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.

Can I fly a week after surgery?

Answers (10)