Is it safe to fly 12 days after BBL? What should I do to avoid blood clots?

Question

Hi ! Im flying home post op day 12 after BBL. I am verry afraid of developing blood claws on the flight. But i also know that any blood thining meds are not recomended after surgerh. What do i do? How often should i up and walk the isle? I have an 4 hour flight home. Thanx

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

This is a very important question.BBL can be a relatively long surgery depending on how many areas are treated with liposuction. Since BBL can be a long procedure, some surgeons do prescribe daily blood thinner injections for 7 days after surgery. Not all plastic surgeons agree on this, but there are quite a few that do use blood thinners. However, most won't use them for 12 days. So even if you find a surgeon that uses blood thinners, you probably won't be using them when you fly.Now for the question of flying and blood clots. It is known that patients who fly long distances to have surgery are more prone to develop blood clots before and after surgery. This is mostly due to the blood pooling in the legs while sitting in a chair without moving. If a patient has traveled a long distance, some surgeons will get an ultrasound of the leg veins prior to surgery to make sure a blood clot is not present.My advice, if you are traveling before and after surgery, is to use travel compression socks up to the calves, walk every hour on the plane and pump your ankles back and forth several times an hour. Avoid sleeping the whole flight.Talk with your surgeon about his philosophy of evaluating patients after travel and his philosophy on blood thinners.Good luck and thanks for the question.

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. With Brazilian butt lift we transfer fat from one area of the body to the other.  These fat cells are transferred in microinjections throughout multiple planes in the buttock tissue so that they can gain new blood supply and live in their new home, providing increased volume and shape to the buttocks.
Postoperatively, no specific position is indicated and we do not have any sitting restrictions.  The pressure caused by sitting is not sufficient to affect viability of the fat cells and so the postsurgical position depends basically on comfort and any other operations that have been performed. Our international patients usually fly back to their country after a week of recovery. You should try to keep the blood flow in your legs during the flight by standing every hour. Good luck!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!Thanks for the question and provide information as well.12 days after surgery the risks are less, and some advice for the flight it's to use compression socks, keep drinking lot of water and walk around during the flight.Good luck :)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are best to review the care with your surgeon. Walking frequently is a good idea and staying well hydrated.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

You are at increased risk for a blood clot for two weeks after surgery. Wearing compression socks (TED hose) on the flight will help. Depending on the length of the flight, make sure you get up and walk around every 1-2h to get the blood pumping in your legs.

Is it safe to fly 12 days after BBL? What should I do to avoid blood clots?

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Answer: BBL and flying

Answer: BBL and flying

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Answer: Flying after BBL?

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Is it safe to fly 12 days after BBL? What should I do to avoid blood clots?

Answers (5)

Answer: BBL and flying

Answer: BBL and flying

Answer: Flying after BBL?

Answer: Flying after BBL?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.