Is it safe to travel 10 days after Tummy Tuck?

Question

Im scheduled to have my tummy tuck surfer on July 20 in Miami with Doctor Salama. Im back here in the Bay Are on July 30. So is it safe o travel during that time? Pleas reply getting nervous.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I could not agree more with the answer by Dr. DeMars. Why in the world are you flying across the country to have surgery in Miami when they are literally hundreds of qualified plastic surgeons right in your back yard?!?! There is no benefit to worrying about traveling, post-op care, all these other factors......just do surgery with a local board certified plastic surgeon....Hope this helps!

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Generally, most patients can fly within 2 to 4 weeks after Tummy Tuck surgery. However, car or airplane travel should be avoided to prevent the risk of blood clots in the legs. I wish you all the best.

Scott Farber, MD, FACS · Answer

We ask that our out-of-town patients refrain from traveling for a minimum of 10 days following their procedure. If you plan to travel, it is important to stand up and walk at least every hour. In most circumstances, my patients feel well enough to travel 2 weeks after their tummy tuck surgery.  By 6 weeks, given normal healing, patients are cleared to ease back into their normal activities. It is important to contact your Plastic Surgeon before traveling shortly after a cosmetic procedure and to follow their detailed advice following your surgery, as medical opinions may vary.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello ItsBelle Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Recovery will vary depending on the type of tummy tuck performed and from patient to patient. Light activity should be comfortable in 10-20 days. You should visit or contact your PS about this concern. #travel #safety

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your
question and congratulations on your upcoming tummy tuck procedure. In general,
a patient may indeed be ready to fly approximately 10 days after an
abdominoplasty procedure. However, this will depend on your healing
progression, as well as your operating surgeon’s personal protocols. As your
plastic surgeon is across the country, it is important that you carefully
discuss what to expect from your recovery period, determining specific
follow-up care appointments, and what to do should any problems arise when you
are back home.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. Our practice has patients travel from afar. Opinions on travel following a surgical procedure will differ amongst surgeons, and is best to discuss this with your surgeon. In our practice, we ask that you plan to stay for several days to weeks to observe and evaluate the surgical areas as well as your readiness for travel. Depending on which procedure you have, up to a few weeks or so may be necessary. I would certainly discuss this with your surgeon in addition to plans for postop care and evaluation.  Ensuring adequate oral intake and mobility is a must and proper postoperative care of the surgical sites and incisions is prudent. An evaluation postoperatively as well as prior to departure is usually done to make sure that all is well for your travel back.  Potential for compression stockings and/or anticoagulation may be advised by your surgeon.  Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Be sure to check with your surgeon to see what their recommendations are. In my practice, I have my patients refrain from flying for 3 weeks after surgery, due to the increased risk for potential blood clots in their legs (DVT). You should also consider what local physician will be taking care of your follow up after surgery as I am assuming you will not be flying across the country repeatedly for appointments. Best of luck, Dr. Kludt

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Probably... but everyone is different and also this is dependent on your surgeon's technique and how extensive of a tummy tuck is done.  But 10 days doesn't take you out of the woods from recovering from a tummy tuck and there are always chances problems will develop down the road.  Do you have a local surgeon lined up in case this happens to you?  If not, why not just get a local surgeon (Dr. Salama is not irreplaceable as are all surgeons, despite what they may think of themselves) so you can have your follow-ups with ease and any problems can be managed locally.  Also long flights can lead to the development of blood clots forming in your legs so you have to be extra vigilant.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Most people who have a full tummy tuck with abdominal wall tightening don't feel ready for a cross country flight at 10 days out. You may still have drains at that point as well, which adds to difficulty. 14 days is the minimum time I suggest for my patients, and sometimes longer depending on the procedure. Long term follow up is needed with most plastic surgery, and you will not be able to fly back to Miami regularly unless you have lots of free time. Researching local, American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons is an advisable course. Best wishes!

Oswaldo J. Gomez Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi ItsBelle, first I really suggest you to talk with your surgeon about this before confirm your surgery appointment.
In order to give you my advice, it is not wise decision make trips longer than 2h in the first 2 weeks post op. If you have to do in this time always take this on your mind, in order to reduce your risk of DVT (Deep Venous thrombosis): 
Always use your elastic compression stockingsDiscuss with your Dr the post op meds including thromboprophylaxis In the plane, do calves muscle activation moviments in order to prevent something called venous stasis
Best of luck,

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