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

Question

I am travelling on a long flight (24 hours) on August 6th. I want to get the surgeries done before leaving, preferably on 19th or 20th of July. How long after the surgery will my stitches be removed? I won't be back in the country for another year or so. How often do I have to keep visiting my doctor? Will the foreign doctors agree to see me in case I need help?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

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.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

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?

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

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

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

Answers (5)