I am getting an out of town mommy makeover. Is it safe to take a 2 hour flight home 8 days after the procedure?

Question

I am traveling from Chicago to Miami for a mommy makeover surgery (tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift, implants) on Jan. 10th. I am staying at a recovery home in Miami until the morning of Jan. 18th. Is it going to be safe to take a 2 hour flight back home to Chicago that afternoon? I have heard that it is very dangerous to fly long distances within the first 2 weeks after surgery, but since the flight is domestic and fairly short, I was hoping it would be ok? Thank you!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Ginabean.    I usually require out of town patients to stay local for at least 2 weeks after significant surgery because I believe it is safer and I prefer to be close to be available if anything does happen. If you must travel, the last person you see before boarding your plane should be your surgeon for final evaluation to be sure it is safe to travel. Good luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you will be healing following surgery.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Having surgery abroad is a set-up for problems of this nature.   You need to see a plastic surgeon, but did not trust the surgeons that work diligently in your area to provide care to their patients.  The surgeon that you did choose has no ability and probably no interest in taking care of their postoperative patients because they know you are not going to fly back to where they are to seek out care.  So now what?  Bring the problems of another surgeon to the local doctor who you did not allow to treat you and expect that they will take care of the postoperative complications? Or go back where you had your surgery and require that the surgeon that did the surgery take responsibility for their work?The problem with the flight is the pressurization of the cabin and the fact that you are sitting for the entire flight.  I have a strict no flying policy for two weeks.

Michael Zenn, MD · Answer

I generally ask OOT patients to stay in town for 2 weeks to avoid any situations that may be out of their control and hamper their recovery. That includes unnecessary car rides, lifting, and excessive movement. Short rides on a plane still involve all the ups and downs and in and outs with unexpected omfps! Make sure when you do decide to leave that you have a backup plastic surgeon on speed dial for any problems. Good luck.

Dr. Z

Dr. Z

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible, but a lot is dictated on how everything goes in surgery and how your recovery is going.  If no drains are used, then it would be easier.  If drains are used, you want to wait until the drains are out before traveling.  Review with your surgeon the travel plans.  There are many, many excellent surgeons in the Chicago area, so if you are traveling just for a better financial deal, be careful.  Best wishes.

John Y.S. Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

make sure you discuss this with your surgeon first!  the more involved the surgery the greater the problems with travel that soon after surgery...

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

For me, the bigger question is do you have coverage in Chicago if you develop a problem. Seroma formation, and other complications can still occur after 8 days, and you need to make sure you have good coverage for afterwards. If not, you may want to consider staying longer. Also with many excellent surgeons in Chicago, why are you going to Miami? Is it a surgeon who operated on a friend of yours, or ? It is a short flight but a lot of walking and movement shortly after that big of a procedure.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

You are at an increased risk of DVT / PE and you need to take precautions and discuss this with your PS. A short flight in my opinion is better than a long car journey.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear! Thanks for the question.It is important to take enough time to recover from a big surgery, and it's dangerous if you don't take the necessary steps before the trip. But if you follow all the indications and take care is safe.I recommend you to talk with your doctor and tell him/her about your plans.Good luck :)

Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients are safe to fly 8 days after surgery but each situation is different. I would check with your surgeon to see what restrictions he/she has and what precautions they want to take for your travel.

I am getting an out of town mommy makeover. Is it safe to take a 2 hour flight home 8 days after the procedure?

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