Can I fly 4 days after my lower face lift? The flight is less than an hour.

Question

I'd like to fly home 4 days after the surgery which is mini face lift and neck lift.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Generally, most patients can fly within 24 to 48 hours after facelift surgery. I wish you all the best.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

The duration of the flights doesn't really shorten the length of time recommended before flying after plastic surgery such as a facelift. You should really consider a wait of at least one week.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It seems a bit short recovery for a face and neck lift.  There is significant amount of dissection performed in a neck lift and worse case scenario is a hematoma or bleeding develop.  Most practices recommend a minimum 7 day period before flying.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Technically it would be reasonably safe to fly for less than an hour 4 days after a lower facelift, but it would not be recommended.  Although a lower facelift is cosmetic surgery, it is still a surgery and it is much safer (and prudent) to allow your tissues more time to heal, which takes more time than four days.  Moreover, moving forward with a lower facelift is an investment and as such taking a few extra days to heal will only improve your chances for an excellent result.  Years later the extra days you spent residing in one place and healing will seem inconsequential.  Also, staying close to your surgeon is important because if minor issues arise they can be resolved quickly and without issue.  I hope this helps.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with the other comments. I advise my patients stay here for at least one week after surgery. However, many people do fly in for surgery, and some patients do travel early on in their post-op course. I would ask your plastic surgeon. It may depend on the extent of your surgery, how you are recovering, and the appearance of your face and neck. Keep in mind that swelling usually peaks on post-op day 3, so most patients are not comfortable in any social situation during that time.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

I get asked this question frequently and my answer is that I like my patients to be nearby for the first week after surgery. Just in case there is a problem (which is highly unlikely after the first 24-48 hrs), you will be near your surgeon who can help you if needed. You are in the early stages of healing the first week of surgery and should take the time to rest, relax and care for your surgery. Its an important investment in your face so a few days of downtime will be worth it for a lifetime of rejuvenation!

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  I feel 4 days after a facelift is early to fly.  Increase in cabin pressure, loading and unloading bags, getting up and down yourself may put you at risk for a post op hematoma in this early period.  Speak to your surgeon about this as a facelift may be small procedure or a big procedure depending on the patient's needs.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The main concern about air travel after any surgery is the risk of bleeding or clot formation.  Sitting for prolonged period of time can cause formation of clots in the legs.  For short duration of flights it usually is not an issue.  The risk of bleeding underneath the skin after facelift surgery is a possibility for the first 2 weeks.  Although it is unlikely to be a life-threatening condition, it can be quite distressing if an individual starts bleeding from the wound or underneath the skin leading to a hematoma formation during air travel.If air travel cannot be avoided in the early stages i.e. within 1 week after surgery, it is advisable to use a fascial graft to apply pressure on the face and the neck during the flight time to minimize the risk of any bleeding.  Application of ice during that flight is also helpful.RegardsDr. J

Charles A. Wallace, MD · Answer

Flying 4 days after your surgery is something I would not recommend.  Most doctors would recommend atleast waiting 7-10 days.  There is still swelling and a chance for a hematoma that soon after surgery.Plastic surgery is still real surgery, so take the time to let your face and neck heal properly.  Your faceliftand necklift were a decision you made to look your best and a little extra time goes a long way on thatbeautiful new youthful look!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would usually recommend staying close to your hospital until your one week follow up. This is simply to make sure the surgery is progressing appropriately. There is a slightly increased risk of DVT/PE if you fly but a 1 hour flight should not be an issue presuming you take suitable precautions.

Can I fly 4 days after my lower face lift? The flight is less than an hour.

Answers (13)

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