Sitting on an Aeroplane After Liposuction?

You had a lot of liposuction and I am wondering how you came to schedule a flight nine days after surgery. My recommendation would be to reschedule the trip because nine hours is a long time to be on a plane and in pain. I agree that you are at higher than average risk for a pulmonary embolism and, once the plane is in the air, it's not easy to turn around because a passenger is in distress. If you are a "medical tourist" then this is an important cautionary tale. You should discuss Dr. Cummins' recommendations with your surgeon prior to traveling to determine if they are applicable to your case.

Your question is complex and very valid.  The question you ask brings up several issues.   First is air travel safe after liposuction?  Yes, it  is,  but there are conditions.   The fact that you are 8 days out from surgery is okay.  A 9 hour flight is pretty long.  Blood clots and pulmonary embolism are more common on long flights and in surgical patients in the period after  surgery.   So you are a double risk.  You must get up and walk for 10 minutes every hour to be safe.   You must wear official anti embolism stockings to be safe.  You must take an adult aspirin every 8 hours starting the day before your flight and continue for the flight and 3 days afterward.  To really be safe, you should  fly first class for a nine hour flight, so you can easily get up and walk about.   In addition first class will allow you to adjust your position and be far more comfortable.   You must stay very well hydrated throughout.  Drink an 8 ounce glass of water every hour.   Do not drink alcohol.   So that's it for the flight safety.  As far as pain is concerned possibly you should increase the aspirin to two every 4 hours.  48 hours after liposuction it is absolutely safe to take aspirin as long as there are no complications.  Bleeding will not occur.  You should be able to keep comfortable with some  Vicodin or Percocet plus a little Valium.  Have the flight attendant awake you for the walk and water etc.   In first class you will be well cared for.   If pain persists,  I find Neurontin can be a nice help for some patients,  and the Valium and narcotic medication can be avoided or lessened.  Do not use alcohol as a pain medication.  This works poorly and increases dehydration and risk of blood clots.   If you follow these guideline you should be okay.  I do worry some about a nine hour flight, so take these precautions seriously.  My best,  Dr C