Will Flying on a Plane Immediately After Eyelid Surgery Affect Healing?

Leaving on a plane several hours after surgery is a really bad idea. As was previously mentioned, cabin pressure after surgery is not the issue. The issue is that there would be no ability for the surgeon to see you in the event of a problem. Unfortunately, situations such as this tend to invoke Murphy's law. Don't tempt fate if you don't have to.

I do not recommend flying immediately after surgery. I would wait at least 3-5 days until all sutures are out as this may cause significant swelling.

Hi,
Thank you for your question.
Flying probably has no effect on healing. Planes are pressurized so that the pressure in the cabin is close to that on the ground. If this didn't happen we'd all get the bends. However, I would not recommend it so soon after surgery.
More importantly, you should be worried about how soon you are leaving.The most dangerous complication of eyelid surgery is a hematoma.
Its best to stay over night in your surgeon's city.You can leave once he/she gives you the okay. Your eye sight isn't worth the risk.
Best regards,
Dr. Speron

Let me add to the bulk of opinions here. I, too, would strongly recommend against flying immediately after the procedure. It's not the cabin pressure that I'm worried about, it's the lack of access to your surgeon for follow up in the next day or two and the complete lack of access to care while in the air (think bleeding complications, blindness, acute angle closure glaucoma, etc.) There is no E.R. in the air and there is no surgeon to evaluate you.
Talk to your doc about follow-up and flying. If your doc is comfortable with you flying hours after surgery, find another doctor!
All the best,
--DCP

Boarding an airplane 2-3 hours after blepharoplasty is completely unnecessary, and should be avoided. Rushing to the airport, passing through security, along with the stress involved with this plan could increase your risk of hematoma. If you're attached to your surgeon, then stay in Southern CA till your sutures are removed, around 3 or 4 days after surgery.
I hope this is helpful for you.