Flying after BBL surgery.

I actually have an issue with you having surgery the day
after you arrive. The usual protocol is to arrive at least 48 hours (two days)
prior to surgery when you have flown cross-country like you are planning. This
is to allow your blood viscosity to return to normal. Otherwise, you will have
an increased risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis or blood clots) which can be
deadly at worst and ruin your return plans at best. All the precautions (SCD’s,
TED hose/compression stockings) minimize your risk, but not eliminate them. I
would recommend you allow the proper amount of flight recovery before
proceeding with surgery.


Every patient can vary when it comes to recovery but to
minimize risk and maximize result, follow the recovery plan set forth for you
by your surgeon for post operative care. In regards to stay, on top of the time
that your surgeon requires you to remain in town, patient comfort comes first
and may require additional days until you feel comfortable with extensive travel. 
Picking a flight later on may be advised if within the parameters of your
surgeon's plan and can be moved up sooner if you are feeling better than
expected.

Flying is not a substantial issue after BBL.
Patients who travel for this procedure should have a special pillow that avoids putting pressure on the treated area.
We provide these to all of our patients.
The primary concern with sitting after BBL is the possible interference of ingrowth of capillaries into the grafted fat. This is called neovascularization.
This process happens between the third and the 12th day after surgery.
It continues for several weeks after that.
Ideally if one was to put pressure for a long period of time it should be immediately after the procedure or 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure.
Perhaps the worst time to put extensive amounts of pressure or excessive movement would be between the fifth and the 10th day.
In my opinion the flight is not the biggest issue with traveling for cosmetic surgery.
The importance of follow-up and the potential for complications requiring ongoing care is much more important.
Most people don't believe that complications will happen to them.
While serious complications are not common they do happen and when they do happen it's 100% to that individual patient.
Having an infection, Titian a crisis, and oil cyst or an uneven result in being 3000 miles away from your surgeon is not a very good idea.
Despite branding and marketing there are plenty of talented board-certified plastic surgeon's who are exceedingly talented in this procedure closer than Miami.
Anyone traveling for cosmetic surgery should plan on the ability to travel after surgery for follow up or to be taken care of should complications happen.
This simply should be included in the calculation when the decision is made of who should perform the procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.