Flying back after BBL - Any recommendations as to how I can sit/positions myself on the flight back?

Dear Cheerful461312,
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

Every surgeon will have a different recommendation for the number of days following a BBL and the number of hours in flight depending upon your individual risk factors and the amount of surgery performed. The main risk that would be the most serious: development of a blood clot in the legs that can then migrate to the lungs. Sitting for long periods of time puts you at higher risk due to being stationary. Pressure on the fat, etc. are also possibilities but it should not impact fat survivability provided that frequent breaks from sitting are taken. Place a pillow under your thighs to take the pressure off the buttocks. Ask your plastic surgeon to write a note to the flight attendant asking permission to walk up and down the aisles every 30 minutes

I recommend patients avoid traveling long distances for elective surgical procedures. People do not seem to appreciate the importance of having in person consultations, the importance of follow up and that complications and the need for revisions actually do happen.

Patients also typically have numerous questions about outcomes and reviewing these other than in person followed by visits are insufficient.

I understand that sometimes there just isn’t local talent and travel is inevitable. when that’s the case patient should choose the shortest distance so that follow up in case something isn’t right is reasonable.

In regards to your question each surgeon is responsible for their well-being of their patients and will have postoperative instructions.

Many providers will give patients a BBL pillow to sit on.

Some providers have strict protocols about not sitting for long periods of time after the procedure and others are more relaxed about it.

If you’ve chosen a provider then this should’ve been covered during the consultation.

If not I suggest you contact your provider and ask what their recommendations are.

Perhaps you can find someone who is within driving distance.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Hello and thanks for your question. You can buy a "donut pillow" to sit on during the flight to take some of the pressure off of your buttocks. Also, make sure you are walking around every 30 minutes or so in order to increase blood flow to your legs and decrease chance of blood clots, and to take the pressure off of your buttocks. I always tell my patients to wait at least a month before flying post-procedure. Please make sure you are booked with a board-certified physician. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely, James Fernau, MD
FACS Aesthetic Surgery Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Member: American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) The Rhinoplasty Society