Is it safe to fly 3 weeks after Tumescent lipo on my flanks if I am thin and not much fat is being removed?

This all sounds very suspect.  liposuction is real surgery.  Who is offering this advice?  After liposuction surgery, I advise the patients to take one week off from work. You would need full time help with your children for that first week.  At that point we take out the stitches and the patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At one month, the patients start low impact cardio. At two months they can engage in more strenuous physical activity. The compression garment is worn for at least 6 weeks.  The risks of flying after surgery are too high for the first 2 weeks.  The most significant problem is the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the legs that can move to the lungs and may be fatal.  We suggest that the patients refrain from all flying for 2 weeks after surgery.

Thanks for the question. Generally, most patients can fly within 24 to 48 hours after liposuction surgery. However, car or airplane travel should be avoided to prevent the risk of blood clots in the legs. I wish you all the best.

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

Thanks so much for your question.  Many plastic surgeons would recommend waiting 2-4 weeks after liposuction for international travel because of the higher risk of blood clots in the legs after surgery.  Be sure to wear compression stockings on the plane and get up every couple of hours to walk around during the flight.  Doing calf exercises by moving your feet up and down can also help increase circulation and decrease the risk of blood clots.  Hope this helps...best of luck!

Joyce C. Chen, MD, MPH, FACS

If you surgeon is comfortable with you traveling then it should be OK. I usually tell my patients who undergo a general (fully asleep) anesthesia if they are going on a long oversea flight to wait a full month. The reason for this is increased risk of blood clots. Like the other answers stated if you plan to fly overseas just wear compression socks, walk around the airplane as much as you can, pump your calves when sitting in the chair, and stay hydrated. 

In regards to getting back to work it is really dependent on how you feel at 3 days. If you have your energy and feel as though you can work it shouldn't be an issue. Your surgeon may ask you to continue to wear your compression while you start up working.

Enjoy your trip! 

Surjit S. Rai, MD (Dallas Plastic Surgeon) 

There is a risk of increased blood clots while flying after surgery. This is more common with long flights. Also, with the higher altitude, you may have more swelling. I would recommend wearing your support garments, getting up every two to three hours and walking around the plane, and drinking lots of water. Avoid dehydrating drinks while flying.

In general, you should be ok at two weeks to fly if you are healing well.  Staying well hydrating and moving around on the airplane a lot through out your flight is important. Best to check with your surgeon.