Long flight 8 weeks after BBL? (photo)

Question

Hi! I had a tummy tuck , lipo and fat transfer to my Butt on June 17. So far I'm happy with my results, my tummy tuck scar is healing pretty well bs fast. My back and tummy are still a bit sore and swollen but that's to be expected. We have a trip planned when I'll be 8weeks to Ireland!! I can't wit!! BUT he flight will be over 8 hours , at 8 weeks po will I be ok ?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello Snow White Sac 
	Light activity should be comfortable in 10-20 days. Strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided
	 for 6 weeks. Some individuals with jobs not requiring strenuous activity may be able
	 to return to work as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Please discuss with
	 your surgeon. #post-op #flight

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Both long flights and recent surgery increase risk of deep venous thrombosis. 8 weeks should be an adequate amount of time following surgery but it would appropriate to confirm this with your surgeon. Their may be extraneous factors such as unusual intraoperative findings, difficulties during surgery, or questionable occurences during your recovery.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Every surgeon has a different protocol, so you should discuss your concerns with your surgeon. However, at 8 weeks, everything should be settled enough for you to do what you want. If the flight is long, I would advise you getting up often and not going long periods sitting on the grafts.Hope this helps!

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery. Speak with your surgeon about their specific recommendations. Only they can give you specific advice, however I would anticipate that they would be fine with your travel plans. At eight weeks you should be fully healed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Snow White Sac,there should be no problem with flight that long 8 weeks after BBL and TT. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The protocols used by plastic surgeons after a TT and BBL will vary and there is no one standard.  The surgeon who performed your TT and BBL is the best resource for answering your postoperative management questions.  
Based upon an uneventful recovery, and the fact that you will have passed the six week mark for the fat being revascularized,  you should be fine flying to Ireland.  An over eight hour flight is long for anyone, but more so after having a TT and BBL, I would select an aisle seat for more room and get up periodically and stretch.Enjoy your trip!Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The best person to advice you will be your specific surgeon as every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. After a BBL 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. at 8 weeks you should have healed mostly and should be able to take your flight with no issue. Hope this helps!

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

Thank you for an excellent question.
All surgeries can potentially increase the risk of clots in the legs (DVT) which I'm sure your surgeon discussed with prior to surgery.  Long flights can increase the risk of DVT in what is recognized as Economy Class Syndrome recognized by the W.H.O as a distinct medical condition.
Some steps to take in preparation for your flight: graded compression socks; consider an Aspirin a day before flight; stay well hydrated during flight; and exercising the leg muscles at frequent intervals during the flight.  Most airlines provide a brochure illustrating exercises that can be performed in flight to exercise the legs.
With respect to your fresh fat grafts to the gluteal area -- they should be quite stable at 8-weeks and able to tolerate sitting in an airline seat.
I would recommend discussing your travel plans with your surgeon before flying.  I hope this answer helps and Bon Voyage!

Ron B. Somogyi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is important and relevant to many post-op patients.  Every surgeon has a different protocol and often this will vary depending on the procedure performed.  In most cases, you would be ok to travel after 6 weeks assuming you've had your follow up and no concerns are noted.  Regardless, on a long flight, be sure to drink plenty of water and take regular (hourly) stretches or walks down the isle.   Enjoy your trip!

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

If you are doing well and not having any problems with leg swelling or pain in you legs, it should be safe to go on your trip.  Be sure to get up regularly and walk during the flight.  Also, stay well hydrated.  You may also want to take your compression garment, as you may note some swelling from the decreased cabin air pressure.  Check with your surgeon for their advice, as well.  Enjoy your trip and your nice BBL and tummy tuck results.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

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