Does Flying Increase Swelling After Rhinoplasty?

Question

If I fly 1 week after rhinoplasty, will my swelling temporarily increase due to the plane flight?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	 

	Thank you for an important question as it is often asked by many patients.

	Generally, flying at 1 week post-surgery should not cause you an increase in the swelling you will develop after your rhinoplasty because the flight cabin is pressurized.

	That said, it does not mean that you should take a general fact for granted; I recommend that you consult with your surgeon who can evaluate your overall medical status to clear you for a safe flight.

	 

	The best of luck to you.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

I don't think that at one week after surgery the plane flight itself will significantly change your swelling or ultimate rhinoplasty result. Talk with your surgeon about your plans to make sure there are no other concerns to consider in your situation.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Commercial cabins are pressurized to an altitude of about 7000 feet. If you were to drive into the mountains to this altitude, there is less pressure from the atmosphere and your body would expand slightly, including your nose.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, there will be temporary edema of the nose after flying in an airplane, but this will not affect the permanent results. It is acceptable to fly, but advisable to take Afrin nasal spray with you in the event you should have a nosebleed 1 week after the surgery.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I do rhinoplasty surgery on many patients from other states and countries who leave Beverly Hills one week after their operation. Flying in a pressurized aircraft has never compromised the results.

Robert Shumway, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Flying is always a risk after surgery, but atmospheric pressure changes are controlled to 8,000 feet elevation on big commercial airlines.  Ask your doctors opinion.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

I do a lot of Rhinoplasty patients throughout the United States and abroad and I have never had a complaint of increased swelling due to airplane travel. Commercial airline cabins are pressurized and while you may experience the same as other patients ears plugging etc at take off and landing everything else should be smooth flying. I also do have a lot of patients who travel in private planes and I have had a few patients that were in smaller jets complain of pressure while in mid flight. Once the captains dropped altitude they have discussed that these symptoms were relieved. If flying on a small private airplane you may want to discuss the pressurization with the pilot regarding the paticular aircarft you will be traveling on.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, we have many out of town and country Rhinoplasty patients and the swelling in the nose will most likely increase while you are flying. We recommend that our Rhinoplasty patients apply ice (covered with cloth) to the sides of the nose during and after the flight.

Does Flying Increase Swelling After Rhinoplasty?

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