Can I fly 5 days after facial fat transfer?

Question

Can I fly 5 days after fat graft to my cheeks, forehead, temples, under eyes, and chin? The total flying time is 19 hours which includes two flights plus 5 hour transit. Is there a risk of blood clots? And will flying negatively affect my fat survival rates (pressure changes etc)? Thank you.

Amy K Hsu, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear browneyed~Thank you for your question.  I usually ask patients to wait at least 7 days before flying after fat grafting to the face to allow optimal healing time.  That being said, if you absolutely must fly at five days, it probably would not affect your long-term results, but you may have more swelling initially.As with any long flight, you should make sure that you use your leg muscles or get up periodically to decrease the risk of blood clots.Best wishes,Amy Hsu

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Depends.I typically recommend waiting 7 to 10 days after fat transfer to fly, by this time a significant amount of the swelling has subsided.  Your flight and travel seems to be very long so I would check with your surgeon for his or her approval.Blood clots are always a risk during long flights but walking in the cabin and aspirin are helpful, but typically surgeons will have you avoid aspirin and similar medications for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.  Check with your surgeon.  The flight should not have any impact on your fat survival.I hope this helps.

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

I would ask your surgeon before doing anything, but I have no problem with my patients flying after fat transplantation to the face. After 7 days most of my minifacelift patients can fly.

Can I fly 5 days after facial fat transfer?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can I fly 5 days after facial fat transfer?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.