How long after surgery can someone get on a flight?

There is an increased risk of blood clots when flying in less than a month after general surgery. We tell our patients not to fly for this reason. Plus, you need to heal before lifting luggage.

Dear brittany13,
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

Hopefully the surgeon you picked understands this. There is nothing inherently dangerous about flying after surgery. The problem is sitting for long period... as in driving back home! We worry about blood clots in deep veins in the leg, thigh or pelvis. My patients who come from midstate are encouraged to fly home, as opposed to driving, because there's far less sitting. One caveat is you can't carry bags or exert yourself in the process of going to or leaving the airport. Your surgeon is probably just worried about you being far away during the first week in case you need an urgent surgery, like for a hematoma.