How long before I can travel after a Breast Reduction and lift?

Thanks for the question. You should be able to go on vacation by 3-4 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

There is always a risk having surgery with no plans to attend follow up. Do you and your surgeon have a plan should anything untoward happen?You need to be aware that your risk of DVT after surgery and a long haul flight are increased even at three weeks -  but more importantly my concern would be if anything untoward happened with the surgery. If you have travel insurance that allows you to postpone/change your flight at no additional cost to you and you take appropriate measures to limit dot on flight then I suppose it would be reasonable but not ideal. I presume your PS is aware?

I usually perform this procedure with absorbable sutures,so there are none to be removed. I prefer that patients stay in town for a week to ten days. Best of luck.

 I am always concerned when a prospective patient plans to go halfway around the world a couple of weeks postop. You haven't allowed for any contingencies. I would recommend that you stay around for a month under these circumstances unless you are able to prearrange for a transfer of care to a physician who is board certified in plastic surgery over there.  You also have to address the potential risks of DVT on flights that long. I remove sutures two weeks postop but that is followed visits over several months.  Best wishes.

It is always my recommendation that you have your surgery in a location that you will be able to follow up with your surgeon. Complications can occur, and the surgeon that performed the procedure is the best person to treat any complication. Another concern is the development of a blood clot, which is more likely to happen during periods of prolonged inactivity (i.e. long flight). I recommend that you delay your surgery until you come back.Best Regards,Dr Stutman

You should be able to travel safely two to three weeks following your surgery, if all goes well. If however you have wound healing problems, the healing phase might be delayed. 

In general, you should be able to travel within a few weeks.However, for long flights you have to be particularly cautious with respect to blood clots.  You'll need to get up and walk around during the flight, and stay well hydrated.  If you've just had long surgery it is probably not wise to go on a long trip. It is, of course, all relative, but those are the general principles.Each surgeon has his or her own routine.  I normally use dissolvable stitches so that they don't need to be removed.  Other surgeons may use stitches that need to come out, though usually by about 3 weeks after the surgery.   So you should check with your surgeon on this and other specifics of your surgery.It is not wise to count on plastic surgeons being available anywhere you go in the world.  They might be, or they may not be.  Speak with your PS and see if he or she knows anyone in the area you're going to.  In any event, it is wiser to wait until the healing is well underway (a few weeks) before heading off on a long trip.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100