Will Recent High Altitude Travel Affect Recovery After Lower Bleph?

Question

I will be spending 6 days at 9,500 ft above sea level 5 days before returning home and having a lower bleph at sea level. Will the affects of the high altitude increase my risk for bruising and swelling?

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

It is important that healing after surgery be allowed to proceed normally. Some facial surgeries take longer than others to safely heal & it is best to be cautious with travel. For example, when on a plane that descends and produces increased pressure in the ears, it is sometimes necessary to 'clear' one's ears and that might produce some added pressures in the nose and midface. Air travel can be "physical":  luggage, long walks in terminals, negotiating a crowded airplane, etc.  High altitudes are sometimes associated with drier air and  lower available oxygen levels and this can sometimes lead to fatigue, headaches, dry noses (or even nosebleed), increased heart rates and other symptoms. So don't push yourself in the first couple of weeks after surgery.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Enjoy your trip and don't worry about the altitude changes. There is no increased risk for bleeding or bruising after high altitude travel.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

There is no additional risk of bruising as a result of your high altitude travel. Your platelet function and coagulation mechanism will not be affected but your trip. Be sure to avoid antiinflamatories or any herbal medications that might thin your blood but otherwise enjoy your travel.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not think that being at high altitude will affect your surgery.  Good luck it should not impact swelling.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There is no detrimental effects after having traveled to a high altitude prior to  having a  blepharoplasty procedure. There is no additional risks for bruising and swelling due to the high altitude.

Will Recent High Altitude Travel Affect Recovery After Lower Bleph?

Answers (7)

Answer: High altitude and surgery on eyes

Answer: High altitude and surgery on eyes

Answer: High-altitude travel and lower blepharoplasty

Answer: High-altitude travel and lower blepharoplasty

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Will Recent High Altitude Travel Affect Recovery After Lower Bleph?

Answers (7)

Answer: High altitude and surgery on eyes

Answer: High altitude and surgery on eyes

Answer: High-altitude travel and lower blepharoplasty

Answer: High-altitude travel and lower blepharoplasty

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