How long after breast implants can I travel on a plane and relax on a holiday?

Question

I wish to get implants in July however in also booked in for a holiday to cook islands from Sydney Australia about 4 days after surgery... I'm happy to sit and relax in this holiday... however I was told catching a plane is risky plus relaxong in the ocean water may cause infection due to possible organisms ib the ocean. Any help please

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Sorry, but I thin that is a bad idea. Surgical infections are most likely in the first 2 weeks, and the Cook Islands is a long flight and medical care there limited. Also swimming and sweating so soon after surgery is not recommended. I recommend not travelling for 4 - 6 weeks after surgery, so problems are less likely and can be dealt with by your surgeon. Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

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.

Eddy Dona, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

I advise my patients to avoid submerging the wounds / swimming for at least 4 weeks post surgery. Although majority of patients do not experience complications after surgery, it is important you understand the risks involved especially if planning to travel so soon after your surgery. I would discuss your plans with your plastic surgeon.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Travelling on an international flight to a developing country just four days after surgery is risky.  Generally speaking, complications such as infection and haematoma, typically occur in the first week after surgery.  If you experience complications while in the Cook Islands it could very quickly spoil your holiday and become very costly.  Its best to avoid swimming for several weeks and you should not be exposing your “fresh” scars to sunbathing if you wish to prevent hypertrophic scars.  You also shouldn’t be lifting any bags.  Best to wait around four weeks after surgery before planning an overseas holiday.

Pouria Moradi, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for getting in touchYou can fly short distances the day after surgery no problems.However, I wouldn't recommend going on a holiday 4 days after surgery. Especially seeing as you are flying outside of Australia.The things that can go wrong in the 1st week, such as haematoma and infection need to be treated immediately to avoid long term complications such as capsular contracture and loss of implant.I certainly wouldn't recommend going anywhere near the water for atleast 3 weeks.I would bring your surgery forward by atleast 1 month.I hope this helps.

Carlos Gonzalez Legarda, MD · Answer

I´r recomend you 1 week before airplane traveling
And 1 month before sea, pool, sauna... and 2 months for sun!

Damian Marucci, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.
Breast augmentation surgery is safe and the complication rate in the weeks after surgery is low BUT I think you are pushing it, travelling to a developing nation so soon after your planned procedure. I would definitely suggest you change the date of either your surgery or your holiday.
Also, although I put waterproof dressings on my breast augmentation wounds and allow my patients to shower from the day after their surgery, I ask my patients not to swim for at least 2 - 3 weeks after their surgery.
Good luck with your surgery and your holiday!

Patrick Viscardi, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for this wonderful question! Quite often I have patients who would like to have surgery and then quickly go on vacation to relax and recover. I typically will recommend my patients to wait at minimum two weeks prior to going on vacation with four weeks an ideal time frame. This allows for any complication, if they were to arise, to be addressed immediately as well as provide the incisions and pocket created for the implants time to heal. I do request that my patients refrain from fully submerging in a body of water for the first 3-4 weeks following surgery, especially ocean, hot tub, lake, or pool water as the organisms present pose risks for causing infection. Another aspect to consider is UV protection. Your incisions present fresh scar tissue that is still healing. It is important to protect these areas from UV rays as this may cause the scar to remain permanently dark, it is also not ideal to have UV rays on any bruising that may be present as you recover as there is a risk of permanent staining that may remain in those areas as well. Flying is not so much the risk as losing the ability to be up and mobile every hour during your travel. It is important to make sure you have good blood circulation as you recover. I suggest you take some time and sit down with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss you vacation plans and dates. I am always happy to work with my patients in coordinating surgeries with vacation in order to allow the patient the smoothest recovery and best vacation experience possible. You may be surprised as he/she may have a post-care plan established for you already! I do hope you have found this information helpful and I wish you luck!

How long after breast implants can I travel on a plane and relax on a holiday?

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