When is it safe to travel after a Tummy Tuck?

Question

Hi there! I wanted to know if it’s safe to do a long haul flight (17 hours straight) approximately 4 weeks after a tummy tuck. Lymphatic drainage massages would be done upon arrival but considering the distance and the newness of the procedure; just wanted some insight.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I usually tell my patients that there are no concerns in traveling about 6 weeks after tummy tuck.  One consideration is the weight of the baggage.  Lifting restrictions are just being decreased at that point and he may need someone to help you with your luggage.  Other than this, one concern would be getting a blood clot in your leg.  You should wear compression stockings and get up and move around the plane often, and wiggle your feet frequently.  It seems 4 weeks may be okay if you have help managing the baggage and follow the other recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gentle450135,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. To reduce complications such as blood clots, most surgeons advise delaying long flights—such as a 17-hour flight—by at least six weeks postoperative. However, there are important precautions to take if you must travel, such as wearing compression stockings to prevent blood clots, getting up and moving around the plane every two hours, wriggling your feet and legs while seated to promote circulation, and avoiding lifting heavy baggage (which might strain the surgical area). Upon arrival, lymphatic drainage treatments can also help to improve healing and reduce edema. Please discuss with your surgeon!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello gentle450135,
Thank you for your query about the safety of traveling after undergoing a tummy tuck. It’s important to consider the recommended timeframe for recovery and the specific risks associated with travel post-surgery.
For most patients, domestic travel within the U.S. is generally considered safe approximately two weeks after a tummy tuck. However, for longer flights, such as a 17-hour journey, a longer recovery period before traveling is advisable. Ideally, waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery is recommended before undertaking such an extended trip.
The primary concern with traveling soon after a tummy tuck is the increased risk of developing blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots most commonly form in the legs (calves or thighs) and can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism (PE).
To minimize the risk of DVT, several preventative measures can be taken:
Blood Thinners: Surgeons often prescribe medications like Lovenox (a blood thinner) to reduce clotting risk post-surgery. This is especially important for patients who will be immobile for extended periods during recovery or travel.
Leg Compression Devices: These are used to encourage circulation in the calves, further reducing the risk of DVT.
If you must travel by air 4 weeks after your tummy tuck and have concerns about blood clots, one strategy could be to administer a Lovenox shot one day before your flight and continue for two days after you land. However, this should be coordinated with and guided by your plastic surgeon, who can provide the appropriate dosages and instructions.
It’s critical to discuss your travel plans with your plastic surgeon. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual health, the specifics of your surgery, and the details of your travel plans.
I hope this information assists you in planning your recovery and travel safely after your tummy tuck. Wishing you a smooth recovery and safe travels.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It would be bet to ask your surgeon about this. 17 hours is quite long and may be an issue. It also depends on your recovery rate.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question,

The timeline for safe travel after a tummy tuck can vary depending on individual factors, the extent of the surgery, and your surgeon's recommendations. In general, it's essential to allow yourself enough time to heal properly before undertaking any significant travel, especially if it involves long flights or extensive physical activity.

By week four, most patients have significantly improved and may feel ready for more extended travel.

It's crucial to discuss your travel plans with your surgeon and follow their recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Gentle450135, thank you for your question. It is pertinent to note that this depends more on the doctor's recommendations, as not all surgical techniques are the same. After abdominoplasty, it is important for the patient to understand that he/she will need care for a few days for the best recovery and healing. Usually with my ASPA technique, recovery takes 12 to 15 days but it is recommended to wait a couple of days before taking your flight, to avoid any complications. Best regards.

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science" (IFATS), Member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP).

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.  Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science" (IFATS), Member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP).

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Out to about six weeks after this procedure, there is an increased risk for VTE (venous thromboembolism) events, including blood clots in your legs that can travel to your lungs. These VTE events can lead to serious problems including death. I recommend my patients not travel significantly for over one month postoperatively. If they are traveling for surgery, they must ambulate (walk) every two hours while traveling and a blood thinner may be required. If you must take the 17hr flight, be sure to get up and walk around every two hours. I would also ask your surgeon about blood thinner medication. I would be sure that you are using a board certified plastic surgeon who is trained to take all of this into consideration.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The risk is the possibility of developing clots in the legs ion the  airplane trip especially that long.. the risk would be smaller the future out from the surgery. Ask your surgeon if you should take a blood thinner for that trip

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It would be safer to wait 6 weeks before such a long flight because of the risks of blood clots.  However, you do need to wait at least 4 weeks before flying. At 4 weeks, you still may not be able to lift your luggage and you do need to get up every 2 hours and move about the cabin.

When is it safe to travel after a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (15)

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