How soon will I be able to fly after breast augmentation?

Question

I'm looking to get my breast augmentation done in LA and I live in Seattle (about a 3 hour flight.) how soon after surgery can I fly back home?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

For a short flight like LA to Seattle, many patients are allowed to fly home after the first postoperative check, often around 2 to 5 days after breast augmentation. The exact timing depends on your surgeon's protocol, how you are feeling, whether there was any bleeding or nausea issue, and whether you have drains or other special instructions.

Plan for someone else to carry luggage, avoid heavy bags, walk periodically in the airport and on the plane, stay hydrated, and keep your prescribed medications with you. If you have increasing swelling, severe pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, calf pain, fever, drainage, or any wound concern, you should not travel until your surgeon has evaluated you.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I normally have my out-of-town patients stay in town for 5 to 7 days depending on the breast procedure. I recommend scheduling a consult for a proper evaluation. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Epcathletics,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
It would be best if you see your surgeon for a post op visit  before you leave. Reach out for guidance from him or her. Flying should not be a problem.  Best wishes!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I have had a patient, who had a breast lift with augmentation, fly from Philadelphia to Utah the day after surgery with no problem. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Epcathetics,1 the periold coulde between 8 to 12 days, however, every surgeon have his or her own protocol I do rather recommend to ask directly to your surgeon or his/her team. Also follow all the post op recommendation and protocols. 
Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Ideally, you should not fly for 30 days after having general anesthesia to decrease the risk of blood clots from higher altitude. If you fly before that time, then wear compression stockings and walk about the airport and on the plane. Please discuss this with your surgeon. You might consider having your surgery done in Seattle instead to be safer. Plus, there you will have a surgeon you can visit for follow up care.

Hyeong Jun Kim, MD · Answer

how soon you can travel will be different depending on the type of surgery you had. Wait at least 1week after breast augmentation surgery before flying.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon as opinions may vary.  Keep in mind that you may have lifting restrictions in place after surgery so you will need someone along to help with luggage, etc.  Be sure to move around a bit on the plane when it is safe to do so to prevent blood clot formation.

How soon will I be able to fly after breast augmentation?

Answers (9)

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