How soon is reasonable for Leisure Travel after Lower Face and Neck Lift?

Question

As a 60 year old man, I have plans for European travel on an active trip for three weeks six weeks after a lower face and neck lift. I had not even thought about the recommended recovery time. I tend to be a slower healer. Should I scrap the trip? If not, what are some cautionary things I should consider?

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.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting your question.  For a long trip abroad I feel you have adequate time as long as their are no post op complications from the surgery.  In experienced hands post op complications are rare so i do not think you need to scrap the trip. Perhaps trip cancellation insurance would be indicated. In fact I would say it would be fine to travel as you are doing even 3-4 weeks after a facelift as long as everything has healed normally.  Of course everyone heals differently depending on how extensive the procedure.  Please meet with your surgeon to go over your concerns as only he truly knows exactly what is being performed.

Ira D. Papel, MD · Answer

It has been our policy to release facelift and neck lift patients to normal activities after 2 weeks. This includes exercise and travel. By this time sufficient healing has taken place to remove these restrictions.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

If you are planning to go overseas on an elective vacation after a facelift, you should have a minimum of six weeks between the surgery and the trip. That way you will be fully recovered and not have to have worries about the way you look or feel while out of the country.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we tell patient's it is okay to travel 2 weeks after a lower face and neck lift. At 6 weeks after the surgery will be plenty of time to be healed enough to travel internationally

Richard Galitz, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

My patients are all allowed to travel without restriction by the third or fourth week after surgery if their healing process has been uncomplicated and they are healthy people. I would not recommend a bungi jumping trip or some other very strenuous type endeavor but regular sightseeing should be no problem at all.....have fun!

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear StayHealthy, Since many of my face lift/neck lift patients travel from out of state I am used to the concerns of travel plans. At six weeks post surgery you should be fine to travel however make sure that you schedule yourself accordingly. This means leisure travel is fine for most. However, snorkeling, diving, hiking and other outside activities that may cause swelling or discomfort should not be included on your itinerary. Keep yourself comfortable with mild activities and you should be able to enjoy yourself with no problems. You can give your surgeon your itinerary and perhaps he/she will have surgeons in the area that you will be traveling to that could be pre-arranged to see you if you have any complications or questions that concern you. As an aesthetic society we have associates in many parts of the world that are usually happy to help a patient. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Most normal activities are OK 1-2 weeks after a facelift. There are only 2 things you should consider. First, you will still have swelling and should keep your head elevated as much as possible for a number of more weeks. Secondly, you will still be healing significantly for several months. This means that you are using marked amounts of your energy reserves during this time. Therefore, you will not be able to do all the things you used to do without getting tired quickly. This means that you should plan the activities on your trip accordingly.

How soon is reasonable for Leisure Travel after Lower Face and Neck Lift?

Answers (8)

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