Can I fly a week after surgery?

Question

case is with external review and tentative surgery date is 12/22. I have paid for a trip to Florida from NY on 12/29 - will I be allowed to fly? I can be a blob for 9 days once I am there, just looking at things realistically as Aetna has screwed with me and I change insurance companies 1/1 so I have to do this before 12/31. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You should be able to flying by 1-2 weeks after your surgery. If your doctor say everything's fine, yes, you can go. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

This question comes up often for our patients that fly in. You are probably OK if you follow the following instructions:The patient will go home in a bra or with only light dressings over the incision linesPatients can usually return to work in one week to ten days. Sutures are dissolvable but the ending knot is removed within 1-2 weeks.Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Light activities may be started in 7-10 days with light lifting of 20 pounds or less from 10 days to 3 wks. You can fly home as early as 2 weeks if you do not lift anything heavy. After 3 weeks progressive exercise with running and lifting of heavier weights after 6 weeks#breastreduction

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.This is a very common question.  In general, surgeons have different opinions when it comes to travel restrictions after surgery.  In our practice, following a breast reduction, flying a week after surgery is not an issue (provided you have somebody else handle your luggage due to the lifting restrictions).  I would ask your surgeon for the name of a plastic surgeon close to your Florida spot in case you run into difficulties down there.The bigger question to ask yourself is whether or not you want to do the surgery at that time.  I know you are changing insurance companies, but what are the policies of the new company?  If you feel there is a very good chance the new insurance company would cover the procedure, you may want to enjoy this particular trip, and then have the surgery at some point in 2016.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Each surgeon has his or own post-operative protocol for patients, and you should certainly ask your surgeon theirs. In my experience, when a patient has asked me a similar question, I feel they are okay to fly. I do advise them to take it easy for the first week after surgery and get some help with transporting their luggage.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should talk with your doctor about traveling after surgery.  Many will request you stay locally for 1-2 weeks.

Angela Keen, MD · Answer

I typically tell my patients that they may travel a week after surgery as long as there have not been any problems during initial recovery, as long as they can cancel the trip if something were to come up, and as long as they are in an area where they could receive medical care if something were to come up. This is a really important thing to discuss with your surgeon and you really should follow their specific advice in this case! Hope this helps!!

John Y.S. Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

If it is a breast reduction I would not fly one week after surgery.  Not only are you healing but there can be additional risks after general anesthesia such as blood clots.  I would reschedule either the surgery or the vacation

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You haven't stated which procedure you are planning to have, although I suspect it is a breast reduction from the rest of your statement. Yes, insurance companies delay and delay, hoping that you will change coverage and will not be their headache anymore. If it is a reduction, I would tell you to cancel the vacation because of the need for follow up care and problems being away from your surgeon at a point where suture removal would be required.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

I would let you fly but i would strongly recommend that you take an aspirin the morning of the day you fly since there is probably a slight increase risk of  a DVT (blood clot in your legs). i would also suggest you work your calves for a few  minutes several times during the flight. of course, other surgeons may feel differently and you should speak with your own surgeon.david berman md

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You probably can - but it may not be the best idea.At one week after the surgery there may be questions concerning the healing - bruising, some drainage, issues regarding the sutures, etc.  It's appropriate for you to be near your surgeon so that you can be seen if there is anything that's not clear.That being said, there is no shortage of excellent plastic surgeons in Florida, and assuming you're talking about a breast reduction, that procedure is more amenable to early travel than are some others (such as, in my opinion, breast implants and a lift).  You can ask your surgeon if he or she knows a plastic surgeon near where you'll be who can accept a transfer of care for the time that you're there, or you can try to find someone on your own.  You may need to pay for any office visits there but that might be a good trade so that you can spend the time there.  And if there are concerns immediately following the surgery you can change the trip at that time.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

Can I fly a week after surgery?

Answers (10)

More Breast Reduction Questions

I am 21 year old. I have huge saggy boobs. It's giving me a lot of pain. What to do?

After a breast reduction, how long will it take for my breasts to drop and not be so perky? (Photo)

I'd like to reduce my breast size from 34C/D to 34A. Am I a good candidate?

I had reduction surgery just under two weeks ago. Sports bra rubbing against incision site very uncomfortable. What can I do?

Nipples in the wrong location after breast reduction - What happened and should I be concerned going forward? (Photo)

Breast Reduction Requirements in British Columbia?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS