How soon will I be able to fly after Mini Tuck?

Question

I'm very healthy mid-40's and very fit/active at 5' 4" and 118 lbs. I would like to have a mini tummy tuck without muscle repair this summer. How soon after will I be able to stand up straight and/or fly overseas?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Dear @bududaddy, thank you for your question. It is always important to take into consideration the opinion of the specialist who is performing surgery. It depends a lot on the surgical technique and the technology used in this procedure. Usually one month is a prudent time. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

The timing for air travel after a mini tummy tuck, or any surgical procedure, is typically influenced by various factors including the extent of the surgery, your overall health, and your surgeon's recommendations. Here are some general guidelines, but it's important to follow your surgeon's specific instructions:

Immediate Postoperative Period:

In the immediate postoperative period, you may not be able to fly. Most surgeons recommend avoiding air travel in the first few days after surgery to minimize the risk of complications, such as blood clots.
Follow-Up Appointments:

Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. Before considering air travel, it's essential to attend these appointments to get clearance from your surgeon.
Initial Weeks:

During the initial weeks after a mini tummy tuck, you may need to limit physical activities, including extended periods of sitting. Prolonged sitting, such as during a long flight, can increase the risk of swelling and blood clot formation.
Compression Garments:

If you are required to wear compression garments after the surgery, your surgeon may recommend continuing their use during travel to provide support and reduce the risk of complications.
Consult with Your Surgeon:

The timing for flying can vary among individuals. It's crucial to consult with your surgeon for personalized advice based on your specific case. They can assess your healing progress and provide guidance on when it's safe for you to travel.
Remember that air travel involves sitting for extended periods, and during the early stages of recovery, it's essential to prioritize your healing and minimize potential risks. Always communicate openly with your surgeon, follow their recommendations, and ensure that you have their approval before making any travel plans.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Recovery from a mini-tummy tuck varies from person-to-person. Your recovery from the procedure will depend on several factors, such as age, general state of health, and body weight. Your plastic surgeon will know how you are healing so his/her advice would be the best.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bududaddy,I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has her/his own protocol regarding flying and post op care.  You will want to wait a minimum of 3 weeks before flying, potentially longer depending on the length of the flight.  I've included a video that specifically addresses standing up straight after a tummy tuck that I hope you find helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With a mini tuck, you should be able to stand up straight immediately after surgery. It is best not to fly for 30 days after a general anesthesia because of the increased risk of blood clots.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi , every surgical process needs a recovery time, but in a month you can travel and get back to work life, just avoid lifting heavy things among other recommendations.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The majority of patients should be able to stand up straight and travel as soon as the drain is removed if one is used for the procedure. This is typically about a week out.

Drains can sometimes need to be kept in for longer and I’ve seen drains stay in for over two weeks.
The most common complication after this procedure is a fluid buildup called a seroma. This happens most commonly because a drain was not used or the drains were removed prematurely.

If a cer Alma develops patients need to be seen by their provider on a regular basis to have fluid removed until it no longer forms.

That process can go on for several weeks.

For those don’t develop at the Roma travelling should be straightforward but if it happens you need to have access to your provider because draining a seroma in a different country by someone you don’t know it’s not a good place to be.

Sam people have reported seroma rates being as high as 20% with tummy tuck procedures.

The answer to your question depends a bit on each person‘s level of comfort and flexibility.

A safe answer would be four weeks.

Patients will know that they don’t have a seroma within a few days after having the drain removed.

Considering this single complication can vary including how it’s managed there is no single set number of days to give you a solid answer. Plastic surgeons will probably vary substantially on what they would recommend including each individual person‘s aversion to risk and unfortunate consequences.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

How soon will I be able to fly after Mini Tuck?

Answers (8)

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