I will be getting a breast augmentation. How soon is it safe to fly?

Question

I'm having breasst augmentation and I have to take an 1 hour and 30 min flight back home 3 days after the surgery. Is this too soon to fly baack home?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol. I have had a patient fly from Philadelphia to Utah the day after augmentation and lift surgery with no problems. I don't recommend this and it is possible. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A 1.5 hour flight 3 days after breast augmentation may be reasonable for some patients, but it should be cleared by your own surgeon because it depends on how the surgery goes, your health history, bleeding risk, pain control, nausea, and whether there are any early concerns at your postoperative visit.

The main issues are comfort, access to your surgeon if a problem develops, and reducing blood clot risk. Before flying, you should be walking, eating and drinking, able to manage pain without excessive sedation, and have no concerning swelling, bleeding, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or calf pain. Try not to travel alone, do not lift heavy luggage, stay hydrated, and walk during the airport/flight when safe. Your surgeon may recommend compression stockings depending on your risk factors.

Many surgeons prefer patients to stay locally until the first postoperative check, and some prefer longer. Ask your surgeon exactly when they want to see you before you leave and what you should do if a problem develops after you return home. If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, one-sided leg swelling, severe breast swelling, or active bleeding, seek urgent medical care immediately.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
Check with you surgeon when you need to be seen for your post operative appointments. After you are cleared and given instructions you should be good to fly home. Best wishes!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about post op from a breast augmentation.

For specific questions like this and about your recovery in general, it is best to speak directly with your doctor or doctor’s representative – such as his or her nurse, or the physician on call for the practice.

You will likely get many differing opinions from members of the RealSelf Community, but they have not personally seen or examined you. Nobody should know you or your unique set of circumstances better than your doctor.

Hope this helps!

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
I would recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon about your concerns. Each surgeon has different preferences when it comes to the post-surgical period including travel restrictions and when they would like to see you in office. In my practice, one week post-operatively would be an appropriate time frame to fly. Also, keep in mind that you will not be able to carry heavy weights for the first weeks, including suitcases.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

It ok to take a flight after breast surgery, you just need to have really careful about lift weight, ore do some movements, or if someone hit you in the plain

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question, and one that is debated among plastic surgeons.  Many years ago there was a study done that found that there was a small percentage of patients who had an undetected pneumothorax (air around the outside of the lungs) after routine subpectoral breast augmentation.  The patients were all asymptomatic.  From this study, the authors recommended a precautionary two week period of time after breast augmentation prior to flying. I don’t know of any incidences of problems flying after breast augmentation.  Certainly the stress of flying can be difficult immediately after surgery, Lifting heavy luggage should be avoided. Also long flights might increase the risk of DVT, so frequent movement would be recommended. Discuss this with your surgeon and see what his or her recommendations are.  Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fantastic427109,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Christopher J. Hussussian, MD · Answer

Hello
There is no set agreed upon timeframe. I suggest waiting 72 hours but that is more for sutures and lifting than because of the airplane itself. 
My bigger concern for you is not the 1.5 hours on the flight but developing a post-operative complication while being too far to come for a quick follow up. I hope you have lined up adequate follow-up care wherever it is you are leaving to.
Christopher J Hussussian, MD

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, the recommended wait time to fly after general anesthesia is 30 days to minimize the risk of blood clots. However, you should wait at least one week.

I will be getting a breast augmentation. How soon is it safe to fly?

Answers (11)

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