the breasts.  The result are hit or miss.  Even the best photos I’ve seen published are unimpressive to say the least.  You can travel to have it done but then that’s even more wasted money.  Reconsider your decision.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your inquiry I usually have my patients travel back home at 2-3 days after surgery depending on their recovery and if there is no complications. However each plastic surgeon has their own protocol. In regards of exercise you can wait after about 1 month post surgery and only light exercise. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The length of time to remain in town after breast augmentation before a return flight will be variable.  I am not sure there is time period that is universal. Most plastic surgeons have their own protocols for recovery; if there are no complications, my patients can usually fly home one week after their post-op consultation. Ask the plastic surgeon who performs your breast augmentation for his or her advice.  
Many of my patients return to work after 4 - 7 days if that work is non strenuous and sedentary.  Vigorous exercise should be postponed for two weeks. 
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question! I generally have patients try to stay 1 week, but with fat grafting, I've had patients travel on a plane back home in 2 or 3 days since there are no large incisions or wounds that need to be observed. As far as walking, you should be doing that the night of surgery and resume all daily activities wtihin a couple of days. I don't want you exercising to where you are burning significant fatty tissue for at least 1 month - such as cycling or running a couple miles a day. But walking, hiking, you can do as much as you want right away.Best of luck and hope this information helps!

- Dr. Roger Tsai @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I would wait at least 1 week.  I also recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear atucker,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has his/her preference on when you should fly. It does depend upon how long the flight is and how many flights. You will have some swelling at altitude in the plane. Also, you may need to avoid some pain medication to be allowed to board.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

You could probably travel the day of surgery.  I actually prefer that my patients walk immediately after surgery, to avoid developing blood clots.  I like to see my patients the day and a week after surgery as my postoperative protocol so you will need to check with your surgeon to see what works best.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

With the limited information in your post it's impossible to say if you are even a candidate for the procedure. However, Apple Valley is less than 2 hours by car from Pasadena and San Bernadino and there must be 50 surgeons in that geographical area and between who could and are qualified to do the surgery so I don't see why you would need to fly anywhere.

How long after breast fat transfer can I travel?

Answers (10)

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