Mommy makeover in another state. Is it safe to fly back home 3 days after?

Question

Hi my name is susan I live in Las vegas and am planning to get the mommy makeover in california. Is it safe to come back home in 3 days in a plane. Is only 1 he flight

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

A mommy makeover is a great procedure that addresses
numerous areas in one surgery to repair the stresses that pregnancy places on a
woman’s body.Obviously the recovery
from multiple surgeries at one time is going to be a little rougher than if each
is done individually.During the first
weeks after a mommy makeover there are lots of issues that may need to be
addressed by your surgeon.Being close
at hand early on is essential to keeping you safe.Flying has its own particular concerns after
a big surgery—even though the flight is only an hour, we all know plane travel
is not that simple anymore.You will
have transport to the airport, check-in, security, time before boarding,
possible delays and then getting home from the airport.A simple one hour flight becomes a hassle
even for someone who has not had surgery.I would plan at least one week before going back home and then be ready
to go back a few times for follow-up visits.The major risk of flying after surgery is the possibility of developing
a blood clot (which could be fatal).The
prolonged immobility in the plane and in the airport is a set-up for a blood
clot.It will be important to get up and
walk frequently, move your feet and ankles while you are sitting, and keep well
hydrated (with water) while on the plane and in the airport.Ideally, from a blood clot status, it would
be safer to wait 2 weeks before flying (although I am not sure patients really
follow our restrictions on that).Just
realize that if you travel too soon after your surgery that you assume a much
higher risk of complications than if you play it safe.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not safe to fly 3 days after a mommy makeover.  I would suggest that you need to be 2 weeks in the area where the surgery was performed.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I do not recommend flying so soon after surgery.  When my out of town patients are traveling, I typically recommend that they stay in town 2-6 weeks depending on the surgery and their recovery.  You will want to wait at least a 7-10 days before flying after a major surgery like a Mommy Makeover.  There is a really high risk of getting a blood clot while flying in a pressurized cabin airplane. Whenever you are traveling it is important to maintain good blood circulation by not sitting the same position for an extended period of time.  Make sure you are getting up and walking every 45-60 minutes whether you fly or drive home.Best of luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If I were your surgeon I would insist that you stay in town much longer than three days after a mommy makeover provided the combination of procedures a substantial. I would prefer that you be near the office for 7 to 10 days after the operation.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

Ideally patients should not fly for 10 to 14 days after a tummy tuck / mommy makeover.  The discomfort from surgery and the risks of complication are increased with unnecessary exertion in the early post op period.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This will depend upon the blood clot risk of the procedures involved.  If you are having a tummy tuck you should wait longer, or you could consider having someone drive you with frequent breaks. Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

William Andrade, MD · Answer

I think you will find a range of opinions but I recommend my patients wait at least several weeks after surgery before flying.  It can be stressful trying to navigate an airport with luggage etc, not to mention the inability to get appropriate help if you have a problem after the surgery.  Even for patients who are within driving distance to my clinic, if they are having a large procedure like a mommy makeover I prefer they stay locally for more than just a few days so I can make sure they are well before going home.  Again, other plastic surgeons may have very different practices.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Without knowing exactly what your procedures will be it is difficult to answer your question.  This should be asked of your surgeon doing the procedure, as this is where you consulted and they know most about you and what your likely recovery will be.  Taking that into consideration, a 1 hour car ride or 1 hour flight should not be an issue assuming your recovery is going well.  Check with your PS.

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

With regards to traveling after your Mommy Makeover
surgery, I would definitely wait more than only three days as there are all
sorts of safety-related reasons that you would want to be in near proximity to
your surgeon so that they can properly take care of you postoperatively. Depending on the procedures the patient is
having, you may want to remain in the same area as your surgeon anywhere from
one week to several weeks. I would
discuss this in detail with your surgeon so that you can more accurately plan
depending on your individual situation.Best wishes to you!

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Susan,If your mommy makeover involves a tummy tuck, you should stay in town for at least a week, if not more after surgery.  I specialize in mommy makeovers and have a lot of out of town patients and require them to stay for a week at least.  You will also likely have drains in which can stay in for a week or two so you will probably be more comfortable having them removed before you fly back.  You want to make sure you are walking around comfortably to avoid potentially dangerous things like getting a blood clot.  This surgery will help put everything back in place (I'm a mom too so I understand what pregnancy does!) and should be something that is a great experience.  Safety always comes first so although it may be inconvenient for you to stay in California longer, it's worth it to make sure you don't have any complications after your surgery.Dr. Cat Begovic

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