When is it really safe to fly after mastectomy/reconstruction?

Thank you for your questions. The ability to fly after a reconstructive surgery depends greatly on the surgery performed and even more so on how you are doing after the surgery. I would not encourage you to travel far to have breast reconstruction surgery. This type of complex procedure (flap or implants) usually requires a close follow up with your plastic surgeon and frequent visits and is not something that is best done over long distances. Best to try to find a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon near you. That being said, if someone were traveling for a reconstruction, I would plan on one month of time. I think this would give you enough time to be safe. If you were doing great, all the drains were out, and all the incisions healed by 2-3 weeks, etc, then you might be able to leave early, but better to plan ahead for more time. Best of luck and above all, be safe!

This is a common question.   Travel all depends on how you are feeling and how quickly you are healing.  Some patients need drains for longer than 10 days.   I think you will continue to find that every doctor has a different level of comfort when it comes to this.  I would prefer my patients stay in the area for a month after surgery, but treat each patient individually and have given my patients my blessing at 2 weeks to leave the area.  More important is that you find a board certified Plastic surgeon that you will develop a relationship with and have these discussions with.  Best of luck to you!

Based on the technique used I could guide you but without an examination and plan it is not possible to help you better.  If you are Doing the surgery as a prophylactic measure then there is more time to discuss your cases and options.