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!