Would I be ok to take a 45 minute flight 2 days post nasal surgery (rhinoplasty, septoplasty, turbinectomy)?

Patients from out of town occasionally ask about flying back home after rhinoplasty surgery. There are two issues of concern. Firstly the more serious one of bleeding. Although this is uncommon (most post operative nasal bleeding occurs within the first few days), a smaller percentage does occasionally happen right up to two or rarely three weeks afterwards. If a major bleed started on the plane, this could possibly have serious outcomes. This low risk is increased due to the very dry air in jet planes. Secondly pressure changes can cause pain from sinus blockage. This can at times be very severe. Sometimes the ears are also involved. Although this isn't serious, it is miserable.

Absolutely Not. A nosebleed can happen from cabin pressure changes and dry ambient air inside an air craft. Even if the plane is landed enough blood loss can happen to cause a fatality. Do not fly for 3 weeks after a rhinoplasty, at the minimum 2 weeks. Now in some cases the nasal septum has not been touched at all, nasal turbinates have not been touched and no nasal osteotomies have been done. The example of these cases is nasal tip work only or isolated alarplasty. In these cases you could fly after a few days. RegardsDr. J

In most cases you may want to wait at least 2 weeks to fly just because of the bleeding and the with the high altitude that can cause heavier bleeding. you may want to consult with your surgeon before booking any flights