Safe to Fly 6 Days After Breast Lift?

Dear Domingo,

Provided it is ok with your PS, you should be fine. Just a few things to consider: Avoid heavy lifting or pulling and walk as much as possible before and during flight. Otherwise, happy travels!

Food for thought: vertical scar lifts inherently weaken a lift. Placing an incision at the point of maximum tension is an architecturally faulty design. I stopped performing this kind of lift years ago because it often led to wound failure at that point and bottoming out. It was both unsatisfactory to my patients and myself. I now perform the Ultimate Breast Lift with great success in providing patients with upper pole fullness without the use of an implant and there is no unsightly vertical scar. The lift is stronger and therefore longer lasting.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Dr. H

Thanks for the question. You should be able to go on vacation by 3-4 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

The time it will take before you are able to travel can vary, but the flight time you mention in your description should be a minimal risk for clotting or other troubles. From my office, the patient will go home in a bra or with only light dressings
over the incision lines. Sutures are dissolvable but an ending knot, if present
is removed within 1-2 weeks. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral
medication. Light activities may be started in 7-10 days. Be sure you follow all protocol provided by your own surgeon in the post-op schedule when planning your trip.

Hi there-

I think that if your surgeon is comfortable with it, that flying 6 days after your breast lift would probably be okay-

But if you were my patient and you asked me what my preference would be in order to maximize your safety and chances of being happy with your lovely outcome and uncomplicated recovery, I would say wait 2 weeks after your surgery.

Travel over 3 hours may have some risk of blood clot, but in surgery where you are expected to be up and about afterwards, like your breast lift, the risk is minimal.

When I see patients arriving from out of town who will be returning home within a few days, I will consider the use of a low-dose blood thinner.

The other issue is using your arms, chest, and shoulder muscles immediately after surgery. I ask my patients to limit this activity, especially the first week.

Best to ask this of your surgeon. Many patients fly in for surgery and back home the next day after breast surgery.

All the best. 

Six days after surgery is a bit early to go flying. If things were very smooth and you do not exert yourself( i.e like carrying a suitcase) it may be OK. Ask your surgeon.

If you have an uneventful surgery and recovery, flying should be fine one week after surgery.  However, if you experience any problems, then you may have to delay your trip. Also, you probably should not be doing any heavy lifting (like carrying a heavy carry-on bag) that soon after surgery.  I would definitely recommend that you discuss these plans with your surgeon.  Good luck!

Generally speaking, flying 6 days after breast lift surgery should be just fine assuming you do well and there are no complications. Always best to check with your plastic surgeon who knows your situation best. Suggestions may include: avoid heavy lifting, stay well hydrated, ambulate, and use aspirin as possible.

 Best wishes.

It is generally possible to fly safely 5 or 6 days after breast lift surgery, assuming you have no complications.  I would suggest however delaying any trips that are not necessary for a longer period of time, to ensure a complete recovery, and more pleasant travels.  Each patient is different, and therefore it is mandatory to get the final word from your surgeon, who knows you best and the exact type of surgery that will be performed.