How soon can I travel after mini tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your upcoming procedure. Depending on if your Surgeon is drains for your procedure will determine if you can travel in 5 days. Drains can stay in for up to about 6-7 days. During the 5 hour car ride I would suggest pulling over every hour and getting out of the car to walk a little bit to help prevent blood clots. Each Surgeon will have their own protocol they wish for their patients to follow. With that being said I would suggest speaking with your Surgeon and or their team and follow their recommendations. Best of luck to you.

Dear RealSelfMember09903993,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, thanks for your question. Nowadays, it's very common to travel to have a procedure, and for surgeons is very important to help the patients to go back home safely. Regularly, after five days from your procedure, you may travel with no problem. Anyway, only your surgeon can approve it, depending on your condition. Have an in-person exam before traveling, and be sure to keep in contact with your doctor to follow up. Good luck!

I encourage you to discuss this with your surgeon who is most familiar with the details of your surgery as well as your medical history. Typically you will want to remain near your surgeon for at least a few days to a week after surgery. This allows the opportunity to address any immediate concerns as well as allows you to rest for the initial part of recovery. I encourage patients to avoid flying for 3 weeks or more after surgery due to concerns for blood clots.

You really need to discuss this with your surgeon since he is the one who is doing your surgery. Other opinions do not really matter.

I do not recommend patients travel long distances for elective surgical procedures. Patient does not seem to appreciate the importance of having in person consultations, number of patients who have real concerns after surgery, end up needing revisions for the complications actually happen.
Most surgeons will place a drain after a tummy tuck and that drain needs to be managed and removed at the appropriate time. Sometimes surgical drains can stay in for two weeks or longer after a mini tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck is an especially poor choice of procedures to do as a traveling patient.
Are there no plastic surgeons in your community capable of performing this procedure competently?
I suggest you discuss your concerns with your provider who should’ve already spoken to you about the need for aftercare during your consultation.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD