Flying overseas after surgery ?

Question

How long do you have to wait after breast augumentation before you can fly home if your having surgery overseas? :)

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Starlene88, thank you for your question, in my opinion you should be able to continue to fly after 2 weeks if everything is ok. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he/her recommends to his patients. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Flying home after breast augmentation depends on the length of the flight, your general health, implant placement, pain control, and whether there are any early problems. Many surgeons allow a short flight after the first postoperative visit, often several days to about a week if recovery is uncomplicated. For an overseas or long-haul flight, it is usually safer to be more cautious and wait closer to 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes longer, because swelling, wound checks, and access to your surgeon still matter early on.

The main concern is not cabin pressure damaging the implants, but being far from your surgical team and the increased blood-clot risk from long immobility. Before flying, get specific clearance from your operating surgeon, walk during the flight, hydrate well, avoid lifting heavy bags, and use any compression garments or medications only as directed. Seek urgent care if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided leg swelling, fever, sudden breast swelling, or worsening pain.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul! In my practice, I get hundreds of patients a year from overseas, many of them for rhinoplasty and breast procedures. For patients undergoing breast augmentation alone, I typically recommend waiting at least 5 days before flying. If the procedure includes a lift, it’s best to wait 7 days before traveling. Best of luck to you.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I have had a patient fly from Philadelphia to Utah the day after a breast augmentation and lift with no problem. In general I like my patients to wait for the post op visit at 6 days. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Check with your surgeon for his/her guidelines on this. You will need to be seen by your surgeon post surgery before you fly home. Best wishes!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. I have several patients who come from different states and several countries. After breast augmentation most can fly back in a week or so, without problems. All the best!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The general rule is to avoid flying for 30 days after any general anesthesia to decrease the risk of blood clots. It is best to have surgery in your area so you can have follow up care.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

After a breast augmentation you should be able to fly after a couple of weeks as long as your recovery is going normally.  Remember that you will have lifting restrictions in place so you will need help with luggage.  When on the plane be sure to get up and move around when safe to do so.  At your seat rotate your feet and ankles frequently. You can speak to your surgeon about other options such as compression stockings or medication.

Ernst Magnus Noah, MD · Answer

Hello, if you undergo a simple augmentation , you could fly after a couple of days - but I recommend to stay close to your physician for 5-7 days - and don’t forget thrombosis prophylaxis on a longer flight.RegardsProf. E.M. Noah

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I usually do not recommend patients travel, long distances for elective surgical procedures.
Patients seem to not appreciate the importance of having multiple in person consultations before selecting a provider.
They also don’t appreciate the Number of patients who will have issues after surgery, the need for revision surgery or that complications actually happen. 
Each provider will have their own recommendations and protocol.
I suggest you ask what your surgeon recommends.
From a surgical perspective, there’s really no direct country indication for getting on a flight.
Some people have concerns about increased risk for developing blood clots or issues related to pressure changes but this is in reality fairly low risk.Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Flying overseas after surgery ?

Answers (10)

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