I am 3.5 weeks post op and I have a trip planned to the river at 4 weeks post op, should I go?

Dear mk0333,

Thank you for your question. For most surgeries, I tell my patient it is okay to travel by airplane at 4 weeks post-op. With that being said, they still have a lifting restriction in place for 6-8 weeks. I advise them to have someone help them carry their bags, especially if their luggage needs to be placed in the overhead compartments. As far as swimming under water, I tell my patients to wait at least 6 weeks to get the incisions wet and only if they are completely closed. However, I suggest you follow the recommendations set in place by your plastic surgeon. I hope this was helpful and best of luck to you!

The board certified plastic surgeon who performed your surgery is the best person to recommend your period of recovery.  Active water sports may require 6 to 8 weeks in uneventful healing.  The water always makes many PSs nervous, because it can harbor so many pathogens.  Make sure that the incision has been well closed for a month before considering this.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Dear mk0333,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery