How long after you get a tummy tuck can you travel on an airplane?

It takes about a month to be "back to normal" after a tummy tuck. However, I have had out-of-town patients stay 1 week in Kansas City before returning home by airplane. You cannot walk tremendous distances of course, so if there are some long concourses, a wheelchair is needed and you should travel with a companion. Tummy tucks are not all done the same way, so there are differences between operators. Also, you may be having some other procedures such as liposuction at the same time, although this generally does not increase your recovery time. Your surgeon needs to be experienced and know how to minimize blood loss so that you do not feel to weak after surgery. I have attached a link to the abdominoplasty section of my website.

Thanks for the question. Generally, most patients can fly within 2 to 4 weeks after Tummy Tuck surgery. However, car or airplane travel should be avoided to prevent the risk of blood clots in the legs. I wish you all the best.

Hello! Thank you for your question. Our practice has patients travel from afar. Opinions on travel following a surgical procedure will differ amongst surgeons, and is best to discuss this with your surgeon. In our practice, we ask that you plan to stay for several days to weeks to observe and evaluate the surgical areas as well as your readiness for travel. Depending on which procedure you have, up to a few weeks or so may be necessary. I would certainly discuss this with your surgeon in addition to plans for postop care and evaluation.  Ensuring adequate oral intake and mobility is a must and proper postoperative care of the surgical sites and incisions is prudent. An evaluation postoperatively as well as prior to departure is usually done to make sure that all is well for your travel back.  Potential for compression stockings and/or anticoagulation may be advised by your surgeon.  Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

You want to be able to move around well and not have any drains and minimal need for dressings.  Typically 3 weeks should be sufficient. 

Great question. In my opinion, it is reasonable to plan and take air travel two weeks after surgery. Please seek several opinions from board certified plastic surgeons during your consultation. Best wishes.

As I am sure you are gathering from this forum every surgeon will have his or her own preference.  In general, I suspect most would prefer you avoid flying until AT LEAST your drains have been removed which is typically 1-2 weeks from surgery.  In addition, I encourage my patients to get up and move around as much as possible, especially when flying, to minimize their risk of blood clots. 

Thank you for your question.  There is no right answer for that as all Plastic Surgeons will have their own preference.  I don't like my patients to travel until after the drains are out.  that's usually 1 - 2 weeks.

Everybody recovers at a different rate, so it’s best to speak with your surgeon at a follow-up appointment and follow his advice. As a general rule of thumb, you should allow a minimum of 14 days, depending on where you are going and the duration of your flight.

Answer about travel needs to be customized to each patient. No tuumy tucks are alike. Each patient heals and recovers differently. Some may be able to travel after one week of surgery. In some cases it may be six weeks before travel is cleared.Discuss your case with your surgeon at time of consultation.

I would recommend waiting a couple weeks after surgery. Patients have been know to fly earlier. I tell my my patients to stay well hydrated and they should get up and walk down the isle way at least every 45 mins to an hour.