Is three weeks to soon to travel after medial thigh lift?

The recovery time for a thigh lift is at least 6 weeks before you can resume strenuous activity.  I think that traveling  will depend upon the type of thigh lift and how often the incisions are subjected to stress in the long drive from Carlsbad to Chicago.  The plastic surgeon who performed your medial thigh lift on March 31, 2017 can provide the best advice possible.Kenneth Hughes, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Depends how extensive the surgery. In addition, deep vein clots can be a problem up to 4 weeks. Discuss this thoroughly with your physician. All the best!

Wow...8 pounds is a lot from the thighs! Travel is usually kept to a minimum for 4-6 weeks after surgery, but with driving, you can put the seat down and get out and walk every few hours which is better than being stuck on a plane. Ask your surgeon for specific recommendations as everyone is different in how they treat these issues. Good luck!

Congratulations on your thigh lift, gene0022!
Your capacity to travel depends on how you’re healing. Sitting too long can put you at risk for deep vein thrombosis after plastic surgery. The clot can travel to other blood vessels in your body and block blood flow. It would have been better if you’re flying, but since you’re driving for 12 hours, it can be a real problem.
Please consult your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon to know if you’re healed enough to travel.
Best of luck!

Three weeks is pushing it to travel as you have planned; if your incisions heal without any trouble you will likely be ok; however, the upper thigh region is prone to shear stress especially at your groin level and this area frequently opens up and requires delayed healing.