Is it safe to travel in a car after a tummy tuck and BBL?

Question

Hi, so I’m getting a tummy tuck and BBL in December. I’m going to be in California for two weeks and I live in Oklahoma. My family will be driving. Is it physically possible for me to come back in the car after two weeks post op on a tummy tuck and BBL? I’m 20 years old and the drive back is 21 hours. I’ve had a BBL before but this isn’t anythingI will be asking my surgeon to put extra fat on my hips and butt, so I won’t kill too many fat cells being on my butt for too long.

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

I allow my patients to travel after surgery. You would need to make frequent stops & get out to walk. I recommend stopping every 1-2 hours to walk. While you are in the car, move your legs actively to prevent blood clots. Bring some extra pillows to help position yourself to minimize pressure to the grafted areas.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

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.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

You should wait at least 2 weeks before sitting without a support cushion and sleeping on your back. Sitting with no support too soon can harm the newly moved fat cells.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

If you are going to have BBL, that  means a lot of fat grafts in your buttock; most of that will be in the area which is under greatest pressure while sitting in a car seat. I belong to a group of surgeons that believe that avoiding pressure in the grafted area for at least 2-3 months improves survival of transferred fat. Some surgeons do not believe in that concept. In my opinion you should consider flying rather than driving. Considering expenses of surgery airplane tickets may not make significant difference. Discussing this issue with your surgeon would be the best. Good luck.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

I allow traveling after a week postop from a tummy tuck and BBL. It is important to make frequent stops and walk around. Ask your surgeon about his preferences.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LouboutinMami,I instruct my patients not to sit for 2 solid weeks. We provide them a specialized pillow that our patients can sit on during that time. They can sleep on their stomachs or sides. Fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area.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, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Michael Baumholtz, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s not so much a question of safety for you - but rather how to do it? I’m assuming you chose to travel for surgery and / or your care team (ie family) lives far away? In either situation - you need to travel following your procedure. A TT and BBL is a fairly big case. You made the comment about protecting fat grafts so you’re aware of that risk. In general - here are some thoughts:Risks of travel following surgeryGetting carsick, putting pressure on wounds / incisions, putting pressure on fat grafts, clots in the legsHow to remedy? Frequent rest stops and walking (break the journey into multiple days if needed), pillows and pressure offloading during the drive itself. Personal DVT device, nausea medicine.Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

My LVN helps all my BBL and TT patients matriculate from the recovery room to their mode of transportation to ensure that they are comfortable and safe.  He reclines the seat at a 45 degree angle and places a folded pillow under their thighs.  After two weeks in CA, travel to Oklahoma should not impact fat survivability provided that frequent breaks from sitting are taken. The circumstances surrounding your surgery and your recovery will dictate your PS's post-operative guidelines.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You should be able to drive back, making rest and walking stops every 2-4 hours, to avoid any complications and to preserve the results.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Manuel Belen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,Thank you for sharing the information, it is a pleasure for me to answer your question.Following the recommendations of your surgeon is very important. The recovery takes around 4 to 6 weeks, you must perform lymphatic drainage massages, for me more, and you can continue your normal activities, perform light exercises, then increase the routine without any problem
I hope this answer will help youMy best wishes for you...

Is it safe to travel in a car after a tummy tuck and BBL?

Answers (10)

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