How safe is to fly after a Tummy Tuck and how long should I wait after my surgery?

Thanks for the question. Generally, most patients can fly within 2 to 4 weeks after Tummy Tuck surgery. However, car or airplane travel should be avoided to prevent the risk of blood clots in the legs. I wish you all the best.

We ask that our out-of-town patients refrain from traveling for a minimum of 10 days following their procedure. If you plan to travel, it is important to stand up and walk at least every hour. In most circumstances, my patients feel well enough to travel 2 weeks after their tummy tuck surgery.  By 6 weeks, given normal healing, patients are cleared to ease back into their normal activities. It is important to contact your Plastic Surgeon before traveling shortly after a cosmetic procedure and to follow their detailed advice following your surgery, as medical opinions may vary.

Hello! Thank you for your question. Our practice has patients travel from afar. Opinions on travel following a surgical procedure will differ amongst surgeons, and is best to discuss this with your surgeon. In our practice, we ask that you plan to stay for several days to weeks to observe and evaluate the surgical areas as well as your readiness for travel. Depending on which procedure you have, up to a few weeks or so may be necessary. I would certainly discuss this with your surgeon in addition to plans for postop care and evaluation.  Ensuring adequate oral intake and mobility is a must and proper postoperative care of the surgical sites and incisions is prudent. An evaluation postoperatively as well as prior to departure is usually done to make sure that all is well for your travel back.  Potential for compression stockings and/or anticoagulation may be advised by your surgeon.  Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

If your surgery and recovery are uncomplicated you should be able to fly within a week following surgery.  However, you should remember that with surgery there is always the possibility that you could experience some complications following the procedure.  Patients having tummy tucks often have drains that will still be in place for up to a week and a half following surgery.  My advice would be to play it safe and avoid travel until you are completely recovered.Best of luck,

Whether you fly or drive, there are several factors you should consider before travelling after surgery. Drains and pain pumps placed during surgery are usually removed in about 3-5 days, but your stomach will still be very tight and you may feel "hunched' over. You should be able to stand comfortably and walk without discomfort before travelling. In addition, you need to make sure that you have the opportunity to move your legs and get up and walk to keep your blood circulating to prevent deep vein thrombosis (blood clot). You most likely will not be able to lift anything heavy, and you should take this into consideration if you need to carry luggage. I prefer that my patients not travel far distances 1-2 weeks after surgery if they have had no complications, depending on their pain level and recovery. I hope that this helps in your decision.