How soon can you fly on a plane after having AirSculpt laser liposculpture?

For short flights, from 1 to 2 hours, we recommend to have one full day for recovery after procedure. For transatlantic flights we ask patients to have at least 4-7 days for healing after lipo.  In general, time recommended to wait before flying depends on several factors, for example:- the individual patient's state of health (young, healthy, and in excellent condition or 60+ with a medical burden?)- how invasive and extensive was the overall procedure (1 small area or 3 large areas?)- anaesthesia (local? general?)- how did the procedure go? (no bleeding? unexpectedly large amount of bleeding?). Because patients buy their flights in advance, we recommend for them to stay to be on the safe side and follow the rules as stated above: (1) Take 1 full day to relax after the procedure if return flight is short, like 1-2 hours. (2) Count one week for the whole trip, if you come to Europe from the US or Canada.  During the flight there are two main risk factors to be aware of – (1) long time sitting in the same position, which increases a risk of blood clotting, and (2) pressure changes that may have negative influence for the tissue right after the procedure.  We can minimize these factors (1) by making short walking breaks during the flight, and (2) not much, but wearing the compression garment will be a must during the flight.  The above is our recommendation assuming that the patient is in good health, we do minimally invasive laser assisted liposuction, that is gentle to the body, and causes limited bleeding. No general anaesthesia and no other contraindications recognized. Other liposuction methods may require a longer time frame.  If you consider seriously having liposuction followed with air travel, do inform your surgeon about all important factors beforehand. The individual plan for patients may vary. Your Doctor will confirm finally that you are fit to fly during the last control visit, that probably will be scheduled the day before you fly.

I would defer to the judgment of your plastic surgeon in this instance.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

The main issue is the risk of deep vein thrombosis.  One must stay well hydrated on the plane and mobile.  Best to ask your surgeon how long he wants you to wait.

The main concern about flying after surgery is the risk for developing blood clots.A long flight, defined as a flight lasting over six hours, is one risk factor for developing blood clots.Surgery, especially surgery done using general anesthesia, is another risk factor.When additive risk factors are put together, the chance of developing blood clots goes up.There have been studies showing a higher chance of developing blood clots for people sitting in the window seats as opposed to sitting in the aisle seats on airplanes.This is believed to be because people in the aisle seats are more likely to get up and stretch their legs. There is no specific timeframe, and each doctor has his own or her own recommendations for when it's okay to fly after surgery.There are many good reasons to stay local for surgery.At the same time, the experience of the surgeon can make a large impact on the outcome of the results.Talk to your surgeon.Remember to stretch your legs, get up and walk and do some calf exercises along flights. Also, remember to stay hydrated.Alert your surgeon immediately if you develop any significant swelling or leg pains after surgeries, especially if on only one side.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

With any type of liposuction, I usually advise my patients to avoid long flights fr the first couple of weeks following the procedure.  The decreased cabin pressure can contribute to swelling.  If you have to fly shortly after a liposuction be certain to wear your compression garments and get out of your seat and walk in the isle.  Walking will help decrease the rise of developed blood clots in the legs following the surgery.  Best wishes Dr Lepore.