How long should I wait to travel after Breast Lift with Implants?

Travel of any type following cosmetic surgery can potentially complicate the post-operative course. In most cases, patients have recovered sufficiently to travel in about two weeks following breast augmentation with breast lift surgery. Air travel often involves prolonged periods of immobilization and because of this, patients may be at risk for the development of blood clots in their extremities. These blood clots, known as DVTs can potentially represent a life threatening phenomena when they occur.There are several risk factors associated with the development of DVTs. These include the length of the surgical procedure, use of hormonal replacement or birth control pills, cigarette smoking, obesity, a history of cancer, family history of hypercoagulability, advanced age, and a previous history of blood clots.When travel is necessary following cosmetic surgery, every step should be taken to avoid this potential complication. Patients should use anti-embolic stockings, maintain hydration and ambulate frequently when traveling. In patients who have multiple risk factors, anticoagulants such as Lovenox may be necessary.It's important that you discuss your plans for travel in the immediate post-operative period with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to outline a plan that addresses your travel plans.

Thanks for the question. You should be able to go on vacation by 3-4 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

There are some standards to remember in post operative healing from your breast lift. In my office, the patient will go home in a bra or with only light dressings
over the incision lines. Sutures are dissolvable but an ending knot, if present
is removed within 1-2 weeks. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral
medication. Light activities may be started in 7-10 days. Considering the low pain tolerance you mention it would best be discussed with your surgeon to ensure that two weeks is long enough.

This question comes up often for our patients that fly in. You are probably OK if you follow the following instructions:The patient will go home in a bra or with only light dressings over the incision linesPatients can usually return to work in one week to ten days. Sutures are dissolvable but the ending knot is removed within 1-2 weeks.Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Light activities may be started in 7-10 days with light lifting of 20 pounds or less from 10 days to 3 wks. You can fly home as early as 2 weeks if you do not lift anything heavy. After 3 weeks progressive exercise with running and lifting of heavier weights after 6 weeks.

Considering that everything goes smoothly with both your surgery as well as your recovery, you should be fine to travel 2.5 weeks after your procedure.  The biggest concern is the development of a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) which can occur after any surgical procedure.  However, breast procedures do not tend to be high risk for this and so this should be an adequate amount of time.I hope that helps and good luck with your procedure!