Can I fly 3 days after my Rhinoplasty?

Question

My surgeon will be performing a rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and turbinate reduction. I am 20-year-old healthy female. I live in California but would like to fly home to AZ after my procedure. It is a 50 min flight. I am very afraid that it may not be safe or make cause damage or delay the healing process.

Eric J. Yavrouian, MD · Answer

It is best to avoid flying for at least a week after surgery. If any issues arise during that week, you would be in town and these can be simply addressed. This is more difficult if you have left the city. While a 1 hour flight is very short and should be fine, there are risks including a nosebleed. You should be very careful with carrying luggage and with others around you as well to avoid injury. Ultimately, it's best that you speak with your surgeon before you make your decision. Good luck to you.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You should be able to go on vacation by 1-2 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

The likelihood of nasal bleeding increases with the degree of internal correction.  In your case, with septoplasty and turbinectomy, I would advise you to stay in town for 6-7 days. In my practice, we see many patients that fly in from out of town for nasal surgery, we request that they stay in town for about a week at which time the nasal splint in removed and they are free to return home.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear marefi,I agree that the flight is short, the main risk is a nosebleed that does not stopThe decision is ultimately up to your surgeon and what they recommendYou might want to take a bottle of Afrin with you on the plane (it shrinks blood vessels) in case you have a nosebleedBest,Dr. Nima

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear marefi in Irvine, California

There are 2 problems with flying.  One is the potential for a nosebleed because of pressure changes.  I think even a riskier proposition is the chance of being jostled and possible injury to your nose.  Generally, people are advised to not travel by air until 7-8 days after surgery.  Remember, you are having turbinate reduction and that has a greater potential for bleeding than either rhinoplasty or septoplasty.  Frankly, flights are so crowded and people are pushing and shoving and placing their luggage in overhead bins, I think you have to look at the risks.  Of course, be sure to wear your protector and that will give you some element of protection.

Best wishes,

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS

Over 4,500 nasal procedures performed

Can I fly 3 days after my Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)