Traveling after 2-3 days of Mommy makeover with drains & whats the deal with Pain pump?

Question

Getting breast reduction and a tummy tuck. Is it okay to fly back home with my Drains after 3 days of Surgery, I am only flying for 2 hrs. Also i will be getting a daily RN to come to my home (insurance covered), my sister will be helping to bath my son and run any errands. I can always fly back at a later day for post op appointments (always been a jet-setter and have worked at airport, so i know how to travel comfortably, stress free). Secondly can i use just pain pumps instead of pills.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Generally, most patients can fly within 2-4 weeks after mommy makeover operation. I wish you all the best.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I ask my patients to stay in town for at least the first two weeks following surgery. And no, you should not be on a plane for at least 7 days following your surgery as there is a very real increased risk of blood clots. Either change your plans or find a surgeon in your immediate area (link below) Best, Dr. Nazarian

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I personally don't use drains with mommy makeover surgery but many plastic surgeons do. Any traveling has to be done with the consent of your own surgeon. It would also be a good idea if there was a plastic surgeon to report to near where you live.

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

I would recommend you discuss with your surgeon before you do surgery.  You are having a pretty major operation, and I would not typically advise that major travel is a good idea so soon for a number of reasons.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  When you're safe to travel  is a decision that needs to made between you and your own plastic surgeon since they are most familiar with your situation. They should also be able to advise you with pain management options following surgery.  In my opinion, three days is pretty early to be flying after major surgery but not unheard of.   In my practice I use advance progression sutures technique for tummy tuck so surgical drains are not necessary.  Perhaps this is an option with your plastic surgeon as it  also offers easier recovery. It sounds like you have a good support system in place so you should be in good shape once you return home.  Best of luck to you.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You need to discuss this with your plastic surgeon. With my patients I like them to stay in town at least two weeks. Traveling is early after surgery may have some dire consequences.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it sounds like you have already made the decision and all the plans around your mommy makeover surgery.  My preference is to have my patients stay locally longer than just a few days but each surgeon/patient will work out a mutually agreeable plan.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

After a Mommy Makeover it's recommended that you refrain from flying for two to three weeks.  The main concern is blood clot formation.  It's also a good idea to remain near your surgeon early in your recovery to address concerns and follow your progress.  Pain management is handled differently by each surgeon.  Speak with your surgeon about your preferences.

Robert Najera, MD · Answer

In my practice, I ask my patients to stay in town for the first two weeks. This allows me to make sure that there is not any immediate post operative problems that might require going back to the operating room (ie bleeding, infection, skin necrosis). In addition, drains can be difficult to manage while traveling. Most people are moving around freely and have their drains removed by week two.

Semira Bayati, MD, FACS · Answer

As a rule, traveling is not advised for at least 7 days after major surgery, including tummy tuck done by itself, and especially when combined with a breast reduction.  There is an increased risk of Deep Venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and possible death, with earlier timeline for traveling after long anesthesia or major surgery.After a surgery like yours, I ask my patients to stay for at least 7, preferably 14 days to remove all drains, before traveling.Pain pump alone would not eliminate the need for pain medication, but it would reduce the amount of pain medication needed after surgery.I wish you the best with your upcoming surgery.  It is better to err on the side of caution and stay as long as your surgeon advises.

Traveling after 2-3 days of Mommy makeover with drains & whats the deal with Pain pump?

Answers (12)

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