How long after a breast augmentation can I fly?

It is usually recommended to wait about a week after surgery before flying on an airplane. This is because it is important to rest for the first couple of days after surgery to ensure that your body is properly healing. It is safest to wait a week to make sure that no complications or infections occur.

Hi there, I would reccomend compression stockings and lots of fluids for the plane ride, but after 2 days you should be fine especially if you are healthy and dont have any pre-existing conditions. Best of luck!

Deat samii699,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi & thanks for your question!
Flying home should be fine . Follow your post op instructions and contact your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Although not recommended, I had a patient fly home to Utah from Philadelphia the day after a simultaneous augment and mastopexy with no problem. And, she had 3 hours and 30 minutes of general anesthesia. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Phila., Pa., USA.

I would counsel my own patience to wait at least 48 hours after surgery before flying. Is mostly related to anesthesia. There was a documented case reported on a well-known television show I put a patient who flew immediately after breast augmentation and died. However, these were saline implants that had largely been filled with air, and the surgery was done by a general practitioner in the United States, not a surgeon. This is an exception, and does not indicate risk for patients having appropriate surgery and post Surgical care. I would suggest that you ask your own practitioner their recommendation.

It is generally recommended to not fly for three weeks after surgery. If you do proceed as planned you may consider compression stockings, rotating your ankles regularly, and getting up to walk around as permitted by the flight staff. From your description it sounds as if you are quite a distance from your surgeon. Be sure to have a plan in place should complications from your surgery arise as well as how post op appointments will be handled.

Ideally, you should not fly for 30 days after a general anesthesia to avoid blood clots. However, you are at less of a risk because of the local anesthesia. I suspect, you are still getting the IV sedation so it still has a risk. I would wear compression socks and get up and move around the plane and the airport some before and after flying.

Two days post-op for flying should be fine. I would wear a compressive bra, possibly an ace bandage over or above the breasts and lower leg stockings.
Good luck.
Dr. Taranow

There is less risk of clotting after a short operation like breast Aug. You will need to get up and move on the flight and compression hose are advised. You will need to talk with your doctor about medicines and blood thinners or aspirin before the surgery with the impending flight. There is usually some air around the implant pocket so anticipate some discomfort both ascending and descending.