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?
July 18, 2014
Answer: Travel after surgery 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.
Helpful
July 18, 2014
Answer: Travel after surgery 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.
Helpful
July 17, 2014
Answer: Traveling after Surgery 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
Helpful
July 17, 2014
Answer: Traveling after Surgery 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
Helpful
